Latest news from the Himalaya and Karakoram

Tuesday 7 April 2009

Progress in Kathmandu for Makalu Expedition

We saw Makalu for the first time today as we approached base camp at 4,900m The trek from the airstrip at Tumlingtar has been enjoyable. It starts at 400m passing through Rai, Tamang and Gurung villages then at higher altitudes the Sherpa villages such as Tashigaon.

From there we crossed the Shipton Pass into the Barun valley. The weather up to this pass was wet & cloudy so unfortunately no views. While walking to the base camp we have had typical spring conditions above 3,000m with clear and sunny mornings and cloud in the afternoons; we have had some light snow as well.

Our plan is to spend 2 nights at base camp for acclimatisation then to move up to the advanced base camp at 5,700m The rest of the expedition will be based from there.

The team are all well and enjoying the trip. We have had superb views over the last few days of peak 6 & 7, Chamlang, Baruntse and of the East & West Makalu ridges. More updates soon.

1 comment:

zoe redhead said...

Hey Roland!! Glad the trip is going well - have looked at the photos and they're stunning. I'm sooooo jealous. Hope the rest of the trip is successful and safe, hopefully speak to you when you're back in the UK.
Happy Easter!
Zoe :o)

The Mountain Company