Keith and MattMatt and Keith both have a vast amount of expedition experience and have climbed extensively in Patagonia, Alaska, Alps to name a few, on top of that they are both full times guides and work at Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre in North Wales.
Keith and Matt tell us more......
"We will fly from London to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan via Moscow. Purchase supplies and meet with in-country agent, ITCM in Bishkek. Travel southwards overland by six wheel truck and establish a base camp in upper reaches of Fersmana valley. Establish advanced base camp on the Fersmana glacier by foot. We intend to explore the peaks surrounding the Fersmana glacier, many of which are currently unclimbed and present excellent mountaineering objectives. Our main aim is to make the first ascent of Byeliy (5697m) the highest peak in the area of the range. This offers several possible lines, two of which have had significant previous attempts.The nearby peak of Granitsa (Border Peak 5370m) has an awesome looking north face that has many potential lines on it and still awaits a first ascent. We intend to climb alpine style, using the minimum of aid, ideally none!
The North Face of GranitsaReturn overland to Bishkek and fly home.Total duration: 15th August to 12th September 2010
This trip is extremely exploratory in nature; the Upper Fersmana glacier is seldom visited by mountaineering expeditions and has a great deal of first ascent potential. The peak of Byeliy (5697m) is the highest unclimbed summit in the area, Granitsa (5370m) has a north face that is an alpinists dream!
This expedition will allow us to transfer our Scottish and alpine experience to the Greater Ranges and hopefully make some notable British first ascents. We believe that a small team alpine style approach will be effective, giving us the flexibility to make the most of the weather and conditions."
Keith and Matt will be blogging on here while they're away so check back for more info soon.
The North Wales Western Kokshaal-too 2010 expedition is also supported by the Mark Clifford Mountain Grant - applications for 2011 awards are currently being accepted, for more information click here
