Showing posts with label Mountain Climbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mountain Climbing. Show all posts

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

The First Ascent of Korlang Pari Tippa North, Nepal


The First Ascent of Korlang Pari Tippa North - Nepal





On the 11th November, a small team led by Brian Jackson headed to Nepal to attempt a previously unclimbed mountain. This would be Expedition Wise’s 5th Unclimbed Peak Expedition and Brian’s 6th first ascent in Nepal.

After a very bumpy 12 hrs on a bus from Kathmandu the Team arrived in Lambagar, a Sherpa village in the North - South Rolwalling Valley, one of the 7 hidden valleys of Nepal and home of the Yeti.

From Lambagar, they trekked with their support crew that consisted of 9 porters, 2 climbing Sherpas (Mingma Dorje Sherpa and Mindu Sherpa), 3 cook crew and 1 cook (Amrit Rai) from Lukla region. They also had 5 local porters for 4 days to the last village of Lapche where the Valley splits. At this point the local porters would leave them to return to Lambagar.

They spent the next day trekking into the deep gorge, following the steep sides along an old trail. Here they experienced a slight detour due to the path being changed onto the other side of the river! Arriving at Thasing Kharka in the mid afternoon they enjoyed a wonderfully cooked dinner before heading to sleep in their tents.



Over the next few days the route led them out of the gorge and past the settlement of Thanchhemu. Here the valley opened up as they reached the two river valleys descending from the Tibetan plateau. It was then that they received their first view of the large snow-peaked mountains.

They spend half a day resting in Lapche (3,800m) the root of Buddhism and the place that many Tibetans and Nepali make pilgrimage to, as it is one of the 24 most holy sites in Tibet and Nepal. Here they are now only a stone's throw from the Tibetan border which lies a couple of kilometres away.

On the 6th day the team reached their Base Camp having ascended to 4,800m. Here they stood in awe as they looked up at the mountain they would attempt to climb. 





For the next few days the Team rested at Base Camp, took part in a Puja ceremony and practised jumar work to prepare for the climb. They looked at the possible route options to the summit and took in the beautiful surroundings. With their feet in Nepal it was astonishing to think that Tibet lay just the other side of the mountain.

The next day was spent trekking up to their Advanced Base Camp at the high lake (5,400m), where views of the summit came into sight. Nervous and excited by the prospect of attempting the summit in the next couple of days, it was incredible to think that they had reached territory that no one had been to before.

Until then they had to rest and prepare for what looked like a tough ascent up very difficult terrain. Korlang Pari Tippa lay just before them with an East and West summit on the 500m long ridge. They looked at the East summit as it was the highest but could not see a route up the twin towers of broken shattered blocks as it is practically unclimbable. They decided to climb the lower West summit, which still had falling rock and difficult shattered rock traverses.

In the early hours of Sunday 25th November, the team awoke and headed out under a clear, moonlit sky. Summit day had arrived and with it favourable weather conditions. There was no need for head torches as the full moon illuminated the landscape as they walked to the start point of their ascent.



The going was tough as they used fixed lines to help them jumar up the steep sections that were covered with scree and loose rock. Each step felt like they were going backwards and it took a lot of concentration to ensure each foot placement didn’t disturb the crumbling rock.

They persevered, encouraging each other as they went and by 9am the whole team had reached the summit of Korlang Pari Tippa North (5,573m). They were met with the most incredible views across Nepal & Tibet, with Shishapangma, Lhotse and Everest in clear sight.



They spent a short time at the summit appreciating their surroundings before heading back down to Advanced Base Camp. After much deserved rest they trekked to Base Camp the next day. Normally they would have spent the next week trekking out the way they had come in. However, they left in style as one of the team had very generously sorted a helicopter to fly them back to Kathmandu!

A pretty remarkable end to a rather remarkable expedition!

We would like to take this chance to say a huge than you to our wonderful support crew and our amazing Sherpas. We would not be able to do these expeditions without them and it’s always a pleasure to spend time with.

