October 22, 2012

Dhaulagiri (7th highest mountain) from Muktinath (Charlotte Austin)

IMG guide Justin Merle reports the team had a good climb today of Chulu Far East, and they are now back to Chulu Base Camp.  Sounds like a fun mix of snow, ice, and some fixed ropes to a nice summit.  The plan is to take a rest day tomorrow, then head back up to attempt a different Chulu summit.  Meanwhile, the trekkers finished off their trek today, reaching Jomsom.  Tomorrow they will fly to Pohkara, and then on to Kathmandu.

Eric Simonson

October 21, 2012

IMG guide Kaji called from Muktinath to report that the trekkers had a good trip over the Thorong pass.  Weather was good and everyone is doing well.  Starting at Phedi at 4am, they climbed over 3000+ feet up to the summit of the pass.  Then they descended 5000+ feet down the other side.  Before reaching  Muktinath town (at about 12,300 feet)  they were able to visit the famous Muktinath temple (many pilgrims come here).  Well done team!

Over at Chulu, Justin Merle called on the sat phone to report that the team are up at high camp. Mingma Dorje and Nima Karma continued higher up this afternoon to check the route and fix some rope, and they reported that the route conditions are good.

Plan for tomorrow is for the team to be climbing by 4am and come back down to base camp.

Eric Simonson

October 20, 2012

Telephoto view of the Manang side of Thorung La pass, taken from Chulu Peak (Mingma Dorje Sherpa)

IMG guide Justin Merle reports that the weather was good today and everyone is doing well.  The Annapurna Trek team had a nice hike from Yak Karka up to Phedi (14,600ft) and they are now ensconced there, preparing for a 4am departure for the Thorung La Pass (17,769 feet (5,416 m).   Meanwhile, the climbers had a good rest day today at Chulu Base Camp and are preparing to move up to high camp (about 17,500ft) tomorrow, with the hope of tagging the summit of Chulu Far East the next morning.  We’ll keep you posted!

Eric Simonson

October 19, 2012

Chulu Peaks from Annapurna 4 (Mingma Sherpa)

Justin Merle reports by sat phone that the Chulu climbers and Annapurna trekkers split up yesterday, with each team moving up to a higher camp.

The trekkers accompanied by Kaji Sherpa moved up to Yak Kharka last night (about 14,400ft) and today they took an acclimatization hike.  After a second night at Yak Kharka tonight, they will move up to Phedi tomorrow, below the Thorung La pass.

Meanwhile, Justin and the climbers moved yesterday up to their acclimatization camp, and then today they moved up to the Chulu Base Camp (about 16,000ft).  Tomorrow they will take a rest day.

Weather is good and everyone seems to be doing well!

Eric Simonson

Annapurna 2 and 4 from near Manang (Mingma Sherpa)

October 17, 2012

IMG Guide Justin Merle checked in from Nepal:

“The team had a nice acclimatization hike up to Milarepa’s Cave this morning.  We gained around 2800 ft, up to 14,200 and the base of the North glacier of Annapurna III.  We got a bit of rain and snow overnight and on the hike—but there was no accumulation.   It was a great hike and should set us up well for the higher altitudes ahead.   Everyone is doing well.

Tomorrow the Trekkers head for Yak Kharka and the climbers will head for an intermediate camp at about 14000 ft on the way to Chulu Base Camp.”

Justin Merle