KAZAKHSTAN - The Marble Wall and Khan Tengri Traverse

13-14 Aug 2011 - Rest Days at Khan Tengri Base Camp

 

All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2011. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission.

 

After 12 days of epic mountaineering we were definitely now overdue for a few days' well earned rest. I also had to try to regain some strength as quickly as I could before attempting the climb of Khan Tengri. Unfortunately the two days here at base camp were not enough for me to fully regain my physical and mental strength for the climb.

The 13th was spent fully resting in my own tent. The camp provided 3 hot meals per day, commencing with breakfast at 8am. I was slow, weak and thin. I could only eat average quantities of food. In the afternoon I enjoyed the Russian sauna, where I was able to wash myself for the first time in 2 weeks. The weather today was perfect.

The 14th was another day of rest. Lunch did not agree with me. I felt that I was having trouble regaining my strength in time for the attempt on Khan Tengri. In the afternoon I joined some guides for some practise jumaring and cramponing on a nearby ice wall. I learned that I will not be abseiling down the fixed ropes when descending Khan Tengri. Rather, I would shinny down the ropes without a friction device.

Here is my tent at Khan Tengri Base camp. It was spacious luxury after spending the last 12 days crammed into a smaller tent with Edik and Danat.

The camp commandant even managed to find an Australian flag for me to hang outside.

Views down the North Inylchek glacier from base camp.
Views down the North Inylchek glacier from base camp.
Sunset from Khan Tengri base camp.
Views from Khan Tengri base camp.

Evening views of the summit of Khan Tengri from base camp.

 

The summit of Khan Tengri glows in the evening light.
Cloud formations after sunset.

It's cold once the sun sets and I welcomed my down jacket.

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All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2011. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission.

Page created 16 Nov 2011, last updated 16 Nov 2011.