Busy Times in Kathmandu!
Getting ready for an expedition is always different from trip to trip. This time is no exception!
Landing in Kathmandu just prior to one of the largest festivals can present interesting challenges. Right now Dashain is in full swing – this means that for the last few days the roads were jam packed prior to the festival starting and now they are empty – but also most of the shops are shut (except in Thamel) which meant that a great deal of frenetic activity goes on buying mountain food / replacing older ropes and climbing equipment / getting new custom equipment made and making sure that everything is in order.
There are always suprises just around the corner as well – following behind this enormous guy was a great way to move through traffic!
I’ve been lucky enough to make a good connection at WINDPOWER NEPAL – these guys worked really hard right up to the lat minute to get a new solar system made and tested for me.
The climbing and kitchen staff m Summit Trekking have started their walk in today (10th of October). This season I will be once again working with a great team of Sherpa’s from the Rolwaling and Solukhumbu Valleys that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for the last 3 years.
In addition to this I’ve also been havig meeting with PHIL CRAMPTON (Altitude Junkies) and SOREN KRUSE (World Expeditions) -both of whom also have groups on the mountain at the same time. We will be joining forces to work on rope fixing and route finding – it’ll be great to be sharing the mountain with these guys and their teams!
The Vertical Resources team starts arriving in Kathmandu from the 14th of October and we will be flying in on the 17th – fingers crossed for some good weather and no delays to Lukla!
We will be keeping the updates going on a regular basis – check back again soon.
Regards
Mal Haskins
IFMGA / NZMGA
Mountain and Ski Guide