How are steep and difficult mountains like K2, Annapurna, Jannu climbed for the first time without ropes, ladders and harnesses from above for support?
In: 59
What everyone else has said, but I’ll simplify it further.
Someone has to get there first to place gear. At those heights, you can’t take a chopper up and drop in. The air is too thin. It is pure guts, experience, trust in your climbing partners and technique that will get you there.
Another point, all these are icy peaks, you would have to dig/drill pretty deep unless you find exposed rock to place a permanent anchor, and chances are, next season, that anchor may be covered in ice. Also, not many people want to carry drills/batteries, glue and anchor equipment up with them, so there probably aren’t many permanent anchors if any. Just reference points written in guide books of where there might be a good spot.
Everest is actually an easier climb in some respects. It isn’t considered a technical climb. Most of the deaths are caused by tourist climbers and traffic jams. The Sherpas are used to the area and can place ladders and ropes in some stable areas, but the rest is always up to the first ascenders of the season.
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