Tien Shan Peaks and Khan Tengri Expedition News

8th August: Paul has called in with an update. The weather conditions have unfortunately not been good for the last few days, and the group has had to make the difficult decision not to attempt Khan Tengri. There were discussions of perhaps trying an alternate peak such as Karly Tau or additional skills training but in the end the team decided to choose other options.

Thomas and Chris have opted for early flights home, Vicky and Aisling are having a few ‘Spa’ days in Bishkek, Robert is staying in the Karakol area trekking and Paul, Max, Jean and David are going to the Ala Archa area climbing for the next few days.

Departed 20th July 2013

Leader & Updates: Paul Ethridge. Local Leader: Pavel

8th August: Paul has called in with an update. The weather conditions have unfortunately not been good for the last few days, and the group has had to make the difficult decision not to attempt Khan Tengri. There were discussions of perhaps trying an alternate peak such as Karly Tau or additional skills training but in the end the team decided to choose other options.

Thomas and Chris have opted for early flights home, Vicky and Aisling are having a few ‘Spa’ days in Bishkek, Robert is staying in the Karakol area trekking and Paul, Max, Jean and David are going to the Ala Archa area climbing for the next few days.

1st August: Paul has just called from the summit of Chapayev with Max, John and Robert. They successfully summited at 11.35am UK time.

It has been extremely challenging conditions with lots of snow coming in so the team are taking some quick summit photos and descending down to Camp 2 to meet the rest of the team. Although its been hard going all of the team are in good spirits.

28th July: Paul called for weather forecast, which is excellent for the next few days. Therefore they plan to start their ascent of Chapayev tomorrow

26th July: Everyone is now at Camp 1 4500m. We will spend 1 night here then return down and complete another carry up to establish the next camp.

The weather has been good in the mornings and gets worse in the afternoons so nothing too bad and were all feeling good.

24th July: Paul arrived at Base Camp this morning at 9.30 this morning with his missing gear so the team is all back together again. Yesterday was spent acclimatizing and practising winter skills followed by a lot of snow in camp but good weather today. Spirits are high in the group!

23rd July: All going to plan and we have successfully: Arrived in Bishkek Sorted the kit and food etc. We then travelled to Karakol and boarded our helicopter to Base Camp.

All of the group are happy and looking forward to the challenge and starting two days of acclimatisation and skills.

20th July: The Team are departing for the Kyrgyz Republic Today and will arrive in Bishkek tomorrow. They will then buy the majority of their snacks etc there before heading to Karakol where they will make their final preperation.