tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80177584650400677312011-12-13T23:17:48.204-08:00Climb Nepal with Joe Puryear and David Gottlieb.Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-35824111524202839242011-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:002011-12-06T15:33:47.100-08:00

On October 27, 2010, Joe Puryear died while climbing in Tibet. Just before he departed for his last adventure, Joe set up the joepuryearimages.com website to feature his photography and make it available for others to purchase and enjoy. These images are stunning and capture Joe's vision of the world. His enthusiasm and love for exploration are present in each photo and hopefully will inspire

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-60250312550482706432010-09-06T10:06:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:07:41.372-07:00

Greetings Climb Nepal followers. First of all, a huge thanks to everyone that has come and visited our blog and followed our adventures the last few years. We really appreciate your support, comments, and good will.David and I are once again headed back to the Himalaya. For our latest adventure we will be exploring the remote Labuche Kang Massif in Tibet. We'll be posting on a new blog Climb

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-57898577558889883232010-04-10T11:50:00.000-07:002010-04-10T11:50:02.253-07:00

I've uploaded a few short video clips of our Takargo climb.  You can view all my videos here: http://www.vimeo.com/joepuryear, or view them below.  A full account of the climb can be found below, or at http://climbnepal.blogspot.com/2010/03/first-ascent-of-takargo.html Enjoy!   David Gottlieb climbing up the East Face on the first peak ascent of Takargo (6,771 meters) in the Rolwaling

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-20221563422787854222010-03-24T10:36:00.000-07:002010-03-24T11:05:46.053-07:00

In one of our biggest overall mountain climbing efforts ever, David and I completed the first peak ascent of Takargo (6,771 meters) in the Rolwaling Himal of Nepal via the east face, summiting at 2:30 p.m. on March 12, 2010. The climb was completed in a 12-day effort, without a rest day, round trip from the small Sherpa village of Beding (3,700 meters), where we had spent most of the previous

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-61747422799701756072010-03-22T13:25:00.000-07:002010-03-24T11:11:42.207-07:00

Beyul: a sacred hidden valley of the Himalaya Wow, I sit here in Kathmandu after such an amazing adventure, I hardly know where to start.  The trip for us had three very distinct portions all of them working together to form a perfect journey.  One was the ice-climbing, which I will expound on in this post.  Secondly was an amazing chance to live independently amongst a well-preserved Sherpa

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-89473328862464659922010-03-14T20:54:00.001-07:002010-03-14T21:02:36.296-07:00

Joe and David reached the summit of Takargo on 3/12/10, and descended safely back to the Tradkarding glacier. The long awaited snow of the winter has arrived making travel a bit slower. They expect to be back in Beding on 3/16/10, where they will rest for a few days before traveling back to Kathmandu. Check back in 10 days, they expect to have the blog updated then.

Michellenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-39304725603674192422010-03-10T20:30:00.001-08:002010-03-10T20:40:36.889-08:00

After surveying the routes on the West Face, Joe and David, decided that the lack of snow this winter on the peak gave this route more objective danger and they decided to look at the East Face. After a long day, they called from an advanced base camp at 5,800 meters below the East Face. They intend to gain the ridge tomorrow and go for the summit the next day. The weather is holding and the

Michellenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-64812297190847219002010-03-07T22:22:00.000-08:002010-03-07T22:30:49.281-08:00

Joe and David have established their Base camp at 3,700 meters on the Tradkarding Glacier below the West face of Takargo. The weather is great and they are well acclimatized and feeling strong.Today they called from high camp at 5,200 meters where they were assessing the route.

Michellenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-75942349212595529452010-03-01T07:04:00.000-08:002010-03-22T07:55:51.431-07:00

Joe and David have successfully finished up the ice climbing portion of their adventure. The month in Beding has been amazing. They are well acclimatized and feeling healthy. They have enjoyed amazing ice, great weather, fabulous food prepared by the world famous vegan chef, Julie Hentrich, and the hospitality of the people of Beding. In the past week there have been two more festivals, the

Michellenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-63895467884230734682010-02-21T15:32:00.000-08:002010-02-21T15:38:35.740-08:00

Taking a well needed rest day after three more great days on the ice.Adding to the list: 3 Pitch WI43 Picth WI52 Pitch WI6 Joe and David are acclimatizing well, climbing at 4300 meters and feeling great. They will be moving camp up valley in the coming week. More to come....

Michellenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-37110337487880543042010-02-17T21:37:00.000-08:002010-02-18T07:49:39.894-08:00

Last weekend was the Lunar New Year and David, Joe and Julie celebrated the occasion with the townspeople of Beding. It has been an incredible week of good weather and great ice. The ice climbing has surpassed all of their expectations. It is plentiful, easy to access and free from objective danger. Climbing with Joe and David is Dawa Yang Zum Sherpa of Beding.So far they have climbed 7

Michellenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-38236781636302674992010-02-10T07:20:00.000-08:002010-02-10T07:30:44.296-08:00

David, Joe and Julie have made it to the town of Beding. They had a great trek and are now in the process of setting up their base camp. The weather had been good up until Monday, when six inches of well needed snow fell. Apparently the Himalayas have been exceptionally dry this winter with very little snowfall, this recent snow was welcome. Trekking in was a bit slower on this day, but

Michellenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-3018189414702627542010-02-04T20:40:00.000-08:002010-02-04T20:40:00.337-08:00

We'd like to extend a big thanks to all our sponsors and partners that have provided gear and support for this expedition: Sherpa Adventure Gear makes top quality climbing apparel. From base layers, soft shells, hard shells, synthetic and down insulation, and hats, we are outfitted head to toe. Sherpa Adventure Gear apparel is all made right here in Kathmandu.. Petzl manufactures excellent ice

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-14748365804613739182010-02-04T04:20:00.000-08:002010-02-04T04:21:23.479-08:00

The last three days has been a total whirlwind of activity.  But everything is on track and in order for a 6 a.m. departure tomorrow morning where we will take a local bus to the town of Shigati, and start our 4-day trek to Beding in the Rolwaling.  Here's a very brief update on what we've been up to. On the morning of Feb. 2nd, we met with Ms. Elizabeth Hawley for expedition briefing.  As usual

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-25968806712191818312010-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:002010-01-25T15:05:50.558-08:00

Welcome to Climb Nepal and thanks for joining us on another adventure!  David and I will arrive in Kathmandu on February 1st to prepare for a 2-month trip into the Rolwaling Valley in the Nepal Himalaya, west of the Khumbu. We have planned a dual-mission climbing trip. Our first mission is to explore the vast potential of ice climbing in the Rolwaling Valley, climbing and documenting as many

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-18807553183117105032009-11-09T16:59:00.000-08:002009-11-09T19:29:58.156-08:00

In February, David Gottlieb and I are headed back into the Himalaya for a first peak ascent climbing objective. Track our progress on this blog and stay tuned as we unveil our objectives.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-33332288898058938072009-11-09T16:41:00.000-08:002009-11-09T16:55:22.349-08:00

Joe has been invited by the Czech Republic to give a presentation at the Smíchovský Alpine Festival in Prague later this month about his and David's latest two first ascents in Nepal, Kang Nachugo and Jobo Rinjang. Other speakers include mountaineering greats Reinhold Messner and Boris Lorenčič as well as a host of other international alpinists. The festival runs the weekend of the November 20-

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-43691756144600700202009-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:002009-12-31T16:13:54.495-08:00

The 2009 Team:Joe Puryear_______ David Gottlieb_____ Made possible by the Lyman Spitzer Cutting Edge Award from:Gear Sponsors:Communication Support:Expedition Support:Press:From Climbing.com The First Ascent of Jobo Rinjang, NepalAmericans David Gottlieb and Joe Puryear have completed the first ascent of Jobo Rinjang (6,778 meters) in Nepal, near Nangpa La on the border with Tibet. The two

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-6086995389687477822009-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:002009-05-04T23:07:42.701-07:00

It is with great happiness that David and I report the first ascent of Jobo Rinjang (6,778 meters) via the direct south face, in the Khumbu Region of Nepal, climbing alpine style over 6 days (from April 20 to April 25), summiting on April 22nd.After a week's worth of scouting and further acclimatizing, we settled on what we determined to be possibly the only "safe" line that we could foresee

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-88201847166162552792009-04-29T05:29:00.000-07:002009-05-05T19:31:04.123-07:00

We left Namche Bazar on April 11 and reached the Sherpa settlement of Tarnga (4,050 meters). Not realizing the lack of lodges in Tarnga, we again got to stay with a wonderful Sherpa family that invited us into their home. The next day we hiked to base camp in Lunag (5,050 meters). Lunag was a small abandoned outpost, with a few dilapidated buildings. This is one of the first good spots where

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-74511210849091110112009-04-22T22:10:00.000-07:002009-04-29T22:17:39.197-07:00

It is with great excitement and appreciation that we would like to announce our receiving of the 2009 Spitzer Cutting Edge Award from the American Alpine Club. The award has been created to back American expeditions to the toughest alpine objectives in the world. From both David and I - our deepest gratitude goes out to the AAC. Thank you for helping us reach our climbing dreams!

