As I sit here typing this I can’t quite believe it is November. This year has flown by and I can’t quite fathom where the months have gone. I feel rather annoyed with myself that I have neglected this blog for a bit, but fortunately it is not due to that the fact that I have taken a step back from the outdoor world and therefore have nothing to blog about. Quite on the contrary.
This year has been a busy one, jam packed with many weekends on the hills, camping here there and everywhere, evening walks and night navigations and many an adventure. There’s been lots to write about and I have a virtual pile of blog posts sitting on my laptop half written, left like those chocolates in the tin that no one wants to eat. Sadly, I’ve just not got around to finishing them and making them live!
To be fair, there has also been another major focus this year that has led to the influx in training in the outdoors but has also taken me away from my normal dedication to blog writing. That major focus is that tomorrow I leave for Nepal where I am going to be part of an expedition team that is attempting to climb a previously unclimbed peak.
Not a bad excuse to take me away from blogging right?
Though it is not a Himalayan giant (it’s just under 6000m) it’s ticking two things of my dream ‘things to do in life’ going to the Himalayas and standing on top of a mountain where no one has stood before.
For many, the ultimate Himalayan achievement is to top out Everest or other peaks such as K2, the Annapurnas or other well-known peaks and new routes. Now I fully respect those who try these ventures and can totally understand the attraction. Let’s be honest if someone offered a free trip to Everest I wouldn’t turn it down but personally I like the idea of going where not many have before, breaking trail and exploring uncharted ground.
This year has been a busy one, jam packed with many weekends on the hills, camping here there and everywhere, evening walks and night navigations and many an adventure. There’s been lots to write about and I have a virtual pile of blog posts sitting on my laptop half written, left like those chocolates in the tin that no one wants to eat. Sadly, I’ve just not got around to finishing them and making them live!
To be fair, there has also been another major focus this year that has led to the influx in training in the outdoors but has also taken me away from my normal dedication to blog writing. That major focus is that tomorrow I leave for Nepal where I am going to be part of an expedition team that is attempting to climb a previously unclimbed peak.
Not a bad excuse to take me away from blogging right?
Though it is not a Himalayan giant (it’s just under 6000m) it’s ticking two things of my dream ‘things to do in life’ going to the Himalayas and standing on top of a mountain where no one has stood before.
For many, the ultimate Himalayan achievement is to top out Everest or other peaks such as K2, the Annapurnas or other well-known peaks and new routes. Now I fully respect those who try these ventures and can totally understand the attraction. Let’s be honest if someone offered a free trip to Everest I wouldn’t turn it down but personally I like the idea of going where not many have before, breaking trail and exploring uncharted ground.
I think I have always been an explorer. From an early age I explored the depths of the garden, climbed trees, not necessarily to get to the top but to see what was amongst those branches that couldn’t be seen from the ground. As I got older, it was always the paths less trodden I wanted to take, the things beyond the fence lines that I wanted to see and the areas deemed out of bounds I wanted to enter. Not because of a rebellious nature, but more just to see what lies beneath and beyond. Even now I love to go to the places people seldom go and discover things that are not seen at first glance. It is in me and continues to grow, the need and want to go to areas less travelled, to discover what is there and to stand in unfamiliar territories. This is why I head to the quieter areas of the National Parks, away from the crowds and the well-trodden paths.
I think this is what attracted me to the unclimbed peak expedition. My love of mountains has taken me far away as well as close to home, summiting hills and peaks ranging from small hills to the heights of Kilimanjaro. One thing that is a constant on every peak, regardless of its location and size, is the absolute wonderment that surrounds me as I stand on the mountains thinking of the stories they could tell.
I think this is what attracted me to the unclimbed peak expedition. My love of mountains has taken me far away as well as close to home, summiting hills and peaks ranging from small hills to the heights of Kilimanjaro. One thing that is a constant on every peak, regardless of its location and size, is the absolute wonderment that surrounds me as I stand on the mountains thinking of the stories they could tell.
Summit Fever - Andrew Greig
Since signing up for the Unclimbed Peak Expedition in January I have spent a lot of time on the hills of Snowdonia, in Lake District or the more local lower ranges. One of the highlights was wild camping on Rhinog Fawr for the Summer Solstice where I had the most incredible weather, sunset, shooting stars and cloud inversions. There’s been climbing, running, gym work and even a spot of ice climbing on an indoor wall at King Kong Climbing Centre in Kewsick (though no ice climbing is planned for Nepal!).This has been great for fitness but has also given me time out of work and daily life to fully contemplate this upcoming adventure and think about all the aspects it involves including excitement and concern. I've even been very fortunate to meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes and mentioned my upcoming adventure to him!
To say I am looking forward to trekking through a region of the Himalaya with the prospect of summiting a previously unclimbed peak is an understatement. However, in-between the burst of euphoric excitement there are moments where I have to confront the more serious aspects and the dangers and disappointments it could well bring. The former of course, includes the usual risks that come part and parcel with any type of activities on the hills but is amplified by the Himalayan environment where the weather, landscape and altitude can have adverse effects, both on the individual and the overall expedition.
The recent tragic events in Nepal brought on by a freak storm is a sobering reminder of the dangers, but rest assured we are approaching this expedition with the highest level of safety in mind. We have a vastly experienced UK ML & International Expedition Leader (who also happens to be a qualified medic) as part of the Expedition Team as well as a very experienced Nepalese Mountain Guide who has summited many of the Himalayan giants and also guides in the Alps. Add to that our Sherpa team and porters, who are all experienced in this type of expedition and we are pretty well equipped.
