Himlung Himal Expedition April 2014

Leader and news updates: Jason Bailey. Expedition departed 19th April 2014

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9th May: The team moved to Camp 2 on Thursday getting ready for their summit attempt, and this morning James, Zach, Phil and Jason made their summit bid, Graham deciding that Camp 2 was far enough for him.

They set off at 2.30 a.m this morning and by 6.30 a.m had reached 6400m at the base of the ridge. Due to the recent heavy snowfall, there was excessive snow on the ridge, to the point that crevasses had opened up. It was decided that conditions were too difficult to continue, so the team made the wise decision to descend. Despite not reaching the summit, Jason said the views from high on the mountain were spectacular and all the team are fit and well and now safe back in Base Camp.

Here they can enjoy their heated mess tent, comfy chairs and good food prior to the trek out, before relaxing in Kathmandu.

6th May: Our 4 clients Graham, James, Zach and Phil are all doing really well despite the tough conditions. The routine of sunny mornings followed by lots of weather coming in the afternoon is continuing.

Graham has gone up to Camp 1 a day early followed by the rest of the team tomorrow. They expect to meet at Camp 2 on Thursday getting ready for a summit attempt on Friday now

4th May: A quick call from Jason to check on the weather forecast – it has altered since yesterday and not as much snow is predicted now which is good news. The team have days to spare so can afford to wait and select the day with the best forecast, which at the moment looks like it could be later on next week.

Everyone is well and enjoying their rest at base camp.

3rd May: Jason called in this morning with an update from Himlung Himal. The team had a long 13-14 hour day yesterday, moving up the mountain to touch Camp 2 at about 6100m, before descending all the way to base camp. Ian decided at 5800m to call it a day and Graham descended from the same altitude but feels he should be able to go further next time the group move up.

Most of the group are feeling strong and are keen to go up again.

The forecast is still not looking great for the next day or so with 46 cm of snow due to fall on the summit tomorrow night! The forecast then starts to get a bit better so after a couple of well earned rest days at base camp, they will consider trying for their summit bid next week.

30th April: Jason and the team have been up to 5200m yesterday and are planning to head up and spend the night at camp 1 tomorrow. All being well the sherpas will fix and establish camp 2 tomorrow. It looks like significant snowfall coming in this weekend might limit the progress of the group, but hopefully this will clear through and allow the team to carry on pushing up the mountain next week.

27th April: The team have arrived at Base Camp now at 4800m and were astounded at the beauty of the trek in, very quiet, very remote and stunning with very good weather so far!

We’ll have an acclimatisation day tomorrow and head up to Camp 1 on Wednesday to spend the night as the team are feeling strong and in good spirits.

23rd April: Jason has sent another quick update:

”Another change in plan (we are in Nepal after all!) –  we have walked to Tal. There is quite heavy rain but everyone is feeling good.  So we could be 2 days behind schedule, but I will update you soon. Jason

22nd April: Jason has sent a quick update letting us know the team will have to do an extra days walking as the road is blocked to Koto at Jagat. ‘We’re at Bishisahar driving to Jagat tomorrow and walking 2 days to Koto to join the normal walk in but we are all feeling good. Jason’

19th April:The team depart from their home countries on their flights to Kathmandu. Once there, they will receive their briefing about the expedition ahead and have some time to enjoy the hustle and bustle, sights and sounds that make up Kathmandu.