Based on our experience during Himlung Himal (2008) and Mera-Peak (2006) expedition both done/supported by Iceland Trekking and Expeditions (2 pacs service) we decided to expand our range of summits above 7.000m. We let our eye on Dhaulagiri VII (7.246m) also known as Putha Hiunchuli.
This expedition was planned in the period mid September – end October 2010. For an optimal aclimatisation we spend first 2 weeks of this period by trekking from Beni to Base Camp.
This trek offer you the possibility to become acquainted with the local people of Lower and Upper Dolpo. Dolpo region is until now not overcrowded by tourists.
From Taragot up to Kagkot you will follow the Barbung Khola. Kagkot is a very smal (Tibitan) village at 3.800m and set against the Tanja Lekh. To reach Base Camp you need support of Kagkot people and their yaks and horses (cross Barbung Khola and climb to Base Camp). The needed negotiations (with always chancing principles) for this were well done by ‘our’ Iceland staff.
Due to verry bad weather (-28o C / windspeed 25/30 m/sec) we break off our summit attempt at a altitude of 6.900m and decided to decent to Camp III and II. Strong wind/storm forced a further decent to Camp I.
After this not succesfull expedition we decided to go for a second attempt. Based on information of the local people we planned the new expedition in spring 2011 (week 16 – 22). We flew-in at Juphal and reached in 5 days Base Camp. Summit reached may 21 at 10:45 hour with a strong wind and a blue sky.
This type of expeditions are well supported by Iceland Trekking and Expeditions for a very reasonable Price/performance ratio.
With kind regards / Met vriendelijke groet.
Alex Bijlsma