Expedition 2024

Our third project trip has already come to an end. This time it was even an expedition, as Baruntse at 7176 metres was on the agenda. I knew that not many people would sign up for such a trip. But I had hoped for more participants and had even advertised a smaller tour. In the end, Dominik came along with me. :) A small group. We got to know each other well on this trip, it was no walk in the park. It was Dominik's first time in Nepal, his first time at such heights. He can be very proud of himself, even if he didn't reach the summit. First we travelled back to Chheskam. There was another big celebration, how wonderful. Then we were able to visit all the projects and also the new requests. It was very impressive. But unfortunately there is not always much time. After two nights we were ready to go. We hiked every day in sunny weather. As it was November, there weren't that many other hikers out and about. It was really nice. And even though it was exhausting every day, we enjoyed walking. It was also quiet in the lodges and we always or almost always had a single room. What a luxury. The first thing on our list was Mera Peak. I had been up there for the first time five years ago. This year they had changed the route. It was direct and steep to the peak, not gentle and with an additional loop like last time. The wind was a little less this time.
Actually, we all wanted to run together, but after a third we split up the rope team. I went ahead with Lhakpa, Dominik ran with Pasang. After about three hours we had reached the peak. We didn't stay up there for long, the wind was too strong. Unfortunately, Dominik and Pasang had to turn back. Back at High Camp, we had a short rest before continuing. Then after three days we were already at Baruntse High Camp. We were the last group of the year. We had the camp to ourselves. Large tents and a carpeted dining tent. Pure luxury. In the evening we were joined by three successful Norwegians. They had conquered the summit. We then did a rotation the next day. We walked up to Camp 1 at 6100 metres. There we pitched the tent and went back to High Camp. The next day was a break. Then we went up again, this time to sleep. In front of Camp 1 is a 200 metre high wall that has to be conquered with fixed ropes. Climbing is the order of the day, with crampons. Camp 1 is located on a huge expanse of ice. And Makalu, the fifth highest mountain, seems close enough to touch. An incredibly beautiful picture. This surface is absolutely amazing. There was already a strong wind and we disappeared into the tent, where there is no wind. Our guides cooked us something on the gas cooker. And soon we were off. The wind had gone by 11 o'clock that night. And we slowly set off. Pasang and Dominik stayed at Camp 1, so I set off alone with Lhakpa. At Camp 2 at 6400 metres, there was still no wind or only a little wind. I was doing very well and was ready for the mountain. But then came the gusts of wind. It almost blew me over twice. Then came the strong wind. Shite, what do we do now? That's what we asked ourselves. Lhakpa, who knows the mountain very well, says that the climb is still 300 metres steep, then comes the exposed traverse. This would be far too dangerous in the wind. So what do we do? With a heavy heart, we decided to turn round. Because we had to get back to Camp 1. As soon as we got there, the wind started to pick up even more. It was 04:00. We were glad to be in the tent, although I thought it would soon blow away or break. We got up at around 08:00. The wind was still there. Now we had to decide whether to stay and broil again or leave. As Pasang didn't come out with the satellite phone and we didn't know what the weather would do, we went back to High Camp. We also had to abseil down the wall, which wasn't easy in the wind. The next day, the disappointment: no wind. So it would have been possible. Maybe, we don't know. But it did bother me. I would have been ready. Janu, health comes first, I was probably a bit knackered after all, because I wasn't running quite as fast. So we went on and over the Ampu Laptsa Pass. This time without snow. This time without snow. Then we came back to the Khumbu region and there were more people again. It was strange to see so many people again after such a long time. The Khumbu is simply beautiful. We were also happy to see trees again after 11 days of snow and ice. Then we met Claudio, who was walking towards us. So nice when someone is waiting for you. In Lukla we met all the sponsored children before heading back to Kathmandu. We also met all the sponsored children there and had other appointments. It was a wonderful trip, a great experience. Baruntse I'll be back, I'm not finished with you yet. :) Thank you that everything went so well. Thank you Pasang and Lhakpa for prioritising safety. Thank you Dominik for daring to make this journey. It was not easy, you can be very proud of yourself! Next year we will hike to the base camp of Makalus up to 4800 metres. Get in touch if you would like to join us.