...Summit Ropes Fixed on Manaslu...
The team aims to tag Camp Three today and then make their way back to Base Camp for a good rest and recovery before our summit climb. The weather seems to be on our side now and we've just had news that the rope fixing team has opened the route all the way to the summit this afternoon.
Great news for the mountain and especially for us as we let the early waves of teams move ahead. Gives us space to have a quieter mountain for our final push to the top. Till then, Team CTSS enjoying the relative comforts of Base Camp once more.
Cheers
Team CTSS
...Progress on Manaslu...
The team is doing great and are currently at Camp Two looking to tag Camp Three tomorrow before descending back to Base Camp thereby completing their final acclimatization rotation, ready for their summit bid and making the most of the weather window that opened up.
Looks like clear weather the next few days with a little more precipitation in the forecast toward the end of the week which may, or may not, eventuate. The team will take it day by day, always erring on the side of caution but are now well primed for their summit attempts.
Cheers
CTSS Team
Mike's Top 5 Gear Must Haves
Mike's Top 5 Mountain Gear Must Haves!
1) A Buff. Buffs are one of the most useful tools in any high altitude climber's kit. Not only do they keep your neck warm but when put over your mouth, they warm and humidify the air making it less stressful on your lungs to help keep the dreaded "Khumbu Cough" at bay. They're great for keeping the sun off the back of your neck when things heat up on the glacier, too. I bring several on every high altitude expedition.
2) Insulated Leather Work Gloves. I have lots of expensive climbing-specific gloves for different occasions but I find my go-to, day to day gloves on the mountain are cheap insulated work gloves. A long time climbing friend of mine is a lineman in Pensylvannia and sends me a 6 pack every few years, so you can't get more inexpensive than that. (Thanks Dave Schlimme!) They are light enough for those hot days on the glacier and warm enough when the temperature drops and the sun ducks behind the mountains. You can pick up a hot stove with them and they're as easy to waterproof as a pair of hiking boots.
3) iPhone. It's priceless to be able to take quality photos and videos easily while in the mountains. On occasion, I will bring the big gun DSLR to capture the right image, but it's amazing what you can do with an iPhone these days. It's great for being able to share those magic moments from expedition with loved ones back at home and quick to pull out, snap the shot and put it away without getting cold. I keep it close to my body when climbing to keep the battery from getting zapped.
4) Wet Wipes. Being able to wipe off the grime and sunscreen is priceless after a week or so in the mountains without a shower. I always toss in a 2- pack of baby wipes or face wipes. It's amazing how refreshing it feels, and great to avoid getting heavy zinc sun protection all over your expensive clothes and sleeping bag.
5) Himali Altocumulus Jacket. The Altocumulus is the perfect mid-weight down puffy and is incredibly versatile. I basically live in it on expedition. It's so light and packs down so much that I can't justify NOT throwing it in my pack! It's tough and looks good too.
...Weather Abates on Manaslu...
Great news from the Himalayas, the bad weather has past and as Tendi Sherpa says "the mountains are smiling and we are smiling too"
The team will head back up the mountain for their final rotation tomorrow morning. The plan is to climb and sleep at Camp One, then Camp Two the following night, tag Camp Three returning to Camp Two on the third night and then back down to Base Camp on the fourth day to recuperate before their final summit push.
The whole team (clients and Sherpa alike) are doing great and are super motivated and hoping that conditions remain kind.
Here are some fresh photos of their smiling faces & Base Camp
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team Awaiting the Weather...
The team are safely back at Manaslu Base Camp after successfully spending a night at Camp One.
They were due to tag Camp Two but made the wise decision to retreat back to Base Camp in order to wait out some weather that is passing through the Manaslu region and stay out of harm's way.
They will head back up the mountain as soon as conditions allow.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Tagged C1 on Manaslu...
The CTSS Manaslu team have done their first foray onto the peak completing a long glacier traverse to tag Camp 1 successfully. They have descended back to Base Camp.
They will enjoy a rest day today and tomorrow move up to Camp 2 where the route starts to get a little more engaging before retreating back to Camp 1 for the night as part of their acclimatization.
Sherpa team have moved all logistics and cached up to Camp 2 ready for their arrival.
All well on the hill and everyone in great spirits.
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Base Camp...
The team touched down in Base Camp on Wednesday and are doing great.
We chose to employ a conservative acclimatization schedule to allow climbers' bodies time to adjust so the team have spent the last few days settling in, running through gear and strategy etc and doing a training day to refresh their skills before they head out onto the Manaslu Glacier and begin their climb in earnest.
Today they are doing their Puja Ceremony to pray for a safe expedition as it is an auspicious day and tomorrow they will climb to camp 1 which is about 5,700m before returning again to Base Camp as part of their acclimatization.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team Trekking In...
The Manaslu team are doing great and continuing their trek into BC expecting to arrive the day after tomorrow. They've just arrived at Samagau for lunch.
Everyone did really well coming across the high point on the trek - Larke Pass at 5,100m.
The team are expected into Base Camp the day after tomorrow. News from the peak is that the ropes have already been fixed to Camp 3 which will spread the traffic out which is always welcome news.
Manaslu is the highest peak in the Gorkha District and is located about 64km from Annapurna. The word means 'Mountain of the Spirit and comes from the Sanskrit 'Manasa' meaning 'soul' or 'intellect.
It was first climbed in 1956 by Japanese mountaineers Toshio Imanishi & Gyalzen Norbu.
All going well,
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team begin Trek...
The CTSS Manaslu Team are just beginning their trek into Base Camp having completed their two days worth of driving from Kathmandu to Dharapani.
They will be really excited to stretch their legs and get the blood pumping in the mountain air and feel like the expedition is truly underway.
The trek to the 8th highest peak in the world standing at 8,156m should take 5 days.
...Manaslu Team Arrive...
The CTSS Manaslu team have touched down safely into Kathmandu ready to trek into Manaslu Base Camp with all the necessary permits in place. They will depart tomorrow morning at 8am towards Beshisar. It will take 9 days to reach Base Camp with 2 days of driving and 7 days of trekking which will give the team a great acclimatization foundation.
They'll check in when they can and we'll be in contact on the satellite phone throughout the expedition so make sure you check back into the blog regularly for updates but please remember that no news is good news and there will be times where we go a few days between dispatches.
Excited to get underway!
Cheers,
Caroline
