Alex Txikon’s team reached 4,900m, to the foot of the Chulu peaks yesterday. They will acclimatize before heading to the north side of Annapurna. Here, Txikon, Mattia Conte, and sherpa guides Chhepal, Ang Gyalu, Magkpa, Ming Temba, and Lakpa will try to climb the mountain sometime after the winter solstice.
Txikon on the hike into Chulu Base Camp. Photo: Alex Txikon/Facebook
The team has not shared much information, but their social media photos show a rather large group celebrating Txikon’s 42nd birthday in a lodge. They also include the approach to Chulu base camp over snowless mountain trails.
Chulu Far East is the most popular of the four summits in the massif and one of the easiest trekking peaks in Nepal. It is usually climbed in two days from Base Camp. Climbers typically spend one night at a high camp around 5,400m.
On Chulu, the team will also include Italians Domenico Perri and Llona Mesits, but they will not tackle Annapurna afterwards.
Domenico Perri, one of the trekkers, with Alex Txikon two days ago. Photo: Alessandro Filippini/Facebook
So far, the Annapurna expedition outfitted by Seven Summit treks is the only 8,000m climb this winter. Denis Urubko may attempt Gasherbrum I alpine style, but we are still awaiting confirmation. The expedition’s local outfitter, Jasmine Tours, has already deposited base camp equipment and supplies in place, but Urubko told ExplorersWeb that he was still trying to raise funds for the project.
