Gasherbrum 2 just around the corner

Hello Team,

The big day is just around the corner. I am flying to Kathmandu on May 29th then onwards to Islamabad on June 8th 2008. Very exciting. I imagine that some of you have questions about gear items or travel stuff and may be looking for suggestions from Myself, Stu or other team members. Please feel free to access this blog website and post answers questions or suggestions. this is my first time using this blogger software but I feel strongly that it will work very well for us. In fact, I just discovered that we can send emails form Gasherbrum 2 base camp directly to this blog page.

I encourage all team members to post comments via the 'comment' link below. Lets start blogging!

All the best and Climb on

Chris

photo: Sebastian, Chris in the down suit and Asgar convalescing at camp 2 on Spantik. Twan.

Gasherbrum II Expedition - The South West Ridge Route

This is a professionally organized and led expedition, that is partly guided. In that respect the leader provides the general support and maintains the logistics and safety support for the team, while it is expected that all team members be self sufficient at least on the low to intermediate slopes, and be able to undertake movement between the camps unsupervised. Those members that wish to undertake their summit bid in the company of the leaders will generally be able to do so, while more experienced climbers retain the flexibility to move independently.

To be an eligible member on this expedition you must be very competent, and posses the necessary stamina and experience to be a contributing player in the ascent. Gasherbrum II is part of the greater Gasherbrum group of 5 peaks, 2 of which soar over 8000m, and is the world's 13th highest peak. She is roundly held as one of the most straightforward and accessible of the fourteen, and climbers on her normal route, if sufficiently resourced and prepared, enjoy good summit rates in clement weather.

The climb is fully supported with the highest quality ground, base-camp, and leadership resources, and all group gear (HA and BC tents, tech gear, ropes, stoves etc) are included in the trip fee. This expedition represents an outstanding opportunity to be a part of an extremely well priced, expertly managed, and comprehensively resourced 8000m ascent.

Leaving for camp 3 in the morning

The team is all set to move up to just under 7000m in the morning. Everyone is feeling fine, considering, and we plan to leave at about 5am.

The majority of the route up to camp 3 is fixed and we expect good snow conditions and fine travel up the 30-50° slopes. We will see how everyone is feeling at camp 3 and if everything is good to go, we will move up to camp 4 at 7400m and get ready for our summit attempt.

Naucho is here at camp 2 and he is also planning on moving up to 3 in the morning.

I will try my best to write tomorrow from camp 3.

Stay tuned!
Chris from Gasherbrum 2 camp 2, 6500m