Rakchham: Bridge Between Worlds

Bernd Zangerl and the village of Rakchham have been working together over the last decade to develop a sustainable world class climbing area in Rakchham, Himalaya.
Last autumn Bernd took Melissa Le Neve and Giuliano Cameroni on his trip there. They spent a few months immersed in the local community, climbing boulders and developing new lines.
Bernd has climbed all over the world, but it is the vast landscape and sheer rock faces of India that captured his heart.
Rakccham sits at about 9,000-feet in the Baspa Valley. It’s a tribal village, the Kinnauri people have been living in the valley since 6 BC. “It´s their land,” says Zangerl. “They have sacred places and areas that are off limits for foreigners. Climbers cannot forget that we are guests. Climbing tourism can only be sustainable when we have the support of the local population and work with respect to their local customs.”
To find out more about the area and the initiatives there click the link - www.rakchham.com

[@sethgilbertson2474]

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this film for years. Since seeing pics of Bernd in this region and the antiheroes penned about his experiences, I’ve wanted to see what it’s about. I am so gratified to see that this film is as much about the place, the people, and the sanctity of it, as it is about climbing. For the team that pulled this together, kudos to your vision. I hope that this place will remain pristine for those that visit and supportive for those that sustain it!🙏🙏🙏

[@BerndZangerlBouldering]

🙏 Seth ….probably u should visit one day 🤔

[@chemistryknowledge6105]

Love this documentary so mchhhh….🥰…love d beauty of rakchham and people..thy r so kind , adorable innocent….i spent two years here. Wch were my life’s precious year……wana come back here vsoon ❤️…..rakchhm is my heart ❤️

[@ranaankush83]

Much more than the act of climbing....it's about the energy with which they want to save a place....a vibe.... And make development harmonious and sustainable ...kudos .... So proud of your efforts Jibhi Nibhi 👏

[@connorkenway4358]

thx 5.10 for supportig Bernds passion and ambition with this project! i think it's very important to see the impact the developement of new areas has and how to adapt like they are doing it here

[@Hdingdong]

Lol you will never be able to please everyone. Good video and story/message

[@klarasinha8330]

This film left me in a bit of dissonant state: On the one hand, it so much resonates with the beauty and desire of connecting over and collaborating on something meaningful. On the other hand, this contribution does not establish a link to the broader context of (long-distance) travel and its environmental impact. Climbing while exploring this beautiful world is (if you are lucky enough to be this privileged) what so many of us love and long for. The harder, but none the less necessary it is to engage in this inconvenient thought process, especially as climbing becomes more popular. Adressing this important point might have reduced the feel good vibe of the narration, but would have added depth and could have created a space for a more comprehensive reflection.

[@20karun]

Absolutely beautiful documentary, makes me so happy to see Indian areas being developed

[@s4bzer012]

don't you forget to always wear your red bull beanie, because they are the poster child of sustainability and traditional values. perfect fit for this village!

[@BerndZangerlBouldering]

Haha 😆

[@SG-qt5uz]

Pure love and genuineness ❤️

[@lifeoftolta]

Wow wow wow...😍 juley✌

[@ihazra]

Korak and Spandan 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@oldi6btm6t9d4]

Surperb! More than just climbin!

[@mattmarcroft8931]

What a stunning film. Capturing far more than a sense of place, and a feel for the rock. Lovely to see the active inclusivity of our community. Melissa Le Neve is supercool. BTW I had heard that 5.10 might not make any more climbing shoes - I have worn these shoes all of the time I have been climbing. Say it ain’t so! Are Adidas burying the production of the 5.10 shoes, or are they rebranding the climbing to adidas? Anyway, regardless, a stunning film! Thank you

[@divyanshuminz7885]

I have been to Rakccham while backpacking around himachal. Recently fell in love with climbing, definitely going back for another adventure

[@paulmitchell5349]

What is it that is paved with good intentions? Man in a Red Bull hat lays out the Utopia.

[@xaverymulholland5279]

Fantastic video. Great perspective on developing an area, and the responsibility that goes with it! Looks amazing

[@mako9747]

What a documentary! Beautiful place and powerful message!

[@bazcardinal1176]

Beautiful artwork in the end in the credits. Teach/guide the young to see the value in preserving their surroundings.

[@christopherrogi7405]

Way to go guys! Love it!

[@psychedclimber8767]

Genuine

[@firminkachelhoffer44]

Funny that you can see old 5.10 dragon worn by Melissa during her ascent. Although I personally prefer old 5.10 shoes, I wasn't expecting that 5.10 athletes seems to share that point of view.

[@ankitdutta2915]

Good 👍🏻

[@namelastname2449]

I have been stacking 5.10 climbing shoes for a decade more or less, so that my sons will need no other shoes in their future climbing career.

[@robfone17]

Soooo..... What's the deal with 5.10 now then? I've just bought what I was told may be my last pair of Niad / anasazi laces....Have the accountants at Adidas said NO WAY and pulled the plug? Unparalleled buy back scheme maybe? 😅🤭

[@ihazra]

7:21 “We are not in a place where women can go out and just climb” - 🤔

[@goldenoctober]

I don't think flying around the world to go bouldering will ever be 'sustainable'...