This is Brian’s 6th successful ascent in Nepal having been leading Unclimbed Peak Expeditions for the last 5 years. Although this will be the last expedition in Nepal for a while, we may have some exciting news regarding future Unclimbed Peak Expeditions…on a different continent! 


Watch this space!

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Unclimbed Peak Expedition, Nepal - 2016


One of the many spectacular views experienced on the Expedition

In April 2016 Expedition Wise Director, Brian, and his climbing partner James set off to attempt to summit a mountain in the Himalayas that no one had previously climbed before. This would be Brian's 3rd Unclimbed Peak Expedition having successfully summited Nar Phu Peak (5930m) in 2014 and Chubbohe (5640m) in 2013. Though this year's summit was not to be due to dangerous climbing conditions it was still an incredible experience as they got to speak to the Nepalese and Sherpa community to see how they have been rebuilding their lives following last year's devastating earthquake.

Brian was able to update daily using his satellite tracker so we have compiled these daily updates into a diary of sorts to show their journey.

Unclimbed Peak Expedition - Omi Tso Go

14th April 2016: Happy New Year 2073! Brian and his climbing partner James arrived in Nepal late as the plane had to hold over Kathmandu, then ran out of fuel, so were diverted to India!

They finally got into Kathmandu 5hrs late and arrived at New Year's Evening - 2073. They have met with the Nepali Mountain Guides who have been to 7,000m + before so are well experienced!

They are off to Ministry of Tourism now to sort out the climbing permits

15th April: Brian and James are currently at 1,440m having arrived at Chot Chot after a very bumpy car journey! They have set up camp by the river and are getting their kit ready for tomorrow where they will commence the first day of trekking!




Brian will have the tracker on so will be sending updates along the route and we will hopefully be able to see how they are getting along. All is well and we wish them a great first day of trekking tomorrow.

17th April: Just got in to Dovan (2,800m). All good apart from weather. Thunder, lightning and rain each afternoon and evening.


Passed landslides & building damage from earthquake today. Raining here so snowing higher up. Pray for better weather.


6 hrs walking - 800m height gain but lots of ups and downs. Hoping weather improves.

19th April 2016: 7 hrs walking.101m descent, 964m ascent. At Beding in rain, hail, thunder and lightning. Need weather to change for any chance of ascent!


Weather continues to be bad with snow and hail. Messages each day may need to be sent next morning as no satellite coverage due to clouds.

Off to Na today at 4180m. Clear this morning but lots of snow on slopes and big avalanche risk on peaks after overnight storm.



Spectacular half day walk in to Na with views of peaks. Cloud starting to form so will decide whether to camp or tea house this afternoon.

We are both looking forward to rest day tomorrow



20th April 2016: Enjoying our rest day. Last night was first evening without thunder, lightning and snow/rain. Today is beautiful.



Rolwaling valley very remote with few people; moved away after earthquake. Beding and Na are Sherpa villages so all men are away working.


21st April 2016: We have now trekked in to our valley and views are spectacular. Very isolated and remote. We can see our peak!


Both of us are doing well. Really felt the altitude gain today.

Today we ascended 527m and descended 34m. 4hrs walking.


22nd April 2016: Weather pattern continuing with thunder and large snow dump overnight. Very windy today and cold. Making way to Base Camp at base of glacier.


Tough day's walk to Base Camp over glacial moraine and up loose steep rock walls to find snow plateau at 5224m. Dug out tent platforms.


Route looks even harder in reality than on Google Earth. Snowing again & some minor powder avalanches on face. Both doing well; need rest day.

We need the wind to die down as 30-40 mph on route today and could see wind on ridge pushing off the snow. Need 5 clear days + no wind. Snowing heavily now.

23rd April 2016: At Base Camp on rest day. Snowing already at 10am with cloud and wind build up. This peak is not looking feasible for us.

We have made our decision that the weather is not improving, in fact it is deteriorating, so we will head down tomorrow to approach camp.

Sherpas went up today to plot route onto hanging glacier - no route found. Decision confirmed to descend before we get snowed in up here.


We have walked where no one has walked, seen views that no one has seen before - no regrets.

