Everest 2009: Seven Summits Club Expedition: More Summit plans

Tomorrow 16 May "7 summits Club" planning to start summit attempt. 9 Clients, 4 guides, 11 Sherpas start 16 May to Camp 1. In Camp 2 we will make decision how to split team for 2 parts, depending from members condition. We waited in BC 12 days and condition of some members changed. We planned to climb to Summit of Everest 20 and 21 of May. Best reguards, Olga Seven Summits Club

Earlier: Everest 2009. The entire team has successfully reached the summit. We are proud to report that the entire team has successfully reached the summit yesterday shortly past midday! Team pictures were taken on the summit of .... Kala Patthar at 5550m. Since we all were stuck at the Base Camp for several days in a row because of bad weather, all felt that something needed to be accomplished, a short break from the camp had to be taken, and some work must be given to our muscles which got way too used to tent-ridden horisontal positions. Hense, we took a 1.5 hr hike to Gorak Shep, the last permanent outpost of "civilization" before the Base Camp, and onto Kala Patthar, a nearby summit offering magnificent panorama of the Khumbu glacier, the Base Camp and the Everest Summit, together with the North Col and the south Col of the mountain. A few minutes after we summited a strong winds from the nearby Pumori "blew" us down to Gorak Shep where we had a little celebratory lunch.

Now that the weather has stabilized (knock on wood) we are finally bound for the ultimate summit push. Needless to say everybody is psyched and is busy checking the inventory of everything one might need on the mountain. We are scheduled to head up the Ice Fall before dawn tomorrow morning (May 16), with subsequent stops at Camps 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the way to the Summit. Provided everything runs smoothly, we will be on the mountain during the next 7-10 days.

Stay tuned!

Best reguards
Olga Rumiantseva
7 Summits Club

News and photos from 7 Summits Club expedition.

Leader of the Seven Summits Club failed in a crack in the Base camp of Everest.

Seven Summits Club expedition celebrated Victory Day in the Base camp of Everest. Preparations for the festive evening took the entire day. Club Guides Max Bogatyryov and Viktor Bobok set generator and karaoke. Sherpas prepared food and drink. But suddenly the holiday was threatened. And the Seven Summit Club's expedition almost lost its leader. In anticipation of the celebration of the Victory Day, Alexander Abramov came round the base camp, inviting guests from other expeditions. On the road from the Alpine Ascents BC to Seven Summits Club's BC Alex failed to the ice crack filled with water. Only the cap remained dry. He tried to communicate with their guides on the radio, but radio wet and did not working. "It is insulting to die at the base camp" - thought Alex and with great difficulty got out of the cracks. He squeezed out thermal underwear and puff. Abramov had to drink 200 grams of vodka, and drink after 100 grams of whiskey to the end that didn't ill.
Just an hour later started festive evening devoted to the Victory Day. The evening was held at a high level. There were many distinguished guests: guides of Russell Bruise, Karri Kobler, Dawa Stiven and his customers, Kazakh expedition lead by Ervand Ilyinsky, Boris Korshunov and Abu Elmezov. This evening completed a week of rest. Seven Summits Club expedition on Everest entered to the final stage. In the coming days, participants will be on the ascent.

Earlier: While participants` Seven Summit Club Everest expedetion rest in the forest and preparing for ascension we can see some new photos

The last 4 days have been crowned with some success. All participants of 7 Summits Club expedition by 2 teams visited the camps 1,2,3. Up to 7300m.

Wall Lhodze now full of tents, but the best place as always with us: 6 tents filled with food and fuel, one Sherpa sits in each and waves hand to climbers.

Now we have one serious problem - icefall. It is falls. And strange that so far no one not killed.

Today, for all participants were declared a holiday until 9 th May evening. Some people went down in woods at an altitude of 4000m, and some stayed near the warm Internet.
Internet, as well as gas in the base camp, unlimited

Alexander Abramov, head of the expedition to Everest Seven Summits Club.

Earlier: A couple of days ago the entire group bid farewell to Phillipe Bourlet, who left the climb for his native Grenoble, France. For further climbs two sub-groups were formed:

Team One: Andrei, Vladimir, Dmitry, Michael and Eric

Team Two: Lynn, Noel, Patric and John.

Team One is heading up the Ice Fall tomorrow, April 29, for the final acclimatization trip that will go through C1 and ABC to Camp 3 (7300m) and on to Geneva Spur (7800m). Team two will take the same route one day later. Both teams will attempt the entire route without use of supplemental oxygen.

