Pakistan 2006 expeditions update: Tirich Mir, Spantik, Batura II
The spell of the Hindu Kush: In addition to a Greek expedition previously listed, two other teams have set their sights on Tirich Mir. The 7708m mountain is the highest in the Hindu Kush. Satellite image of the Hindu Kush range, courtesy of BlankOnTheMap (click to enlarge).
10:15 am CDT May 15, 2006
(K2Climb.net) Not all climbers’ dreams are 8,000 meters high - at least that's what the latest list of expeditions applying for permits in Pakistan this summer reveals.
The spell of Hindu Kush
In addition to a Greek expedition previously listed, two other teams have set their sights on Tirich Mir. The 7708m mountain is the highest in the Hindu Kush.
The latest expedition planning to climb the peak this summer is a French team led by Jean Annequin. Another climber, Japanese Ichiro Hosada appears to have applied for a single permit on Tirich Mir. Details are still unclear.
Sights set on 'Golden Peak'
Another beautiful peak, Spantik (7030m), is the goal chosen by a Korean team led by Kim Young Sik. Simon Yates will also attempt the peak, guiding a team launched by Australian outfitter World Expeditions.
Spantik is part of the mountain chain which forms the boundary between Hunza and Baltistan. It provides with a straightforward, relatively easy climb, which has made of the 'Golden Peak' a favorite among guided groups.
Looking for a first on Batura II
Finally, Bruce Norman figures as the leader of a German-Scottish pair attempting Batura II.
Last year, Simone Moro and Jobi Ogwyn attempted Batura II during the early months of summer. An Italian team led by Alberto Peruffo (including American Carlos Buhler) gave a try to the peak later that season.
Neither team got very far though. Moro had to retreat after Joby was caught in an avalanche; and Peruffo and Buhler reported on bad conditions during the time they were there.
East Europeans for Broad
New additions to Broad Peak’s list are an Ukranian expedition led by Zagirniak Mykhaylo, and a Czech team led by Josef Nezerka.
Story corrected on June 6, 11:05 am. Simon Yates is guiding on Spantik for Australian outfitter World Expeditions; not for FTA as we previously reported.
Tirich Mir is the highst peak in the Hindu Kush range. Located on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the first summit was achieved in 1950 by Norwegian P.Kvernberg.
Spantik is considered a technically easy climb among Pakistan’s 7000ers.
Batura II, 7762 m, is yet unclimbed despite several teams attempting to reach the top. Located in Pakistan’s Western Karakorum in the Batura Muztagh group, Batura II is also called Peak 31 or Hunza Kunji.
The official list of climbing permits applications for Pakistan peaks is issued by Pakistan ministry of Tourism, and provided to ExWeb by Saltoro Summits. It is not an expedition list, but a compilation of climbing permits, each of one often comprises more than one actual team.
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