24th April 2016: Back down to approach camp. Weather now really good although overnight we had 6 inches of snow.



Took 4hrs to get down to approach camp, same as ascent, as very tricky descent on snow covered rocks.

Up Rolwaling glacier tomorrow to check out feasibility of Langdung peak before returning to Na.

25th April 2016: Back at Na - weather now perfect for climbing Omi Tso Go but not possible - dangerous crevasses on hanging glacier on route to col. Oh well!


26th April 2016: In Kelje at 2850m after double day walking out for 7hrs. Weather still great and views amazing.

27th April 2016: Returned to Chot Chot walking 40mins down the road passing the hydro power before being picked up for the drive back to Kathmandu.

Though the summit was not reached this time it does not take away the incredible experience they had trekking through the amazing landscape of the Himalayas. Just look at those epic, snow-capped peaks! Brian would like to say a huge thank you for all your kind words/messages of support throughout the expedition and the generous donations to ShelterBox UK via his Just Giving page. You have helped to make such a huge difference!


Thursday, 12 February 2015

Make History - Join us on our 2016 Unclimbed Peak Expedition and climb a mountain no one has before!

Have you ticked Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp or Machu Picchu off your adventure list and are now ready for the next challenge? Maybe you are looking to trek above 6000m or want to make your mark in the history books by climbing a mountain that no one has climbed before! If so, Expedition Wise has the perfect expedition for you!
 

 
Due to the popularity of the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2015 which is fully booked, we are now promoting our Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2016!
     
In November 2016 we will be leading an expedition to climb Raungsiyar (6,224m), a previously unclimbed peak in the remote region of Rolwaling which lies in a truly "off the beaten track" area of Nepal. This is one of the 7 hidden valleys of the Himalaya, on the border with Tibet and said to be home of the Yeti!
 
 


This will be an amazing adventure and should appeal to any trekker or mountaineer wishing to complete a first ascent in a spectacular location, fully supported by climbing Sherpas and full camp crew.


Our 2016 Unclimbed Peak Expedition is perfect for those who have some experience in high altitude trekking, enjoy expedition life and are looking for the next challenge.
 
To give you a taste of what is involved in our Unclimbed Peak Expeditions take a look at our films about the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2013  & Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2014  

 
 
So what are you waiting for?
 
Whether you take part to raise money for your chosen charity, or just fancy an epic adventure, we think you have found your next big challenge!
 
If you would like to find out more about the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2016 or would like to discuss whether it is right for you, please feel free to contact us as we would be more than happy to answer any questions.

 
Please note: Spaces are limited so please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
 
For more information and to book your place on this amazing trip click here.             

Tuesday, 7 October 2014

Meet the Nar Phu Team - Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2014

When people think of those who would attempt an unclimbed peak in Nepal they would probably imagine some hardcore, multi-skilled bionic humans that do nothing other than climb mountains, have survival skills that would make Bear Grylls' escapades seem tame, eat nothing but raw meat and energy bars, spend 99% of their lives in the mountains with the other 1% spent shopping for mountaineering kit and don epic adventure beards.

OK, a slight exaggeration there but you know what we mean!

So who are the team that are heading to Nepal in November to attempt to climb a previously unclimbed peak in the Himalaya, and do they fit the profile described above? 

Let’s say yes...... and no.

The thing is the team are just normal people with normal lives, jobs, families and none of them have beards (yet), but they all share a love of climbing mountains. They all have trekking experience, having taken part in a variety of expeditions around the globe and it is this that has brought them together to become the Nar Phu Team. A team with a shared goal – to climb a mountain that has never been climbed before.

So, let’s meet the Team & hear their thoughts on the upcoming adventure of a lifetime.




Catherine


I have lived in Hong Kong for almost 20 years. I was a lawyer for 22 years (14 years as a Partner) with global law firm Allen & Overy, but since May 2012 I have been working for various NGOs (fundraising and doing a broad spread of volunteer work).  My hobbies include travel, hiking, working out in the gym, reading, the arts and spending time with friends.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History: 

In March/April 2013 I completed “Catherine’s Africa Challenge” to raise funds for AfriKids, comprising of trekking in the Ethiopian Simien Highlands. I also climbed Kilimanjaro in 2007.