The wind has died overnight and it is a beautiful sunny and hot day at the Base Camp. Reports from ABC are that all the supplimentary hardware and other material has been brought up to the camp. Thus, the fly-away kitchen tent, toilet tent (with the barrell?), and collapsed dining tent and member tents should all be restored by the time Team One reaches ABC on April 30.

April,29 Today the first group of climbers go to Camp 1. At the camp they will surprise. Today Dmitry Nikitin celebrating his birthday. In honor of this event, the chef at a Camp 1 prepared celebratory pie of rice. Who comes first, to get more.
Seven Summits Club congratulates Dmitry Happy Birthday

Yesterday, Alexander Abramov, met with leaders of other expeditions and they said that they planning to climb to May,9.

Earlier: News and photos from 7 Summits Club expedition.

It is a rest day at the Base Camp after going to Camp 2 - Advanced Base Camp (ABC). Our ABC is located right at the foot of Mt. Everest's Western wall and overlooks other camps at the location. From ABC one looks straight at Western Cwm - a giant amphitheater made up by the Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse wall. From ABC we could also see our future route climbing Lhotse face, crossing the site of Camp 3 (7300m) and continuing accross the Yelow band (a distinct layer of light rock crossing the black wall from left to right). The route then crosses Geneva Spur (7600m) and leads onto South Col - a saddle between Everest and Lhotse at roughly 8000m, and the site of our future Camp 4, the summit camp. It was windy at times during the trip, but overall everybody made it fine through this acclimatization trip and through spending a night at Camp 1 and another at ABC. Our time of crossing Khumbu Ice Fall was significantly better - about half of the time it took us the first tme around. Today we learned that high winds raked Western Cwm and some of the tents at ABC got flattened by it, so the camp has to be partially reconstructed in the coming days. We plan our next climb after several days' rest, probably towards the second half of the week of April 27.

April, 22. As the days are getting longer and the Sun is becoming warmer we are getting ready to head up for our second acclimatization trip tomorrow. Given earlier sunrise we are planning for a 5 am start up the Icefall. We will spend next two nights in Camp 1 (6000m)and Camp 2 (6400m) before heading back to Base Camp on Saturday.

Today is the rest day.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

We convened for lunch

Our kitchen

Our lunch

Noel in BC
Noel Hanna, Everest Summitter (summitted in 2006 with our 7 Summits Club team from the North)

Dmitry Nikitin | 23.04.2009 - 11:30

The entire team returned to the base camp today after successful acclimatization trip to Camp 1 at 6000m. Crossing Khumbu Icefall was the first serious exercise of the trip. The Icefall is constantly moving, so we had to leave early before the sun started to melt the ice formations, some of which reach the height of a 5-6 storey building. The reward at the end of the trip was an awesome view of Mt Everest (which can't be seen from the Base Camp), the Western Cwm, which we will have to cross during the climb, and the peaks of Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Pumori and Nuptse.

We stayed overnight at Camp 1. Just prior to heading back down the Icefall at 5:30 am we learned that there was an ice avalanche overnight, so half of our trip down the Fall took place across the terrain that was changed beyond recognition from the previous day. Here near Mt Everest one is truly confronted face to face with the nature's awesome might.

Earlier: Buddhist puja ceremony this morning officially opened our camp and the blessing was given to the climb, the climbers and climbing gear. Now buddhist prayer flags criss-cross the camp.

In the afternoon the climbing team made its first incursion to Khumbu Ice Fall. The roundtrip took 3 hours during which the equipment was checked, and tested. We crossed crevasses, two of them with the help of aluminum ladders. Today's short climb offered spectacular panorama of the basecamp and surrounding peaks.

Today all the participants of the Everest expedition led by Alexander Abramov arrived to the Base Camp. They had a holiday dinner on this subject. During the lunch Alex Abramov announced the in the following days. In the next two days, participants will have a rest, check the equipment and training on the ice. And then they will go to the ABC (6400m).

The expedition arrived in the camp

7 Summits Club: 1. "Himalayan Women to Seven Summits" will go with Alex Abramov.
Alexander Abramov (Leader of the "7 Summits Club") from Kathmandu:
Today we met with the Nepalese women's team, which realizing a 7 Summits project. We have signed a formal agreement to organize the climb expedition to Elbrus (the highest mountain in Europe) for Himalayan Women's Seven Summits team. The agreement has one indispensable condition - participation of Alexander Abramov in Elbrus expedition as a guide.

