Sherpas are hoping to get success this time in reaching summit of Kangchenjunga after three years
Dream Wanderlust | Apr 20 , 2018
Kangchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world did not witness summit since 2015. This year almost 40 climbers with their support staff are now staying at Kangchenjunga Base Camp (South West Face) to attempt summit. Mingma Sherpa who has climbed all 14 eight thousanders, owner of Seven Summit Treks, in a conversation with Indian Climber Umesh Zirpe for DW said that the reason behind not achieving success on Kangchenjunga was inadequacy of man power. But, this year he is hopeful about reaching the summit. "The primary reason was shortage of man power. This year due to presence of adequate man power summit is possible," he said.
Sangay Phuri Sherpa is now at Base Camp with his clients expecting to reach summit this year. However, Sangay is worried a bit about the weather at Kangchenjunga region. "It all depends on the weather conditions. If the weather is good I will go for the ascent else no," he clearly pointed out. He also mentioned about the long summit approach. "The mountain is good but the summit approach is very lengthy," Sangay told in an interview with Umesh for DW.
Mingma Sherpa also pointed out that the support system plays an important role while attempting summit. "Man power plays a very vital role in summiting Kangchenjunga. Summit day is very long. A lot of man power is required, one to fix rope, one to fix route, one to accompany the climbers etc." he added.
Many climbers including Nepali climber Maya Sherpa, Italian Climber Marco Confortola, Indian climber Arjun Vajpai, ONGC team from India, Speed Climber Don Bowie from Canada are now preparing for acclimatization on the mountain hoping to get success this year. Maya Sherpa is attempting Kangchenjunga hoping to summit as the first Nepali woman. Marco Confortola, who already climbed 10 eight thousanders, plans to climb Kangchenjunga without supplemental oxygen. Whereas Don Bowie plans to attempt a speed summit without supplemental oxygen. Arjun Vajpai, who plans to attempt unsupported and without supplemental oxygen stated that, "Its been our third night up here. 4th day looks good. We are well acclimatised. We are at an altitude of 5400m. We will be having our puja tomorrow and mostly after that we start climbing towards Camp-1.", on 19th April 2018 from the advanced Kangchenjunga Base Camp.
