Machapuchare open for climbing....

[David Trippett]

From : http://www.hec.org/club/himnet/78.htm

 

"After a being off limits for over 40 years, the Nepali government is likely to grant permission to climb Mt. Machapuchare again.

 

In 1956, the mountain was calculated to be 6,696 meters tall. At that time, the local Gurung community opposed to any expedition climbing their sacred mountain, claiming that this was their God's home. They stated that the "Untouchables" were not welcome to cross their religious mountain. This meant that lower caste people, livestock, poultry and women were not allowed to pass over Machapuchare.

 

But despite the local protest, in 1957 a British expedition tried to summit the peak as a first time record. But, due to bad weather, they had to abort the mission 150 meters short of the top. During an interview with The Kathmandu Post, the Former Minister of Tourism stated, "The British expedition demanded the peak be closed after they failed to scale it. There are no religious constraints denying permission to climb this mountain". He would like to see permission granted for future summit attempts."

 

 

This is good news....but there goes the plans for the first chicken, cow, female, lower caste traverse of the peak.

[cj001f]

Now that they've finally lost control of the area they open it for climbing

[MCash]

Didn't Bill Denz from New Zealand already climb it in the late seventies?

[cj001f]

Didn't Bill Denz from New Zealand already climb it in the late seventies?

It's rumoured he did, yes. I'm not sure what "proof" there is other than his word to select circle of others since he's long dead. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he, or someone else, did poach it in that era. 'twas the place to be, and a far better place than it is now.

[Dru]

I read that it has had about 6 illegal ascents over the years.

[cj001f]

I read that it has had about 6 illegal ascents over the years.

Spill da beans! Who else?

[Dru]

I dunno, it was in High mtn Sports and they didnt want to name names in case someone would get busted for permitless ascents