2. The first rock climbing competition in Kathmandu.
March, 25 today the first rock climbing competition took place in Kathmandu. The whole staff of Seven Summits Club and all the Sherpas took part in this competition.

The competition was held in the Asian Trekking office.

In the competition participated not only 9 Sherpas (2 had already left for Namche Bazar), 3 teams cooks, and the leader of the Everest expedition Alexander Abramov participated in the competitions. He opened the competition, explained the rules and participated in competition in the category "Cooks".

The arbiter was Mr Ang Tshering Sherpa - President of Nepal Mountaineering Federation.

Referees: Nikolay Cherny and Maxim Bogatirev - guides of our expedition and Expedition's Sirdar Mingma Gelu Sherpa.

Photo - Elena Abramova.

In the category "Cooks" the prize pool was $ 20. Cook Dorji Sherpa took the first place and the prize. Abramov was second.

In the class "Climbing Sherpas" there was hard struggle with real qualification, and the semi-finals. Dzang Bu Sherpa was the first and received $ 100.Second place and $ 50 was taken by Pemba Sherpa.

Then was the holiday breakfast after which there was announced the official start of the Everest expedition.

On March 27 all Sherpas, cooks and guides will take off to Lukla.

Earlier: March 20, the advance team for Seven Summits Club Everest Expedition start off for Katmandu. The team consisting of: Abramov Alexander (leader), Nikolay Cherny (guide), Maxim Bogatiryov (guide). They arrived in Nepal before the whole group, to prepare everything necessary for the expedition. Then Nicholay Cherny and Maxim Bogatyryov will go to the Everest Base Camp for arrangement to the arrival of participants.
The expedition will take place from 20 March to 10 June 2009.
For Alexander Abramov (Captain Seven Summits Club and permanent Leader of Seven Summits Club Everest expeditions) it is seventh expedition to Everest. But this expedition is unique in many ways. It is the first time when Seven Summits Club conduct the expedition to the south of Everest from Nepal. Secondly, usually composed of members of the expedition was a majority of Russians. This year a large part of the group consist of the citizens of other countries.

The list of participants of expedition:

KHUTOROVSKY Vladimir (Russia)
CARPENCO Andrey (Russia)
NIKITIN Dmitry (Russia)
Mr Philippe Burlet (France)
RAVENSTIJN Erik (Germany)
MARIN Michael James (USA)
CRELLIN John Anthony (Great Britain)
SINGH Patrick Rajnaraine (Canada)
HANNA Lynne (Great Britain)
HANNA Noel Richmond (Great Britain)

The head: Abramov Alexander (Alex)

Guides:
Nikolay Cherny (Russia)
Maksim Bogatirev (Russia)
Viktor Bobok (Russia)

Doctor and base camp manager:
Avaz Makthalikov

Earlier: Alex Abramov, 7 Summits Club Everest expedition has now added a South side expedition in 2009 to go with his North side expedition. Alex on the Tibet Side of Everest plans has 16 members, 17 Sherpas, 5 guides, a Doctor and 5 cooks for the expedition. It is assumed Alex and his large team of Sherpas will do most the route fixing this year on Everest North side. Unclear the numbers for the South side, but demand is high for expedition permits and places on expeditions.

This is a picture of the popular South Col Route up Mt. Everest. Base camp is located at 17,500 feet. This is where climbers begin their true trip up the mountain. This is also where support staff often remain to monitor the expeditions and provide medical assistance when necessary. Many organizations offer hiking trips which just go to base camp as the trip is not technically challenging (though you must be very fit).

From base camp, climbers typically train and acclimate (permitting the body to adjust to the decreased oxygen in the air) by traveling and bringing supplies back and forth through the often treacherous Khumbu Icefall. This training and recuperation continues throughout the climb, with the final summit push often being the only time to climbers do not go back and forth between camps to train, bring supplies, and recuperate for the next push.

The Icefall is in constant motion. It contains enormous ice seracs, often larger than houses, which dangle precariously over the climbers heads, threatening to fall at any moment without warning, as the climbers cross endless crevasses and listen to continuous ice creaking below. This often acts as a testing ground to judge if less experienced climbers will be capable of continuing. The Icefall is located between 17,500 and 19,500 feet.

Camp I - 5900 meters

After the Icefall, the climbers arrive at Camp I, which is located at 19,500 feet. Depending on the type of expedition, Camp I will either be stocked by the climbers as they ascend and descend the Icefall, or by Sherpas in advance.