I like to go on adventure/wildlife/nature trips to out of the way places which have included Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, India, Indonesia, Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic, Guyana, Brazil, Peru, to name a few.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I recently went to the Kashmir Himalayas to try to see snow leopards. I managed to see some leopards, which was an incredible experience as they are so difficult to find. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why?

I would like to explore more of Africa as it has fascinating human history, amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife and very welcoming and open people.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

There are less and less places which remain untouched by humans. It excites me that the team will place footprints somewhere for the first time.  

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

A sense of humour.


Heather

I live in Suffolk, work as a vet and have 2 grown up daughters, 2 dogs and 2 cats.  I enjoy walking and being outside, theatre and food. I am quite competitive especially with myself and enjoy challenging myself.
Expedition/Charity Challenge History:
Kilimanjaro 2007
Avenue of Volcanoes and Cotopaxi
Elbrus
Stok Kangri

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?
Summit of Kilimanjaro - my first mountain, truly a live changing experience. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 
Norway Pulpit Rock & Finland - Anywhere to see the Northern Lights!
Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:
Summit of Kilimanjaro and the amazing camarderie of a team of Charity Challengers.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The unique experience to the unknown.



James 

I live in Yorkshire with my family and work for myself.


Expedition/Charity Challenge History 

Kilimanjaro, Elbrus and Aconcagua.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Dimaniat Islands in the Indian Ocean…because there is no phone reception there.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

To the black section of my bank account!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Waking up with a bucket on my head at the bottom of a ski lift on Elbrus, beware the local vodka...

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Struggling in knee deep snow until I feel like weeping, then reminding myself that this is a holiday.


What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Shanks pony

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?
Whether Barnsley FC will be promoted next season.


Rhiannon

I live in Chester where I work as a freelance Marketeer. I am a creative soul with a thirst for adventure, and love nothing more than spending my free time on the hills or in the wilds.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History

I have done many UK based challenges such as the Welsh 3000s, 3peaks and national trails, spending most of my time exploring the national parks of the UK. In 2011 I climbed Kilimanjaro, which was my first proper taste of an overseas expedition. Since then I have continued to explore the UK and beyond, completing the Tour du Mont Blanc and climbing Mt. Toubkal in Morocco. I have also travelled to Malawi and Zambia, which was an amazing experience.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I can 100% say my favourite place I have ever been to are the islands of the west coast of Scotland. Be it the Outer Hebrides, the small isles such as Rum and Eigg or the Isles of Mull and Skye there is just so much to do there and the landscape and wildlife are incredible. We are incredibly lucky to have such amazing places in the UK.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Top of my (extensive) list is Patagonia. For years it has intrigued as it seems such a wild & beautiful place. Plus it boasts some pretty gnarly peaks!

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I am fascinated with exploration and by those explorers who have visited lands unknown over the centuries. To stand somewhere where people have not stood before is a very unique experience in an increasingly explored world.

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

The night sky on Kilimanjaro. Standing there under a vast amount of stars & the Milky Way was truly incredible.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The challenge of the unknown. To take it as it comes.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

The experience of being in the Himalaya, the landscape, the culture & the people we will meet along the way. Oh, and the epic views!

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Music & morale food – 9bars and Mini Cheddar Branston Pickle flavour.

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

The weather. If the conditions are against us it could seriously affect our attempt on the ascent.

Dawn

I'm the senior PA for a nuclear power station.  Fascinating stuff!  Hobbies include anything outdoors but mainly running and cycling with the odd bit of swimming.  Love hiking and being up high.  I live in Darlington and regularly walk in the Cleveland Hills.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

I've mountain biked across Peru, Vietnam and Cambodia and hiked the Simien mountains in Ethiopia.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Bermuda  - it's a little piece of heaven.

  
What destination would you like to visit most & why?

 Australia - just feel it's one of those places I should go but the long flight puts me off! 


Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I guess it's something different, something no-one else may have done and I'm desperate to go above 6000 metres, slowly does it!


Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

It has to be Ethiopia.


What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

 It's quirky!  Oh, and de-ranged! 


What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

 Nothing - there's no room once I get several pairs of stilettos in my suitcase :) 


Brian

I live in North Wales and work for Expedition Wise Ltd. My Interests are visiting new places and walking up mountains!

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

Kili, Elbrus, Chhubohe, Kaloche, lots of peaks in South America, all the 4000m peaks in the alps.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Apart from the unclimbed peak last year, Ecuador is my favourite country.  It is  a small country where you can be on Cotopaxi (highest active volcano in the world – 5897m) in the morning and in the jungle in the afternoon. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Alaska – pristine wilderness of the area. 

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

The excitement about trekking in an area not often visited and then attempting a mountain that no one has ever stood on in the history of humanity blows my mind. 

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Last year – climbing Chhubohe in Nepal.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The fact that I will be walking in an area not often visited and I am not following lots of other people – the thoughts that you may be the first to walk on the summit ridge and the summit itself.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Trekking in to the Lost Valleys of Nar Phu.

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Kindle Paper white – my books are important in all the downtime and acclimatisation days. 

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

Finding a route up the peak and the snow conditions.  



I am sure you will agree they all seem pretty normal!

Though we are sure they are all excited and nervous ahead of this epic challenge, we wish them all the luck and safe travels.

You can follow their journey throughout November by liking the Expedition Wise Facebook page where there will be daily updates from the Unclimbed Peak Expedition, as well as on our Twitter account @ExpeditionWise.

If you would like to climb a previously unclimbed peak in Nepal, either for charity or just for your own personal experience, check out our 2015 Unclimbed Peak Expedition!


All the best Team Nar Phu!

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Ours are the Journeys that take us to the Unknown – Unclimbed Peak 2014

On the 9th of November 2014 a team of 6 intrepid adventurers will set off to Nepal, where we will embark on an incredible journey to climb an unclimbed peak.

Located in the Lost Valleys region of the Himalaya, the previously unclimbed peak ‘Nar Phu’ stands at approx 5921m in the far eastern Chulu range. This is an area that is home to snow leopards and the isolated Tibetan villages of Nar & Phu. It is relatively unexplored by both climbers & trekkers.

This really is a once in a lifetime trip for many. How incredible to explore an area where few have been and to be the first to stand on a summit overlooking the Himalayas, with views across to Pisang Peak (6,091m)  with the Annapurnas beyond and the main peaks of the Chulu range to the west.

Four of the NarPhu Team in Snowdonia
From our research studying maps and Google Earth, Nar Phu  Peak is more of a ‘Trekking’ peak.  Therefore, the ascent should not be overly technical like a climbing peak but we will all be prepared with the right kit and will have fixed ropes to be used if needed.

The Nar Phu Team members look at the route on the map 
There are many obstacles to overcome and things that could affect whether the team are able to successfully summit the virgin peak. These include injuries on route, altitude sickness, unknown territory, poor weather conditions, stomach bugs, and a whole host of other things. There’s also the issue of whether we will be granted permission to climb the mountain from the village Lama as many of the peaks are seen as deities by the local Tibetans in Nar village and it may be that they would find westerners climbing it disrespectful. We require the Lama to give us permission so that we can carry out a Puja, a Buddhist blessing ceremony, as otherwise, our Sherpas would not accompany us. It would be both disrespectful and dangerous to continue on without them and in essence, our Unclimbed Peak Expedition could end right there before it had really begun.

It is these elements of the unknown that makes an expedition such as this all the more intriguing and exciting and indeed challenging. Perhaps it would be a less attractive adventure if it involved following a well known path, climbing a much ascended mountain and following in the footsteps of many trekkers who have stood on the summit.

From our first day of trekking, it will take 7 days to reach the virgin territory where NarPhu Peak stands and the truly unknown meets us. Here we will have left the main trekking path having spent a tough day ascending Kang La at 5,306m and need to explore the area to source a suitable Base Camp. Standing in the Chulu range, the ever present view of the mountain will be a constant reminder of why we are there.


