ECMC Conquers Chulu East

Background

On 30th August 1999 we intend to attempt a climb of Chulu East, 6584m, in the heart of the beautiful Nepal Himalaya, north of the great Annapurna massif. The climb will be combined with a trek of the famous Annapurna circuit, a 210-mile loop which encompasses dramatic scenery such as the Marsyangdi Valley, the famous Thorong La (pass), 5416m, the Kali Gandaki (the deepest valley in the world) and the awesome Dhaulagiri Icefall. Travelling through villages such as Manang and Muktinath will provide us with a unique insight into rural Nepalese cultures and traditions.

Chulu East is situated in the Manang Himal. The first ascent of the North East Ridge was by Dick Isherwood and John Noble in May 1979. This is the route that we shall be taking and the most challenging route to the summit with the technical difficulty of the climb ranking at Alpine PD+. The early stages of the Annapurna circuit will be completed during the monsoon but, by the expected time of ascent, we shall reach the peak in the clear post-monsoonal air. This should offer incomparable vistas.

We have formed a team of six fit, keen and experienced climbers, all from Cambridge University, consisting of four undergraduates and two recent graduate students. For the Annapurna circuit we will be carrying all our own equipment and staying in tents along the way. For the actual climbing (which should take around 7 or 8 days) we will be employing a Nepal Mountaineering Association approved guide, some mountain sherpas and some local porters to help with the technical climbing and ferrying of equipment up to base camp and the higher altitudes of the mountain. All the equipment we shall be using will be carried over from Britain except for a few items, which can be easily hired for Kathmandu for the duration of the climb.
 

Itinerary

Contact Addresses