The British Tahu Ratum Expedition team is made up of 3 young British climbers Tom Ripley, Luke Hunt and Hamish Dunn (pictured above). The aim of the expedition is to make the first ascent of the NW Ridge of Tahu Ratum, in the Hispar Muztagh region of the Karakorum.Tom gives us a little more info
“This will be our first greater ranges expedition and we will attempt to climb the unclimbed NW Ridge of Tahu Ratum in alpine style. We won’t use bottled oxygen, Diamox, high altitude porters or fixed ropes. It will just be the three of us, carrying all our kit, food and fuel. After a period of acclimatisation we’ll start at the bottom and attempt climb to the top. We’ll attempt to free climb the route wherever possible, but no doubt we’ll end up using the odd aid or rest point.
Tahu Ratum photo - Lee HarrisonTahu Ratum (6651m) is an immaculate granite pyramid, which rises approximately 1500 m from the Khana Basi glacier. The Mountain has seen one previous ascent. In July 1977, a Japanese team made the mountain’s first ascent via SW Ridge. More recently, American Kyle Dempster attempted to aid solo the West Face in August 2008, but retreated 200 metres beneath the summit due to lack of food.”
You can follow/support the guys as they prepare at their blog and facebook and also check back here for the latest news
The Tatu Ratum Expedtion has also been awarded a Mark Clifford Mountain Grant for 2010 more info here
