The Russian team is willing to keep trying on Baintha Brakk (also known as The Ogre), despite all their difficulties. Alexander Ryndyk was evacuated yesterday, but his three mates, including leader Alexander Parfenov, are determined to go up the mountain tomorrow.
Airlifted
A helicopter airlifted Ryndyk from base camp yesterday because his fever did not recede after taking antibiotics.
“For me, the expedition to Pakistan has come to an end,” Ryndyk wrote. He explained that he was already ill when departing Moscow, and the sickness has now weakened his body too much to consider any option other than returning home.
Up again tomorrow
His climbing mates are not having an easy time either, but are determined to keep trying. Last week, while Ryndyk and Parfenov remained in base camp trying to overcome sickness, Alexey Sukharev and Ratmir Mukhametzyanov launched an attempt up the mountain. With only two climbers, they avoided the dangerous north face (their original target) and instead moved toward the south face. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t improve as expected, and they soon retreated.
File image of Alexander Ryndyk. Photo: Alexander Ryndyk
Today, with Ryndyk safely back in Skardu, Parfenov has felt well enough to join Sukharev and Mukhametzyanov at the base of the south face. According to a last-minute message sent today to Mountain.ru, the three climbers will leave for the summit tomorrow.
The location of the team yesterday. Photo: Jasmine Tours