Our Expedition Team members are well experienced in trekking at altitude and expedition life so I have no doubt that every step will be taken with safety in mind. Unless we all completely lose our marbles due to the altitude I am confident that there will be no hash decisions or negative actions brought on by summit fever!
Another issue is whether we will get a blessing by the village Lama in Nar, the last village we pass through and one of the most isolated Tibetan villages in the region. Without this blessing and Puja (blessing ceremony) it is not likely that the Sherpas will support us on the summit attempt. Without the Sherpas there is no way we would be able to continue the expedition. Nor would we want to disrespect the local culture and beliefs so this could stop us in our tracks and the summit bid would be over.
There’s also the other factors that could stop the expedition in its tracks or stop individuals from summiting. Injuries sustained from trekking in, altitude sickness and stomach bugs can be so debilitating that setting off for the summit would be dangerous and irresponsible, for the individual and the team. Summit day is a long, long day and one that is going to really push us to our limits, that’s for sure.
It sounds like I am just focusing on the negatives doesn’t it, but that’s not the case. It’s just that there’s a lot of things to think about and to be prepared for whilst doing such an expedition. It would be quite naïve to just think everything will go perfectly to plan. Being prepared for every eventuality, both mentally and physically, means that if we are faced with such issues it won’t come as a total shock where we are left blindsided by a kick in the nuts by epic Himalayan proportions.
Our Expedition Team members are well experienced in trekking at altitude and expedition life so I have no doubt that every step will be taken with safety in mind. Unless we all completely lose our marbles due to the altitude I am confident that there will be no hash decisions or negative actions brought on by summit fever!
Another issue is whether we will get a blessing by the village Lama in Nar, the last village we pass through and one of the most isolated Tibetan villages in the region. Without this blessing and Puja (blessing ceremony) it is not likely that the Sherpas will support us on the summit attempt. Without the Sherpas there is no way we would be able to continue the expedition. Nor would we want to disrespect the local culture and beliefs so this could stop us in our tracks and the summit bid would be over.
There’s also the other factors that could stop the expedition in its tracks or stop individuals from summiting. Injuries sustained from trekking in, altitude sickness and stomach bugs can be so debilitating that setting off for the summit would be dangerous and irresponsible, for the individual and the team. Summit day is a long, long day and one that is going to really push us to our limits, that’s for sure.
It sounds like I am just focusing on the negatives doesn’t it, but that’s not the case. It’s just that there’s a lot of things to think about and to be prepared for whilst doing such an expedition. It would be quite naïve to just think everything will go perfectly to plan. Being prepared for every eventuality, both mentally and physically, means that if we are faced with such issues it won’t come as a total shock where we are left blindsided by a kick in the nuts by epic Himalayan proportions.
Now I’ve covered the possible doom and gloom, let’s move the focus to the incredible things I am looking forward to experiencing whilst on expedition. The ‘Lost Valleys’, the area we are trekking through, only recently opened up to trekking and climbing in the past 5 years or so. This means that it is relatively unexplored compared to the more popular trails in the Himalayas and is home to the villages of Nar & Phu which is where our unclimbed peak gets its name ‘Nar Phu’. As we head up higher via the Kang La Pass on our way to basecamp we will be entering an area that allegedly has one of the highest populations per square foot of snow leopards in the Himalayas. Now, I am not actually expecting to see any as they are incredibly elusive but it’s still incredible to think they are in the area (hopefully not too close to Basecamp though!).
I’m also really looking forward to the people we meet along the way and experiencing the culture and traditions of the Nepalese and Tibetans (Nar village is a Tibetan village even though it is in Nepal). I think it is always a privilege to see their way of life and hear their stories.
Then there are the views! On the trek in we will be served views of the magnificent surrounding peaks and as we ascend up the valley to Kang La Pass we will have the full view of the Annapurnas which in itself will be magical.
Another thing I am looking forward to is the night sky. To be in a location that has no light pollution means (given clear nights) the stars should be spectacular!
I’m also really looking forward to the people we meet along the way and experiencing the culture and traditions of the Nepalese and Tibetans (Nar village is a Tibetan village even though it is in Nepal). I think it is always a privilege to see their way of life and hear their stories.
Then there are the views! On the trek in we will be served views of the magnificent surrounding peaks and as we ascend up the valley to Kang La Pass we will have the full view of the Annapurnas which in itself will be magical.
Another thing I am looking forward to is the night sky. To be in a location that has no light pollution means (given clear nights) the stars should be spectacular!
I think there is so much to experience on this adventure that I just want to get out there and get started. I love the simplicity of expedition life even though it can be uncomfortable at times and I think it makes you appreciate so much in your daily life. That first shower, a night’s sleep in a proper bed, a cold beer and the hustle and bustle of civilisation as we return to Kathmandu will sure to be appreciated and savoured.
So now, as I sit here writing this I am all packed and ready to go. Tomorrow begins the epic travel to Nepal and the start of one epic adventure.
Though am I ready for the mammoth task that lies ahead? I think I am but only time will tell how this adventure pans out. Whether I am able to summit Nar Phu or not, I know that this is going to be an experience of a lifetime so look forward to returning safely and sharing many stories and photos.
So now, as I sit here writing this I am all packed and ready to go. Tomorrow begins the epic travel to Nepal and the start of one epic adventure.
Though am I ready for the mammoth task that lies ahead? I think I am but only time will tell how this adventure pans out. Whether I am able to summit Nar Phu or not, I know that this is going to be an experience of a lifetime so look forward to returning safely and sharing many stories and photos.
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