K2 2004: the story of Ali Hussain a 73 years old porter:  Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition

K2 2004 - 50 years later

On the walk with Ali, porter for more than 50 years

The second group of “K2 2004” on its way to K2 has reached Gore. From Gore Daniele Palazzina is telling us a short great story of Karakorum: the story of Ali Hussain a 73 years old porter.

Gore (4350 m): Today after arriving at Gore camp as usually we mingle with our porters and guide and between jokes and green tea we discover an overwhelming story.

One of our porters is over 70 years old. Every morning he is loading himself with 25 kg of material taking it to the next camp 6 – 9 hours of walk. We have a chat with this porter with the help of one of our guides called “Gigi” since his real name is impossible to remember.

The porter’s name is Ali Hussain, 73 years old. Ali has 4 wives and has always been working as a porter in Baltoro. In 1954 at the age of 23 our Ali was for sure already working as a porter. On an average porters start with their profession at the age of 15.

Ali does not remember in particular the Desio expedition but he is convinced to have been part of every expedition that has been crossing Baltoro.

At a distance of 50 years  Ali is employed in our expedition for the commemoration of the first ascent in the same role as 50 years ago. Figures maintain this assumption. Whether or not we just love the idea that Ali had accompanied Desio half a century ago and that today he is here with us…. Inshallah.

Ciao, Daniele

copyright Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition Expedition

 

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