Totally I arrived at base camp with five of them. Today we installed us here at 5250 meters. Part of our equipment is still at 4745 meters. The last stage of the trek takes you over the Barun glacier. For this ascent we have seven Sherpas who help us to carry up our material. These are about ten loads of 25 kg which have to be carried to the base camp.
 

 

 
For Robert, Andy and me the phase of acclimatisation starts. Röbi and Andy will try the route which was first ascended in 1955. My plan is still to go fort he west pillar solo and in the alpine style. Much will depend on the conditions and the weather. We would not bet he first ones to fail. But our motivation is big. We are looking forward to the time at the mountain. First of all we will install ourselves properly at BC and enjoy a couple of days of rest. Kaji – our cook – will spoil us with his culinary skills.

                                                                        Robert Bösch and Andy Wälchli


 
At the moment the weather forecast is quite unstable. This was predictable. We intentionally left so early. The weather should get more stable by mid of September. Until then we will have to accept with the humidity of the monsoon. In the meantime our body can get used to the altitude.
As soon as the weather gets steady, we will be ready to move on higher. From mid October the winds at 8000 meters are mostly too strong to have a summit chance. This means: our chance to summit Makalu will presumably be between mid September and mid October.
 

 

 

We hope the best.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best.
Ueli Steck