Himalayan ascents, Everest, Makalu and Annapurna

The good weather spell that started last week seems to be holding out enabling many mountaineers to reach the various summits including Everest and Makalu. Jean-Christophe Lafaille and Inurrategi summit Annapurna.

Manuel Lugli

May 2002

Traduci in

Intense activity on the Himalayan giants. The good weather spell that started last week seems to be holding out and the weak wind (less than 30km/h) is enabling many mountaineers to reach the various summits.

Everest
As usual the highest mountain in the world is distinguishing itself for the incredible number of ascents. Of the many to reach the top is the Italian Mountain Guide Mario Dibona, who set foot on the summit at 10.45 on 16 May, having ascended from the north. He adds this ascent to Cho Oyu (8201m) in 1998 and Gasherbrum II (8035 m) in 2000.

Makalu
As is almost becoming habit, Silvio "Gnaro" Mondinelli successfully climbed Makalu together with Mario Merelli, Edurne Pasaban and Carlos Pauner. The group left Camp III at 7600m during the night 15 May and summited at 10.30, with Noos and Jakob from Switzerland. Piotr Pustelnik from Poland reached the summit on the same day.

Annapurna
Another important summit on 16 May at 10.00 – this time by the Frenchman Jean Christophe Lafaille, together with one of the most ardent Himalayan veterans, Alberto Inurrategi. The Spaniard has now climbed all fourteen 8000m peaks. As is well known, he was attempting this feat together with his brother Felix who died tragically last summer while descending from Gasherbrum II. Returning to Annapurna, Alan Hinkes from Britain added this summit to his long list of Himalayan ascents.

by Manuel Lugli

Photo: Mario Dibona, president of the Cortina Mountain Guides, on the summit of Gasherbrum II in 2000

News archive
> Silvio Mondinelli
> Jean Christophe Lafaille

Further Info
Silvio Mondinelli website
> www.gnaromondinelli.it

J. C. Lafaille website
> www.annapurna2002.com