In a promising fall climbing season in Pakistan, three climbers have made the first ascent of 6,754m Chumik Kangri Peak in the Saltoro region of Pakistan’s Karakoram.
Michal Czech and Wadim Jablonski of Poland, together with Adam Kaniak of Slovakia, report that they summited on September 15 at 8 am, after climbing the 1,000m south face in a three-day push.
“After a difficult descent, the climbers returned to ABC [Advanced Base Camp] at 10 pm local time,” the Polish Mountaineering Association wrote in a press release.
The area opened to foreign expeditions this year after being closed for decades because of its proximity to disputed areas of Kashmir. Thus, the expedition was genuinely exploratory. The climbers accessed the mountain via the virtually unknown Gyong Glacier.
The triumphant Polish-Slovak team at Skardu airport. Photo: Adventure Alpine Guides Pakistan
The details of the climb are yet to come. Moreover, they may not be done with the Saltoro valley. Expedition outfitter Adventure Alpine Guides Pakistan told ExplorersWeb that the team was also eyeing Gharkun Tower, also unclimbed.
The Polish Mountaineering Association mentioned no specific peaks but noted that the expedition’s goal is “to document and summit unclimbed 6,000’ers in the best possible style.”
