Close Call In The Himalayas

Two alpinists had a brush with death in the Himalayas recently.   Luka Lindic and Ines Papert had an ultimate goal of climbing  Shishapangma which just squeaks above the 8000m line by 13m. The pair decided on an additional objective to help with the acclimatization process and attempted Nyanang Ri 7071M.  They set up camp around 6000m in a crevassed area below the face with intentions of a summit push from this elevation. Heavy overnight snowfall resulted in the face above camp to avalanche onto the sleeping pair. 

“We immediately knew what was happening and realized the severity of the situation. While Luka left the tent via the entrance I ripped a hole in the wall of the tent in panic. The air was getting scarce so fast. The weight of the load of snow was already pressing on my body.

“We’ve had get out of here! Luka pulled me from the tent and we stood outside in our socks and had to watch our tent get swallowed under the snow load. Luka saved our shoes at the last moment."



The two climbers managed a lucky escape and this story will likely give me even more winter camping anxiety when it comes to site selection than I already have. You can read the whole recap on Papert's blog here. Worth a read if you don't mind the sweaty palms.