Mick Fowler to attempt another Himalayan first ascent

Posted by Tina Gardner on 18/08/2014
Paul Ramsden (left) and Mick Fowler on the summit of Kishtwar Kailash, October 2013.
View 1 of 2

British mountaineers Mick Fowler and Paul Ramsden will set off in mid-September to attempt a first ascent of the north face of Hagshu (6,515m) in the East Kishtwar region of the Indian Himalaya.

Hagshu is to Kishtwar what the Matterhorn is to Zermatt.  According to the latest Indian survey, it is the highest peak in East Kishtwar, and after numerous attempts it was first climbed (twice) in 1989.  Despite many attempts since, there have been no further ascents.  The north face remains unclimbed and is renowned as a major outstanding mountaineering challenge in that part of the Himalaya. 

During over 30 years of expeditions, Mick Fowler has many first ascents to his name and is a two time winner of the Piolet d’Or.  He has a full-time job and fits in his climbing trips around the work he does for HM Revenue and Customs. 

For Hagshu, Fowler has assembled the same team that was successful on Shiva in 2012.  He will be accompanied by regular expedition partner Paul Ramsden, with Steve Burns and Ian Cartwright also climbing and providing essential back up.

Former Alpine Club president Mick Fowler comments:
“I first spotted Haghsu when making the first ascent of nearby Cerro Kishtwar in 1993 and was reminded what an eye catching peak it is last year while on Kishtwar Kailash with Paul.  This spectacular north face is now a plum objective in that part of the world and we are very pleased to have been promised a permit to attempt it by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.”

In the late 1980s/early 1990s, the north face of Hagshu was the target of several expeditions led by John Barry, ex SAS mountaineer and one time head of Plas-y-Brenin.  The high point of these trips was about half way up the face.  Regional political troubles effectively prevented access between 1993 and 2010.  Hagshu has been attempted at least three times since then with no success.

Mick and Paul's expedition is being supported by Berghaus and the Mount Everest Foundation. 

Find out more: 

News from the expedition is likey to be reported aroung 12-13 October.  Keep an eye on www.berghaus.com



« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 1912 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

Piolet d'Or number four: Paul Ramsden interview
0
Piolet d'Or number four: Paul Ramsden interview

Piolet d'Ors are the most sought-after awards in mountaineering. Yorkshireman Paul Ramsden has just received his fourth, yet we know very little about him. It's always his climbing partners and fellow trophy-winners who appear in the climbing press. Sarah Stirling tracks him down to find out his opinions on his latest award-winning route, sponsored climbers and the media spotlight.
Read more »

Fowler, Saunders achieve first ascent on Sersank
0
Fowler, Saunders achieve first ascent on Sersank

Nearly 30 years after their last climb together, BMC patron Mick Fowler and Vic Saunders achieved the first ascent of a stunning new 1,100m climb up the north face of Sersank (6,050m) in the Indian Himalaya.
Read more »

Interview: first ascent of 7,000m Tibetan peak for Bullock and Ramsden
3
Interview: first ascent of 7,000m Tibetan peak for Bullock and Ramsden

Sarah Stirling quizzes Nick Bullock about his latest new route up a 7000m peak in uncharted Tibet. Nick partnered up with under-the-radar winner of three Piolet d'Ors, Paul Ramsden, for the ascent.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
0

There are currently no comments, why not add your own?

RELATED ARTICLES

Piolet d'Or number four: Paul Ramsden interview
0

Piolet d'Ors are the most sought-after awards in mountaineering. Yorkshireman Paul Ramsden has just received his fourth, yet we know very little about him. It's always his climbing partners and fellow trophy-winners who appear in the climbing press. Sarah Stirling tracks him down to find out his opinions on his latest award-winning route, sponsored climbers and the media spotlight.
Read more »

Fowler, Saunders achieve first ascent on Sersank
0

Nearly 30 years after their last climb together, BMC patron Mick Fowler and Vic Saunders achieved the first ascent of a stunning new 1,100m climb up the north face of Sersank (6,050m) in the Indian Himalaya.
Read more »

Interview: first ascent of 7,000m Tibetan peak for Bullock and Ramsden
3

Sarah Stirling quizzes Nick Bullock about his latest new route up a 7000m peak in uncharted Tibet. Nick partnered up with under-the-radar winner of three Piolet d'Ors, Paul Ramsden, for the ascent.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only £16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »