Huayhuash Trek, Peru 21 Jun - 5 Jul 2007   All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2007. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission.

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Day 8 - Pumarini Summit Day (5465m, 17930 ft)

28 Jun 2007

Today was a huge day and one of the highlights of the trek. We rose at 3:15am and after a 4am breakfast we set off for our Pumarini summit bid. It was still dark, and we climbed up through uneven tussocky grass until the stars faded and light grew in the east. When the sun rose we were on loose scree on the side of Pumarini at about 5000m. A cold wind blew as we reached the snow cap. Here we donned harnesses, roped up, and began climbing the snow and ice to the summit of Pumarini.

The climbing was technically straightforward, but the altitude was our main challenge and made for slow going. The scenery around us was amazing, as were the ice formations near the summit ridge. We reached the summit and enjoyed a snack surrounded by panoramic views.

We returned via a different route back onto steep rocky scree, which we descended to reach our campsite at Huananpatay (4400m). There we rested for the remainder of the afternoon. It was a fantastic day. Now for the photos.

		The light on nearby peaks just before dawn. Here we are at an altitude of about 5000m.
		The sunrise lights up the peak of Cuyoc (5500m).
		One of the peaks near Pumarini in the morning light.
		Views to the peak of Cuyoc (5500m).
		We trek around the western side of Pumarini, aiming for the south facing slopes on which the icecap resides.
		We climb to the snow line.
		Marco, our guide, points out the route we will take up the mountain.
		Now we are on the snow, roped up in groups. Marco, Patricia, Lorin, Bill and I were on one rope, Lisa and Chato (shown in this photo) were on the second rope.
		We approach some interesting ice formations near the summit ridge.
		Lorin takes a breather before the final push.
		On the summit ridge. The summit is just to the right of the photo.
		Summit reached! Altitude 5465m (17930 ft). From left: Lorin, Marco, Patricia, Bill.
		Summit reached! Altitude 5465m (17930 ft). From left: Ashley, Marco, Patricia, Bill.
		Summit reached! Altitude 5465m (17930 ft).
		Summit views.
		The descent from the summit. From left: Lisa, Chato.
		Descending the summit ridge. From left: Lorin, Bill.
		Once below the snow line, we use a rope to descend a steep and loose section onto the scree below.
		Bill and Patricia our campsite at Huanacpatay (4400m) at the end of a huge and memorable day.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 All content copyright © Ashley Burke 2007. Not to be copied, duplicated or used for any purpose without permission.

Home Page Peru 2007 Page Mountaineering Page Email Me