Baruntse Expedition 12th October 2008

Leader : Chris Walker

Baruntse Expedition details

Team: Philip Starkie, Darren Browning, Phillip Riley, Morten Vangshardt, David Potter, Ian Ellis, Paul Walkington, Tracey Quine, David Jakulis, Michael Ryan

Summit Success – Chris has just called from Camp 2 where the team are bedding down for the night after their efforts. Over the last two days Tracey, Phil S, Phil R, Morton and Chris alongside our incredible Sherpa team of Phurba, Pasang and Purchemba have all successfully climbed Baruntse

7th Nov  The team have successfully crossed the Amphu Labsa with stunning views of Baruntse and are now enjoying the luxuries of the tea houses at Chukung.

3rd Nov  Summit Success – Chris has just called from Camp 2 where the team are bedding down for the night after their efforts. Over the last two days Tracey, Phil S, Phil R, Morton and Chris alongside our incredible Sherpa team of Phurba, Pasang and Purchemba have all successfully climbed Baruntse. Paul reached the fore summit but turned around at 7000m with one of the Sherpas. After a good nights sleep at Camp 2 they plan to clear the mountain and descend all the way to Base Camp tomorrow. Adventure Peaks have now placed 19 climbers on the summit of Baruntse.

31st Oct Everyone is enjoying a rest day at base camp following their second climb to Camp 1 where they spent the night. With the acclimatisation phase now complete the next time they head back up they’re aiming for the summit. The mountain is in perfect condition so if the weather holds they should be summiting around the 3rd November. The route follows the right hand skyline on the photo above.

25th Oct Chris called in this morning to report that the team have arrived in good spirits at Baruntse Base Camp where they will have a rest day before heading up to Camp 1.

23rd Oct We’ve just had an excited phone call from the team descending from the Mera La where they’ve just had their first view of Baruntse, still nearly 3 days walk away but looking rather impressive.

22nd Oct Chris has just called from Khare where the team are spending the night prior to crossing the Mera La and descending into the remote Hunku Valley.

21st Oct The team are resting in Tagnang. David Potter has decided to climb Island Peak instead of Baruntse, so will no longer be joining the group.

20th Oct The team have now arrived at Tagnang. They will meet up with David Potter at Khare tomorrow or the day after.

16th Oct The team have had a brilliant days walk and have arrived in Chalem Kharka as per their itinerary. Everyone’s well and Chris reports they’re even still laughing at his jokes!

15th Oct Our local agents have managed to replace all Darren’s equipment with good quality options (Mountain Hardwear etc) and it’s already caught up with the team. Everyone is well and settling in to the rhythm of the trek.

14th Oct The team have arrived in Lukla and have started their trek to Baruntse BC. Darren has had the misfortune of losing his kit bag during the internal flight but we have been able to organise for replacement equipment to be sent from Kathmandu. The team are all fine and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

5th Oct The team will depart from the UK on the 12th October and meet Chirs Walker in Kathmandu.