KAZAKHSTAN - The Marble Wall and Khan Tengri Traverse 08 Aug 2011 - Steep Climb to High Plateau and Stay at Camp 4 (5680m)   All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2011. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission.

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Highlighted area shows today's climbing

Finally the wind had dropped. A lot of snow had fallen overnight. Everything was frozen. We packed up slowly. For the 3rd time we climbed to the crevice below the rock rib only this time we were carrying everything with us. Our 70m rope was setup as a fixed rope up part of the steep section so it could now be climbed with the aid of a jumar. This was better, and finally we and all our gear completed the ascent of the steep rocky section. But I am very weak and very breathless. We reached an exposed spot at 5680m and setup camp. The wind picked up again and it started snowing again. It is cold with snow building up everywhere and getting into the tent. Wind and snow is raging all about as I write my diary tonight.

	A heavy wet snow fell during the night and into the morning. This photo of Camp 3 is taken at around 8:30am as we were packing up.
	At around 9am we set off once more, heading up the gentle part of the ridge before the steep ascent to the rock crevice and beyond.
	Once the steep ascent of the rock bluff is completed we are once again on top of the main range and the weather has cleared, providing stunning views of Khan Tengri.
	We now establish our camp at the new altitude of 5680m - Camp 4.
	6:30pm on 8 Aug 2011, in cold but clearer weather, spectacular views of Khan Tengri.

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All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2011. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission. Page created 29 Nov 2011, last updated 5 Dec 2011.

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