Makalu Expedition 2004 lead by Norwegian Sven Gangdal: Update 11

Nepal has great trouble with the Maoists, a separatist-group claiming that their goal is to make a revolution, and overthrow the government of today. The Maoists in certain parts of Nepal are claiming the right to charge a fee from expeditions, and in particular in the Makalu-area. In this area, you can’t find police or military units. As a result of this, our trekking-team was demanded to pay 40.000 rupees in a Maoist checkpoint in Seduwa, a small village on the route to BC. This is a ordinary happening, and is going on in quite civilized manners, you even get a receipt for your “contribution” to Maoists!

Our expedition, represented by me (Sven) had 4 negotiation meetings with the Maoist commander of Seduwa district, and made a deal that made us agree to some commitments on our return, but we didn’t pay a single rupee. This is an outstanding deal, and we have never heard of anything like it! Brit og Stian are in BC now. They are going up the mountain tomorrow, if the weather permits it, their goal is to climb as high as possible. Sad enough, it seems that Brit has no possibility to reach 8000 mtrs, she’s still exhausted in C1 at 6500 mtrs. Her main target now, is Makalu La (C2) at 7500 mtrs, with oxygen. Stian still wants to have a go at the summit, and we’re all exited about his try. Tomorrow I will return to lower altitudes, I don’t see the meaning of sitting up here in the gravel for eleven days, waiting for the others. At this time, I’m longing for trees, flowers and grass, and 1000 mtrs lower than here, I will find myself in a rhododendron Forrest!  Us 3 Norwegians are planning to leave BC, on 4. may, together with the first group of carriers. Peppino and Mick has decided to stay a bit longer, depending on how their first try at the summit works out. Brit, Stian or myself, will land at Gardermoen Airport, Oslo, at 16. may, and we really are looking forward to that. We haven’t had any problems or difficulties so far, and we have been called "the smiling and lucky expedition", all the way. Everyone has predicted that we should have a big success, and we did! Warm greetings from Sven Gangdal

Sven Gangdal and Dawa Chhiri Sherpa (A) reached the summit, 09.15 April 21th

Dispatches

 

Altitech2: Digital Altimeter, Barometer, Compass and Thermometer. Time/Date/Alarms. Chronograph with 24 hour working range. Timer with stop, repeat and up function. Rotating Bezel. Leveling bubble. Carabiner latch. E.L. 3 second backlight. Water resistant. 4" x 2-1/4" x 3/4" 2 oz. Requires 1 CR2032 battery. See more here.

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