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-45059737931656488912009-04-19T22:42:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:33:51.343-07:00

Joe and David made it to base camp in the village of Lunag on 4/12. After days of scouting the peak, they picked a hard but safe line they think will go. It is the direct South face of Jobo Rinjang at 6,778 meters.

Michellenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-74935097878156953792009-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:36:48.215-07:00

We're off and ready for our main course - The Lunag Massif. We got some great views of our objective from Kyajo Ri.Here it is:Another view of the Lunag Massif from the summit of Kyajo Ri:Most of our gear is already on its way to base camp. We hope to reach base camp in Lunak, on the 12th. We will then spend several days scouting out our objective and choosing a line, before attempting the

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-49998026181966685142009-04-09T00:24:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:37:20.598-07:00

David and I are back in Namche Bazaar after a great 7 days climbing Kyajo Ri (aka Kyazo Ri) - 6,186 meters.We started our adventure in Namche, with our fully loaded Cilo Gear packs with all of our climbing gear and food:The first day was very short to the small village of Mende (3,740 m), high on the hillside above the Thame valley and below the Kyajo Drangka - the hidden hanging valley that

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-20328779293043965962009-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:37:42.908-07:00

We're leaving tomorrow for Kyajo Ri. Our plan is to leave Namche fully loaded and walk up to the small town of Mende. From here we will head up the Kyajo Drangka, the long southerly drainage that comes off the south face of the mountain. We will take 8 days of food and work our way up to a high camp at 5,700 meters. From here we will make the final summit push on the southwest ridge.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-83243763670223101262009-03-31T22:39:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:31:38.410-07:00

On our trek, we found even more names for our mysterious peak. Here is a complete list of the names (including variations) we have found so far:Lunag RiLunak RiJobo RinzangJobo RibjangJobo RinjangJo RobsangRaungsiyarRaunsiyarPerhaps the name Jo Robsang was the most interesting, as this was the name a local in Lungden called it. From here, the eastern peak of 6,778 meters is visible. In fact,

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-56625962471228475632009-03-31T22:30:00.000-07:002009-04-01T21:52:24.846-07:00

On our trek, coming off of Cho La pass, we had the great pleasure to meet Andrew Lock - Australia's foremost high-altitude mountaineer. Andrew was extremely humble and low key and it wasn't till after 20 minutes of chatting that we figured out who he was and what he was up to. Andrew will be attempting to climb Shishapangma this spring, which will be his 14th and last 8,000 meter peak.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-21753487513732469032009-03-31T04:17:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:35:34.728-07:00

David I have arrived back in Namche Bazar after an amazing circuit of the Khumbu. We hit five points over 5,300 meters. Since I highly recommend this as a great way to acclimatize (and I don't have a ton of time to fill in the details), I'm going to write out what we did as an itinerary.Day 1 - Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) and make the short hike to Phakding.Day 2 - Hike to Namche Bazar (3440 m).Day

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-90147506193645918762009-03-28T08:56:00.000-07:002009-03-28T09:03:00.010-07:00

Joe and David are on Renjo la Pass. Feeling strong and healthy, everything is OK(message from sat phone)

Michellenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-64874812631937377602009-03-23T02:09:00.000-07:002009-03-23T02:27:38.704-07:00

David and I have arrived in Namche Bazar at 3,440 meters. Namche is the center of the Sherpa community here in the Khumbu Valley. It is very quiet here compared to past times I've visited. This is partly due to being a little early in the tourist season, and partly due to the fact that the Tibetan border is closed. There are no Tibetan traders in town and what is usually a sprawling market of

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-4554859870781098922009-03-21T03:59:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:36:15.300-07:00

It has finally rained here in Kathmandu so everything is looking much better. David and I are off to the Himalaya tomorrow morning. We will fly to Lukla, then spend two days hiking to Namche Bazaar. Our first goal is to spend some time acclimatizing by taking the loop over Renjo La, essentially circumnavigating Kyajo Ri. Then we will spend a week or so climbing Kyajo Ri, a beautiful looking

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-51241965625755371962009-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:002009-03-23T20:26:21.228-07:00

We'd like to extend a big thanks to all our sponsors and partners that have provided gear and support for this expedition:Sherpa Adventure Gear makes top quality climbing apparel. From base layers, soft shells, hard shells, synthetic and down insulation, and hats, we are outfitted head to toe. Sherpa Adventure Gear apparel is all made right here in Kathmandu. After our great success on Kang

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-23654283524279661362009-03-20T06:02:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:30:21.986-07:00

Today we met with the Nepal Ministry of Tourism and received our permit for Jobo Rinjang (6,666 meters). Apparently they might be interested in changing the name and the official elevation should we climb the peak, but we're not going to hold our breath. This time the visit was very quick and uninteresting, I guess this is a good thing! Our expedition will not officially start until April 15.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-7521653088593560552009-03-19T08:30:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:29:52.390-07:00

After meeting with Ms. Hawley, we can introduce even more confusion into our mysterious peak. Apparently there is yet another name for our peak. The newest name for our peak is "Lunag Ri", named after the glacier that sits at the southern base of the mountain and the small settlement of Lunag to the east. We believe this actually to be a more accurate name for the peak, and thus have changed

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-41663392415302727952009-03-18T05:01:00.000-07:002009-03-18T05:27:01.809-07:00

We have arrived in Kathmandu. Everything here is business as usual. The rolling electricity blackouts have become particularity bad, with power only coming on for 8 hours every 24 hours, in 4 hour blocks, with the block sometimes occurring in the middle of the night. This has made using the internet challenging at times, but as they say here "Kay Garnay", which is Nepali for "What to do?".The

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-38540784031193914142009-03-13T00:50:00.000-07:002009-05-03T05:28:50.942-07:00

On March 14, David Gottlieb and I are headed to the Nepal Himalaya to attempt Jobo Rinjang. Jobo Rinjang is a wild looking and massive unclimbed peak located on the Tibet/Nepalese border just west of Cho Oyu and southwest of Nangpa La Pass.Jobo Rinjang vs. Jobo Rabzang or Jobo RibjangThere is some naming confusion with the peaks in this area. There is a peak named Jobo Rabzang 12 kilometers to

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-48130452046554422262009-02-23T17:35:00.000-08:002009-03-03T08:41:19.032-08:00

In March, David Gottlieb and I are headed back into the Himalaya for another first peak ascent climbing objective. This one looks to be equally as exciting as Kang Nachugo. Track our progress on this blog and stay tuned as we unveil our objectives.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-48675421706863522762009-01-16T18:27:00.000-08:002009-01-17T11:03:42.792-08:00

It's not all about the mountains! While we are in the interim of expeditions, I thought I'd post a few images of some Nepali people that I have photographed over the years. Enjoy!!Black and Whites:Nepali Children:

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-72821895745131996792008-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:002009-02-23T17:31:24.840-08:00

The 2008 Team:Joe Puryear_______ David Gottlieb_____ Sponsors:Partners:Press:Climbing.comDesnivel.comGara.netKlettern.deNorthwest Mountain SchoolMontagna.tvMontanismo.orgMountEverest.netMount Rainier ClimbingPlanetMountain.comTatoo.clUKClimbing.comVelehory.czWspinanie.pl8264.comFrom the front page of Planet Mountain From Montansimo.org From Climbing.com The Exciting First Ascent of New

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-15374001142980694332008-11-28T09:55:00.000-08:002008-12-04T11:42:39.500-08:00

Here are some more images from our adventure. Though these images are in chronological order, they are only meant to compliment and fill in some of the gaps from the previous post. For the complete trip report of the first ascent of Kang Nachugo, please see the previous post (scroll down toward the bottom or click the following link): First Peak Ascent of Kang Nachugo (6,735 meters), Rolwaling

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-92209374149640991712008-11-05T03:48:00.000-08:002008-12-17T15:01:16.233-08:00

There still exists today large unclimbed peaks in the Himalaya. But they are generally very remote, closed to climbing, or perhaps uninteresting sub-peaks of larger mountains. To find one without these characteristics is not only rare, but also alludes to a very special peak. To find one that is the visual centerpiece of a major Himalayan valley, the Rolwaling; a peak that hundreds of

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-71379161536592885442008-10-25T08:10:00.000-07:002008-11-05T03:35:53.593-08:00

David and I have arrived in Namche Bazar after our great adventure. We have had success on making the first ascent of Kang Nachugo - a climb that was crazy and difficult beyond our wildest dreams. We made the ascent over 5 days, summitting on October 17. More on this later. We are both in great health, although our toes are a little numb. We will be back in Kathmandu in early November.

Michellenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-46135726487912441972008-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:28:03.964-07:00

We are leaving this morning. We are all going a little stir crazy in Thamel and are psyched to finally be on our way. From Kathmandu we will take a 6 hour ride to the trail head. From there it is a 6-day approach to base camp in the tiny Sherpa village of Na at the southern foot of Kang Nachugo. Our first objective will be to acclimatize on the trekking peak Ramdung (5,930 m) directly across

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-20883311381133766682008-09-16T18:41:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:25:39.666-07:00

A huge thanks goes out to Sherpa Adventure Gear for outfitting David and I for our 2008 Kang Nachugo Expedition. Sherpa Adventure Gear is a Sherpa-owned outdoor clothing manufacturer based in Nepal. It’s a very cool grassroots company that not only makes most of their gear in Nepal, employing many locals there, but they give back to the community from which they come by donating a portion of

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-58049298810610701212008-09-16T04:38:00.000-07:002008-09-16T18:47:16.219-07:00

Huge thanks goes out to Rajen Thapa, owner of Climb High. Raj and his company are clearly the experts in Himalayan trekking and expedition planning. Raj is a logistical mastermind, and his outstanding reputation combined with his excellent connections throughout Nepal and the mountaineering world, have proved to be a huge boon for our trip.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-36855653037119791312008-09-16T04:25:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:21:31.819-07:00

We finally got our necessary permissions for Kang Nachugo. It was quite the process, basically a lot of waiting around. We got to meet our liaison officer as well as our cook. The "briefing" wasn't much more than signing a bunch of paperwork. The best part was at the end when everybody stood up and clapped as they handed us the permit. More to come...

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-4490571649866120842008-09-14T02:12:00.000-07:002008-09-14T02:17:45.849-07:00

Today we had an interview with Jeevan Shrestha, Elizabeth Hawley’s assistant. Ms. Hawley’s title is the Himalayan Mountaineering Chronicler and is the nation’s foremost record keeper on climbing in Nepal. She has personally interviewed thousands of climbers that have come through Kathmandu over the years. She is also the co-creator of the Himalayan Database, which contains detailed records and

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-71853976569373833302008-09-12T23:19:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:20:45.438-07:00

We met with the Ministry of Tourism today and confirmed our plans for Kang Nachugo. The permit will take a few days to secure.Raj and I discussing permissions with the Ministry:We also visited the Sherpa Adventure Gear Nepal Headquarters. It was fun introducing the team to all my friends there. We look forward to test driving their gear on our upcoming trip.David with Ramkumar and Suren:

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-66121409233591215862008-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:002008-09-14T02:45:57.122-07:00

In case you were wondering, here is a basic explanation about the crazy permit system in Nepal.There are two main categories of peaks in Nepal: Those that are open to climbing, and those that are closed to climbing. Within those that are open to climbing, these are split into two more categories: Trekking Peaks and Expedition Peaks. Now, from what it sounds like, you may think that these are

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-980556468725726602008-09-11T22:36:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:32:09.422-07:00

We are here in Kathmandu Nepal. The 40 hours of travel from Seattle to here was uneventful, which is as good as you can hope for. Last night we met with my good friend Raj, owner of Climb High Himalaya, who is organizing our expedition. In addition to talking about some logistics, we drank a lot of beer and had some excellent Tibetan momo’s. Later today we will meet with the Nepal Ministry

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-23583503422539696132008-09-08T07:28:00.000-07:002008-11-08T18:06:32.837-08:00

We have solidified our plans and our expedition is being prepped in Kathmandu as we speak.We will be attempting the unclimbed peak Kang Nachugo (6,735 m, 22,103 ft.) - also sometimes spelled Kang Nagchugo - in the Rolwaling Himal, west of the Khumbu.In addition we will use two or three "trekking peaks" in the area for acclimatization; Ramdung (5,930 m), Parchamo (6,279 m), and Chekigo (6,257 m).

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017758465040067731.post-86550138301989427522008-08-17T22:20:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:14:03.863-07:00

On Tuesday, September 9th, David Gottlieb and I are headed to Kathmandu, Nepal for our Himalaya climbing adventure. Track our progress on this blog and stay tuned as we unveil our objectives.

Joe Puryearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961673853969677332noreply@blogger.com2