The area between Camp I and Camp II is known as the Western Cwm. As the climbers reach Camp II at 21,000 feet, they may be temporarily out of sight of their support at Base camp. Nonetheless, modern communication devises permit the parties to stay in contact.

Camp II - 6500 meters

As the climbers leave Camp II, they travel towards the Lhotse face (Lhotse is a 27,920 foot mountain bordering Everest). The Lhotse face is a steep, shiny icy wall. Though not technically extremely difficult, one misstep or slip could mean a climber's life. Indeed, many climbers have lost their lives through such mishaps.

Camp III - 23,700 feet (7200 meters)

To reach Camp III, climbers must negotiate the Lhotse Face. Climbing a sheer wall of ice demands skill, strength and stamina. It is so steep and treacherous that many Sherpas move directly from Camp II to Camp IV on the South Col, refusing to stay on the Lhotse Face.

Camp IV - 26,300 feet (8000 meters)

As you�re leaving C4�it�s a little bit of a down slope, with the uphill side to the left. There are typically snow on the ledges to walk down on, interspersed with rock, along with some fixed rope. The problem with the rope is that the anchors are bad, and there�s not much holding the rope and a fall could be serious. Fortunately it�s not too steep, but there is a ton of exposure and people are usually tired when walking down from camp. The rock is a little down sloping to the right as well, and with crampons on, it can be bit tricky with any kind of wind. There�s a little short slope on reliable snow which leads to the top of the Geneva Spur, and the wind pressure gradient across the spur can increase there as you�re getting set up for the rappel. Wearing an oxygen mask here can create some footing issues during the rappel, because it�s impossible to see over the mask and down to the feet. For that reason, some people choose to leave Camp 4 without gas, as it�s easier to keep moving down the Spur when it�s important to see all the small rock steps and where the old feet are going. Navigating down through all of the spaghetti of fixed ropes is a bit of a challenge, especially with mush for brains at that point. One lands on some lower ledges which aren�t so steep, where fixed ropes through here are solid. At this point, it�s just a matter of staying upright, and usually, the wind has died significantly after dropping off the Spur. The route turns hard to the left onto the snowfield that leads to the top of the Yellow Bands.

Camp IV, which is at 26,300 on the Lhotse face, is typically the climbers' first overnight stay in the Death Zone. The Death Zone is above 26,000 feet. Though there is nothing magical about that altitude, it is at this altitude that most human bodies lose all ability to acclimate. Accordingly, the body slowly begins to deteriorate and die - thus, the name "Death Zone." The longer a climber stays at this altitude, the more likely illness (HACE - high altitude cerebral edema - or HAPE - high altitude pulmonary edema) or death will occur. Most climbers will use oxygen to climb and sleep at this altitude and above. Generally, Sherpas refuse to sleep on the Lhotse face and will travel to either Camp II or Camp IV.

Camp IV is located at 26,300 feet. This is the final major camp for the summit push. It is at this point that the climbers make their final preparations. It is also a haven for worn-out climbers on their exhausting descent from summit attempts (both successful and not). Sherpas or other climbers will often wait here with supplies and hot tea for returning climbers.

From Camp IV, climbers will push through the Balcony, at 27,500 feet, to the Hillary Step at 28,800 feet. The Hillary Step, an over 70 foot rock step, is named after Sir. Edmond Hillary, who in 1953, along with Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to summit Everest. The Hillary Step, which is climbed with fixed ropes, often becomes a bottleneck as only one climber can climb at a time. Though the Hillary Step would not be difficult at sea level for experienced climbers, at Everest's altitude, it is considered the most technically challenging aspect of the climb.

Summit - 29,028 feet (8848 meters)

Once the climbers ascend the Hillary Step, they slowly and laboriously proceed to the summit at 29,028 feet. The summit sits at the top of the world. Though not the closest place to the sun due to the earth's curve, it is the highest peak on earth. Due to the decreased air pressure, the summit contains less than one third the oxygen as at sea level. If dropped off on the summit directly from sea level (impossible in reality), a person would die within minutes. Typically, climbers achieving the great summit will take pictures, gain their composure, briefly enjoy the view, then return to Camp IV as quickly as possible. The risk of staying at the summit and the exhaustion from achieving the summit is too great to permit climbers to fully enjoy the great accomplishment at that moment.

As most readers of this page know, the return trip can be even more dangerous than the climb to the summit.