Alan Hinkes is on his way back to K2, the world's ahem, second, highest mountain
and arguably it's most dangerous. He's not off to climb it however -
he summited 'The Savage Mountain' nine years ago - but to take part
in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the first ascent.
The
Berghaus-sponsored Yorkshireman, who's just one summit away from
climbing all 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks, was invited to return to
Pakistan by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) as
just one of a number of successful summiteers dating back to
1954.
He'll be showing his films "Climbing K2" and "Back to K2" whilst
in Islamabad before returning to the UK on the 13th July.
"I am really looking forward to returning to Pakistan," says Alan.
"I haven't been back since my summit of Nanga Parbat in 1998 due to
my Challenge 8000 commitments. It will be great to meet with old
friends and experience the celebrations with those who have shared my
achievement, while remembering those who have been killed."
Alan succeeded in climbing K2 solo in July 1995 during a season
which was marked out by tragedy. Most notably, top British climber
Alison Hargreaves, who was originally climbing with Hinkes, chose to
delay her summit attempt and died during the descent from the summit.
That season only five climbers summitedand returned safely, while
eight died high on the mountain when a huge storm swept in.
It's the combination of altitude, appalling weather and hard
technical climbing and route-finding high on the mountain that make
K2 such a dangerous peak.
