Nearly a month after reaching Base Camp and with the South Col route fixed up to 7,000 meters, Alex Txikon has received the surprising news that he and his team will not be alone.
Tomorrow, a helicopter or two will approach Base Camp with Seven Summit Treks CEO Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, together with Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, Mingtemba Sherpa and Halung Dorchi Sherpa. The last three will hurry up to the Khumbu Icefall, with a tight schedule to fulfill:
Feb 24: Kathmandu to Everest Base camp by helicopter.
Feb 25: BC to C2
Feb 26: C2 to C3
Feb 27: C3 to C4
Feb 28: C4 reserve day
Feb 29: Summit and back to C2
March 1: C2 to BC and chopper back to KTM.
The expedition will do its media blitz tomorrow in Kathmandu, just before flying to Base Camp, so there are not many details yet. But if successful, the team would achieve the fastest climb of Everest in winter, ever.
Alex Txikon says he’s happy to welcome new climbers to winter Everest. Photo: #RoadtoHimalayas
Asked about this surprise development, Alex Txikon said, “It’s really positive that they’re here to share the work. Eight is much better than four.” He hasn’t met Mingtemba, but Pasang, Tashi and Halung are good friends. In fact, Pasang Nurbu was with Txikon on the summit of Ama Dablam three weeks ago.
In a sign of changing Himalayan norms, Txikon will be the only non-Nepali climber on the upcoming push.
Meanwhile, meteorologist Karl Gabl continues to fine-tune his forecasts. The brief storm he predicted for February 26 may now come one day later, and he must closely monitor the jet stream as well. Currently, it is south of Everest, but not far.
