Hinkes Chooses Kangchenjunga
The world's third highest mountain is next on the list for Alan Hinkes as he attempts the final two summits in his quest to become the first Brit to climb all the 8,000-ers
Posted: 18 March 2003
by Jon
It's back to Kangchenjunga for Alan Hinkes as he attempts to knock
off the last two 8,000-metre summits on his list and become the first
Brit to climb all 14 of the world's highest
mountains.
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Alan with the picture of daughter
Fiona
which he carries on all his climbs
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Hinkes is heading off to the 8586-metre peak at the end of this month
and plans, all being well, to summit during May. It's the second time
he's attempted the mountain, which is the third highest in the
world.
On his previous attempt in May 2000 he was dogged by bad weather
and, while retreating from high on the mountain, a collapsing snow
bridge deposited him in a crevasse with a broken arm. It's a
formidable peak and Hinkes has prepared meticulously for the
climb.
He says: "Each mountain I climb offers its own challenges.
Kangchenjunga lies at the eastern extreme of the Himalaya and is
exposed to exceptionally bad weather conditions. The terrain is very
difficult and even the trek into base camp will be harder than most,
and once on the mountain there is a very serious danger of
avalanche and rockfall.
"As I have always said I climb to live, not to die - the summit
is always optional but returning is mandatory."
Alan's last 8000-metre summit was Annapurna, which he climbed last
year in a record five days after leaving base camp despite conditions
which led many other top mountaineers to abandon their attempts. If
he successfully summits Kangch', he'll be just one peak, Dhaulagiri,
away from the full set.
As always we wish Alan the best of luck on the mountain. He'll be
sending back regular reports from the Himalayas and you'll be able to
follow his progress on the web site of his sponsors, Berghaus
and, of course, here on OUTDOORSmagic.
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