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

October 16, 2012

IMG guide Justin Merle reports that the team reached Manang, the main village on the north side of the Annapurna range.  The elevation here is about 11,500 feet (so this is about the same as Namche Bazar in the Everest area).  Like Namche, Manang is also a historic trading village where goods (like hides) coming from the south were traded for salt coming from the north.  Now the terrain starts to look more like Tibet, with fewer trees and drier vistas.

The team has spectacular views with Annapurna 2,3,4, and Gangapurna on one side and the Chulu peaks rising on the other side of the valley.  Justin reports that everyone is doing well and the weather’s been stable and clear with evening clouds.  The plan is to take two nights here, and tomorrow the team will take an acclimatization hike.

Eric Simonson

October 12, 2012

IMG guide Justin Merle reports that the team reached the village of Tal (1700m; 5500ft).  This village is inhabited by Tibetans and their homes are built of stone.  Now the team are deep in the Marsyangdi Gorge, surrounded by rock walls that rise thousands of feet above, with several huge waterfalls.   The trail has been rough, but soon it will start to open out and the vegetation will begins to change over to fir trees.  So far the weather has been pretty good, with only a sprinkle this afternoon.  Everyone is healthy and doing well and they are having a good time!

Eric Simonson