Articles

2011-12 NEW trips

Written by Tom Briggs, May 2011

At Jagged Globe, we are always motivated to expand our range of climbs and treks, to visit new areas and to offer something different. Even with well-known peaks like Mount Ararat, we look at how we might do it differently. For example, on this trip, we acclimatise in a quiet and interesting mountain range, prior to travelling to the main objective. Here are some new Climbing and Trekking trips for 2011-12, that have yet to be featured in any of our newsletters or updates. We hope that they might be of interest...

Tharpu Chuli (5,663m). Grade 2B, 20 days
A beautifully positioned mountain located in the Annapurna Sanctuary, right opposite the sacred "Fish Tail" Peak (Machhupuchare). This climb is similar in difficulty to Island Peak in the Khumbu, but not as busy (and not quite as high), and it can be climbed within 3 weeks from the UK. Above base camp, we use a high camp at c5,000m from where we cross the glacier and ascend a headwall to reach the airy North West Ridge. The trek in is via Tadopani and Poon Hill, which is better for acclimatisation than going direct into the Sanctuary and we stay in a mixture of Tea Houses and tents...[read more]

Colombian Mountaineer. Grade 2A, 17 days
This is a tough, high-altitude trek, followed by an ascent of the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park, located in the North Eastern part of Colombia. Ritacuba Blanco (5,330m) is a straightforward snow climb, but it is a long day involving 800m of ascent. The trip might be appealing to those who have already sampled the delights of some of the more frequently visited South American countries. Colombia is not exactly on the tourist radar, but the mountains are beautiful and unspoilt, with their own charm and character. Expect to see lots of mountain lakes, steep rock walls, lush vegetation and rough terrain... [read more]

The North Pole - The Last Degree. Grade 2D, 14-15 days
Not everyone's cup of tea, waking up to temperatures as low as -35�C and lugging a 50Kg sled over unstable ice and pressure ridges as high as 20 feet! Skiing the last degree to the North Pole is an incredible adventure, full of uncertainty and not without risk. Falling into an open water 'lead' is not to be advised, but with the ice shifting beneath you all the time, staying dry cannot be guaranteed. The trip involves flying to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen, where you spend a few days training, then continuing onwards to the ice runway at Barneo. Once at the Geographic Pole, a helicopter flies you back to Barneo. The stuff that dreams are made of!...[read more]

Mount Ararat. Grade T2/1A, 15 days
Everyone should visit Istanbul at some point in their lives and what better excuse than to combine some high-altitude trekking, with a visit to Turkey's wonderful capital? We also throw in a trek through the lovely Taurus Mountains to experience some of the ancient nomadic culture, whilst gaining vital acclimatisation. A train journey takes us from this range over to Ararat, which is climbed using 2 camps on the mountain to reach the 5,137m high summit. Under normal conditions crampons are used, so previous experience of winter hill walking will come in handy...[read more]

Mount Kenya Summit (5,199m). Grade 4B, 13 days
We sent a small team of six to Mount Kenya in December 2010, really at the request of one of our regular climbers who was looking for a New Year trip and had done everything else in the Jagged Globe programme at that time of year. The expedition was a great success, with everyone summitting Mount Kenya's true summit (Batian - 5,199m) via the McKinders Route on Nelion and a crossing of the famous "gates of mist". This expedition is available again in December 2011. You need to be a pretty good rock climber, with plenty of multi-pitch experience, as there are 19 pitches of climbing on the way up and don't forget the 11 abseils on the way down (where slick rope skills at belays are crucial for a swift descent). As it's guided at a 1:2 ratio, this is not the cheapest of trips, but it's a superb outing if you have 2 weeks availble...[read more]

Ecuador Explorer. Grade T1, 16 days
We have been organising our Ecuador Volcanoes and Antisana climbing expeditions since 1995, but have also been sending lots of private groups to go trekking there over the past decade. We felt it was time to use our experience of the country to put together a great two-week trip, combining 'moderate' trekking in some of our favourite areas, with a visit to the jungle to experience a different environment to mountains. These treks are led by our superb team of Ecuadorian guides, who are immensely proud of their tiny Andean country. We have found the Ecuadorian people as a whole to be incredibly friendly and they will do everything they can to ensure you have a memorable stay...[read more]

Colombia High Passes. Grade T2, 15 days
So you've trekked Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail and Everest Base Camp and are looking for something completely different? It goes without saying that Colombia doesn't have a burgeoning mainstream tourist industry, but for those who are drawn to adventure, you will discover something special and untouched. There is some suprisingly unique terrain in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park, which is located in the North Eastern part of Colombia. Our trekking trip to this area blends interesting cultural elements, including a visit to Villa de Leyva (generally regarded as the most beautiful town in the country), with a challenging trek through some dramatic high-altitude country... [read more]

Huayhuash Circuit Trek. Grade T2, 19 days
The Huayhuash Circuit is featured in many "Great treks of the world" coffee table-style books, and quite rightly so. Located in the Northern Cordillera Blanca, it is a tougher proposition than the Santa Cruz Trek, venturing into a more remote range. The scenery is spectacular and some of the camping spots are really superb, located next to high-altitude lakes, with great views of the distinctive ice-streaked mountains. Expect to see the sun setting on impressive 6,000m summits, dripping with hanging glaciers and icicles... [read more]

Patagonia - Fitzroy and Paine. Grade T1, 18 days
Every self-respecting lover of all places wild and adventurous wants to visit Patagonia before they die. Despite its accessibility, the environment here demands respect, with the changeability of the weather being legendary. Most people who have trekked, climbed or merely visited the place have some tale of crazy high winds or a sudden snow storm. There's a reason why the trees are all bent! But despite and because of the uniqueness and unpredictability of the weather, there a some awesome things to see. We have picked out what we feel to be the highlights - the Fitzroy Massif, with its iconic spires of rock and ice, the brooding towers of Paine, plus the Glacier Grey and Perito Moreno Glacier...[read more]

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