Photo: Makalu seen from Mera Peak
In a few weeks I fly to Nepal to join a private expedition to climb Mt Makalu. At 8,462m Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world. I have admired this beautifully shaped peak while leading expeditions to Mera Peak over the last few years. It is perfect pyramid with four ridges making this mountain look spectacular from any direction.
I will be climbing with Mick Parker who I know well from previous expeditions to Kanchenjunga (2003) and Broad Peak (2005). Our objective is the North West ridge via the Makalu La, it looks an interesting route with technical climbing at altitude. We plan to climb without Sherpa support or supplemental oxygen.
We fly to Tumlingtar on March 28th for the 10 day trek in to Base Camp, I am looking forward to the walk as I have never been to this region before. The trail passes through the large Sherpa village of Tashigaon and then over the Shipton La towards Base Camp.
For more information on the mountain take a look at Wikipedia Makalu page. If you are interested in the full list of all Spring expedtitions in Nepal take a look at the MountEverest.net
I plan to send messages back during the course of the expedition via my satellite phone and these will be posted to this Blog.
Roland Hunter
I will look forward to your updates from Makalu.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great but safe climb.
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