Makalu walk-in problematic

During the walk-in to Makalu base camp Mondinelli and expedition members had their belongings stolen

Manuel Lugli

April 2002

News just in from the Italian mountaineer Silvio Mondinelli, currently preparing himself for his ascent of Makalu, reports that during the walk-in to base camp a group of Maoists stole the expedition members’ cameras and money. Floriano Castelnuovo and Diego Fregona suffered a similar fate, but precise details remain elusive as the telephone call via satellite was short.

In the past Maoists had concentrated their activity to the west and northwest of Nepal, arriving up to Annapurna and Manaslu, but these are the first reports of activity this far east. Although not particularly comforting, it may be that simple thieves, under the guise of Maoists, are currently operating in the area. More details will follow as soon as Mondinelli sends us emails from Makalu base camp.

Manuel Lugli

The trek in to Makalu (photo Manuel Lugli)

Makalu 8463m is the fifth highest mountain in the world and located on the border between Nepal and Tibet

It was first climbed on 15/05/1955 by a French expedition led by Jean Franco. The team members included J. Franco, J. Couzy, L. Terray, G. Magnone, J. Bouvier, S. CoupÃ¨, Leourux and A. Vialatte.

Mondinelli heads for Makalu