Ines Papert: Just a few hours too late, turned back on Mount Kyzyl Asker (Kyrgyzstan) – only 200 metres below the summit.

A story by Ines Papert

Ines Papert, Thomas Senf and Wolfgang Russegger journeyed to the southeastern region of Kyrgyzstan on September 21, 2010; to attempt a first-ascent in alpine-style on the South-East face of Mount Kyzyl Asker, which tops out at 5,842 meters. Due to extremely nasty weather conditions, they made two attempts on the wall, only to be stopped just 200 meters below the summit. But for these climbers, one thing is certain: We’ll be back! Improvisational abilities and spontaneity were well-tested on the first day of the journey. The original plan, to travel from the capital city of Bishek to the Kookshai Too Mountains with a truck, had to be abandoned. The onset of winter came too early this year. Not only the budget, but also the time-schedule would be compromised, and it left them with the only possible alternative: to backtrack 350 kilometers on the street, to Naryn.

To read the full story by Ines, please visit her website http://ines-papert.de/en/highlights/description/kyzyl

Photo Credit: Hans Ambühl