Ashley Burke, Kazakhstan

KAZAKHSTAN - The Marble Wall and Khan Tengri Traverse

16 Aug 2011 - Advance to Khan Tengri Camp 2


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Highlighted area shows today's climbing

After a calm night it was a clear morning and we advanced steeply up the fixed ropes to Camp 2 (5500m). I felt weak but was ok climbing. I was essentially alone, my guides had gone on ahead. As I approached Camp 2 the weather deteriorated and I found myself climbing alone up fixed ropes on a very steep and exposed mixture of snow and rock in poor visibility. Finally I reached Camp 2 at 5:30pm and crammed into another tiny 2 person tent which was already occupied by both my guides. Very uncomfortable. A pot of tea got spilt over everything in this cramped tent.

	Climbing the fixed ropes between Camp 1 and Camp 2.
	Climbing the fixed ropes between Camp 1 and Camp 2.
	Climbing the fixed ropes between Camp 1 and Camp 2.
	It is quite steep and by the time I reached the rocky outcrops ahead the weather had closed in and I was climbing alone.
	Nearing the rocky pitches below Camp 2.
	Danat climbing.
	Danat climbing.
	We reached Camp 2 (5500m) and the 3 of us would have to cram into this small 2 person tent along with bags and bags of food leftover from earlier expeditions.
	At least there was no shortage of food in here but the conditions were very cramped, cold, wet and miserable, especially when a pot of tea got spilt over everything.
	Misery at Camp 2.

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Page created 16 Nov 2011, last updated 7 Dec 2011.


Home Page	Kazakhstan 2011 Page	Mountaineering Page	Email Me