Trip Reports

Altai Climber - 6 to 23 Aug '05

On the lower slopes of Khuiten
Trip Report

Written by Leader, September 2005

After an interesting stop over in Beijing, where we had the opportunity for some sight-seeing, the team reached Ulaan Baatar, capital of Mongolia. The feeling of remoteness steadily increased as we completed the plane journey to Olgi, jeep ride to the road head and trek to base camp. Only a few kilometres away was the border with Russia and China. The weather was a strange mix of brilliant warm sunshine from a blue sky coupled with a biting wind, which must have originated in Siberia.

After a couple of days on the glacier and hills close to base camp, we established high camp in fine weather. Next day seven of the team were pleased to be on the summit of Khuiten, Mongolia’s highest mountain 4,374m. A relaxing afternoon at high camp set us up well for an ascent of Nairandal (4,180m) the next morning in time for sunrise.

We returned to base camp and continued to enjoy the excellent food and hospitality extended to us by our Kazakh support crew. The journey back to Ulaan Baatar and on to London seemed to pass all too quickly, but left us with lasting memories of a successful visit to a fascinating and beautiful country.

John Armstrong, expedition leader « | »

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