Ashley Burke, Kazakhstan

KAZAKHSTAN - The Marble Wall and Khan Tengri Traverse

19 Aug 2011 - Return to Base Camp


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Highlighted area shows today's climbing

Another collosal day after a truly miserable night. Descended all the way from Camp 3 to Base Camp. After a miserable morning packing up we climbed back over Chapaev Peak in perfect weather. Spectacular panorama of peaks from Chapaev Peak. Shinnied down the ropes without a descending device to Camp 2. At Camp 2 I enjoyed a meal of muesli and powdered milk! Then it was down to Camp 1. It seemed to go forever. It was snowing heavily and visibility was poor as we left Camp 1 and descended to Base Camp. The fixed rope ended and it became harder to find our way down in the poor visibility. Descended a few steep sections and crossed some crevasses unroped. Reached the bottom at about 7pm and finally, at about 8pm, reached Base Camp just on dark. Base Camp had now been almost entirely dismantled and comprised no more than a few tents. A hearty meal in close-knit surrounds.

	In this photo Camp 3 can be seen below. We must climb back over Chapaev Peak before we can descend to the North Inylchek glacier and base camp.
	Today when we reached the summit of Chapaev Peak there was a stunning panorama of the Tian Shan mountains. Two days earlier when I had passed through this same spot it was complete whiteout with no views.
	The panorama from Chapaev Peak.
	On the summit of Chapaev Peak.
	On the summit of Chapaev Peak. From left to right: Danat, myself, Edik.
	Descending from Chapaev Peak towards Camp 2. The North Inylcheck glacier is below.
	Back at base camp after a very long day. Base camp has been almost completely dismantled and we take our dinner in this small cosy tent. It was a true feast and we drank the last of the vodka.

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


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