After numerous unsuccessful attempts, the second highest mountain in the world, the K2 (8611 meters above sea level), was first climbed in winter. A pure Sherpa team managed this.
The K2 was the last 8 meter in the world that had not yet been climbed in winter. Experienced teams tried several times to climb the summit in the Himalayas in the winter months - without success. Then yesterday the expedition company Seven Summits Treks announced the following message:
We made it!
Seven Summit Treks
On January 16, 2021, 16.58:2 p.m., a ten-person team reached the summit of the second highest mountain in the world, KXNUMX, for the first time in winter. The group included Nirmal Purja, Gelje Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma G, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa and Dawa Tenjing Sherpa.
Sergi Mingote's death overshadows success
A total of 50 mountaineers in three expedition groups set themselves the goal of trying the first winter ascent of K2 this season. The success of the Sherpa team was overshadowed by the fatal accident of the Spanish alpinist Sergi Mingote.
The Spaniard was in the descent from Camp 1 to Advanced Base Camp when he unexpectedly fell and fell to Advanced Base Camp. His GPS indicated a fall of 500 meters. The help of Alex Gavan, Tamara, two Polish climbers and a medical team came too late.
Sergi Mingote tried to climb the K2 without additional oxygen.
We will publish a detailed report on the first winter ascent of K2 and the expedition teams present on Monday.
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Credits: Cover picture Seven Summit Treks