 Once Base Camp is set up, we plan to spend the next day resting, acclimatising and discussing possible routes to the peak. As the east end of the Chulu range is relatively unexplored, our route planning so far has evolved from looking at maps and Google Earth images of the peaks. It is only when we are actually at Base Camp that we will be able to determine what route would be best to take to the summit and evaluate the conditions on the ground and high up on the ridgeline. Again, poor weather conditions could now abruptly bring this expedition dead in its tracks as it could be that the snow conditions are too dangerous to ascend.

All being well in terms of weather conditions, acclimatisation and general health, our plan is to spend the next day ascending a neighbouring unclimbed, unnamed peak at 5890m. This will allow the team to experience the type of climbing we will be doing on the main ascent, testing our ascent skills, getting comfortable with our kit and surroundings and ultimately building our confidence ahead of the main summit attempt a couple of days later.

With another day of rest and preparation for the main climb the next day, the team will no doubt be experiencing mixed feelings that often arise prior to such a challenge. Here it will be important to pull together and work together to ensure everyone is ready to go for the summit. It will also be a time to reflect as to why we are here, take in the stunning scenery and appreciate that moment of being in unexplored territory, for many a once in a lifetime experience.

Fingers crossed everyone will be in tip-top condition, well acclimatised, feeling strong, determined and ready to go. Though nervous I am sure we will be, we must eat and sleep well for tomorrow we will begin our ascent of Nar Phu.

Summit Day: It will be 15 days since we left the UK to embark on this adventure, with 10 days of trekking to lead us to this point. After an early start, we will attempt the ascent of the mighty Nar Phu Peak, with hopes of great conditions and a safe and successful summit bid. Here we will also be able to accurately measure the true height of the mountain.

Nar Gate on the route to Nar Phu Peak

If all goes well, we will then stand on the summit of Nar Phu Peak as the first people to climb this mountain. After months of planning, training and dreaming about the expedition we can only hope that we achieve what we came to do and more, to climb the mountain, to experience the unknown and to achieve the amazing.

What if we don’t? Nothing good has come from negative thinking so we try to not focus too much on the ‘what ifs’ at this point. If it is meant to be it will be and if not, nothing is wasted and we will be thankful for everything experienced on this truly remarkable expedition.

Hopefully our team’s story will be one of success and a safe descent back to Base Camp where we will take a moment to reflect on our achievement before trekking down to the village of Ngawal, looking back every now and again for our last view of NarP hu Peak where we stood only hours before. Here we will stay overnight to be met the next day by our helicopters that will fly us out to Pokara. What better way to end this incredible adventure than to fly through the Himalayas, passing 7000+m  snow capped mountains as we go.

Once the helicopter lands in Pokara we will then take a commercial flight to Kathmandu where we will have time for a shower (the first in a long time!), enjoy a celebratory meal and sleep in a proper bed! The next day we will visit the Ministry of Tourism where we will have to take all our documentation and evidence to prove we actually did reach the summit of Nar Phu.  This is quite a detailed affair which includes showing the route we took, photos of us at the summit and GPS/Altimeter readings at the summit. We will also need to meet the famous Elizabeth Hawley who has been officially recording all new summits and new routes for the last 50 years and is a legend in the climbing world.  As her decision is final, this could make or break the success of the Unclimbed Peak Expedition. Sure, we will know did it but if it isn’t in the log book it isn’t seen as a first ascent!

Team Training weekend on the hills of Snowdonia

In between now and November (which really isn’t far away at all) the Team will continue to train, as well as sort out all the administration needed for such an expedition including visas, purchasing final bits of kit, Travel Insurance, Mountain Rescue cover etc.

Practising rope techniques on the Team Training Day

There’s a lot to think about and to prepare for such a trip, but all the hard work will be worth it to stand on the summit of NarPhu, knowing that we are the first people to do so.

Good Luck Team NarPhu & safe travels!