Tips For Beginners
1. Food & Water
You will get thirsty. Carry a small mug with you for the first part of the climb. There are several huts or pondoks along the way. Water and basic bathroom facilities are provided. Just turn on the taps, fill your mugs and drink all you want. No need to [...]

7th to 11th September 2009

A little lower but far more scenic than Kinabalu, Gunung Semeru (original Hindu name was Mahameru) forms a majestic southern backdrop to the Tengger Highlands or the Bromo-Batok Caldera of East Java. Standing at 3676m, it is the highest mountain in Java and an active volcano to boot. Climbing it when [...]

a winter ascent of Island Peak at “Sherpa speed” by Chan Joon Yee, dedicated to the late Jason Ho

The Challenger
Name: Chan Joon Yee
Nationality: Singaporean
Born: 1-3-1964
Alpine Experience: climbed Mera Peak (6476m) in 10 days, descended into Hongu Valley, crossed Amphu Laptsa (5845m) into Khumbu Valley, trekked to Kala Patar and returned to Lukla [...]

I’m back at Namche again. Let recap on the unbelievable events over
past few days.
Day 1 Lukla to Monjo
Day 2 Monjo to Namche
Day 3 Namche to Pangboche (an ascent of 500m)
Day 4 Pangboche to Chukung (an ascent of 800m)
Day 5 Chukung to base camp
Day 6 supposed to be summit day, but would you believe it, my
climbing [...]

The airport and its surroundings didn’t seem to have changed very much over the years. My last visit was in 2003. It was still the brick walled building, the bronze decor, nothing obviously added or subtracted. Even though it was midday when I arrived, it was not particularly warm. This was winter after all.
Once I [...]