2009 expedition to Baruntse (7129 m)

Location

Other names	:	Baruntze, Barun Tse
Altitude	:	7,129 meters, 23,389 feet; sometimes 7,220 meters, 23,687 feet
Coordinates	:	N27.872337°, E86.979436°
1st ascent	:	30 May 1954 by Colin Todd and Geoff Harrow

Baruntse is situated in Nepal between Everest and Makalu. Baruntse, a substantial and symetrical snow peak, has four ridges and four summits. It is bounded on the east by the Barun Glacier flowing north-south from Cho, to the north-west by the Imja glacier and the Hunku glacier forms the south-east boundary. The three main ridges of Baruntse are situated between these glaciers and form an upturned 'Y'running from Cho Polu (6695m) in the north past the Humni La, on to the north summit where it divides. Other well known mountains in this area are Makalu, Lhotse, Chamlang, Everest and the trekking peak Mera Peak

To reach the base of the mountain, several approaches are possible. One can trek from Lukla over the Mera-La to base camp or one can trek from Tumlingtar via Makalu base camp. The latter approach is more demanding, because 2 high passes have to be conquered, the East Col (or Sherpani Col) and West Col (both around 6100 m). The West Col is also the location of camp 1 and the start of the South-East Ridge to the summit.

On the picture above you can find the Baruntse summit in the shade just below that cloud in the center. The very wide col on the right hand side is the West Col (6100 m). The photo is taken from Baruntse base camp, facing east.

You can also download the KML file with this itinerary and load it in Google Earth. After loading this file in Google Earth you have to click the 'PLAY' button, which will start the tour.

Age at the time: 49
Age today:
Profession: business analyst

Otto attempted Aconcagua and summitted Mera Peak (6476 m), Elbrus East Peak (5621 m) and Kilimanjaro (5895 m) as well as some peaks in the Alps. He is also a rock climber, ice climber and snowshoeer. In 2008 he successfully climbed Mount Rainier (4392 m) and in 2010 Naya Kanga (5844 m) in Nepal.

Age at the time: 37
Age today:
Profession: food scientist

Marja attempted Aconcagua and Mera Peak and summitted Elbrus East Peak (5621 m). She is also a rock climber, ice climber and snowshoeer. In 2008 she successfully climbed Mount Rainier (4392 m) and in 2010 Naya Kanga (5844 m) in Nepal.

Age at the time: 41
Age today:
Profession: customs officer

Antonio succesfully climbed Aconcagua (6962 m) and Dufourspitze (4634 m) as well as some other Alpine peaks. In 2009 he attempted a winter climb of Mont Blanc. He is also an enthusiastic rock climber.

Age at the time: 41
Age today:
Profession: climbing guide

Ngima has been on the summits of Cho Oyu (8201 m) and Ama Dablam (6812 m) as well as many trekking peaks (6000+) in Nepal. In 2000 he reached an altitude of 8600 m on Mount Everest. He also climbed in Thailand and the Alps in Europe.

Ngima runs a trekking and mountaineering agency in Kathmandu.