Page 69 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Prior to our departure, mules were traded for unruly yaks. Once negotiations had been settled, the yaks were loaded, and we set off to cross the Phomji Gyalok Lek high pass (4650m). At the ridge, the weather changed considerably, the wind became very blustery and there was a significant drop in temperature. After descending, we spent the evening at Pangi Camp (4480m). We woke early to a dusting of snow and to the yells of the yak herders, as they are not tethered therefore, wandered in the night. Today was a huge day, with a long slog to base camp. I was impressed observing a porter carrying a substantial amount of equipment wearing a pair of crocs, gliding up the mountain effortlessly. The high- light of the day was the instant morale after finally sighting the yellow canvas. I began to feel the effects of altitude having developed a headache just prior to arriving at Putha Hiunchuli base camp (4950m). Relieved to be here however, the moun- tain remained hidden in the clouds, yet to reveal herself.
The Mountain
We no longer had the luxury of yak trans- portation which meant that from now on, we would have to continue up the moun- tain with what equipment we could carry. Prior to the ascent, Dorje led a Puja cer- emony, this is a Nepalese tradition to pay respect to the deities and the mountain offering blessings for a safe passage. After the ceremony had ended, we began our first load carry to 5200m. We cached our rations and metal work before descending back to base camp.
The following day, the weather was incred- ible. Clear blue skies and the first time we were presented with a spectacular view of the mountain, Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). Impressive to realise that 68 years ago, Putha Hiunchuli was first climbed by mountaineers Jimmy Roberts and Ang Nyima in 1954. Eagerly we packed the remainder of the team rations and ascended to camp one (5450m). The jour-
ney was considerably different to the pre- vious day with such a dramatic change in weather conditions. After collecting all the rations and consolidating them at camp one, we headed back to base camp.
Unfortunately, a team member suffered from severe D&V and altitude sickness. The Expedition Leader, Nathan estab- lished communication with the medical support team in the U.K, who advised that he was to be extracted by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu. Throughout the night, the casualty was on oxygen and monitored by the REC 4s, who carried out observations every two hours to identify any deterioration in his health. Prior to the trek commencing, we were allocated into pairs in the event of a team member requir- ing to be extracted back to Kathmandu. In the morning, it was an emotional farewell to see two teammates leave. This was a stark reminder of the seriousness of high- altitude mountaineering.
After an unexpected additional day at base camp, the time had come to move the team to camp one (5450m). The plan was to conduct a load carry to reach an altitude of 6150m. We had another team member suffering from mild D&V and could not participate in the ascent. Unfortunately, due to the team departing late in the morn- ing and manoeuvring slower than expected with heavy equipment and laboured with high altitude boots, we did not reach our
intended altitude. The Chief Instructor, Glenn made the decision that we were to cache our equipment at 5900m and descend back to camp one, where we were very grateful to be greeted with a cup of tea prepared by Roy. The day was notably tough, with the effects of altitude begin- ning to show. At 5000m, the human body operates on approximately 50% oxygen. Basic tasks at altitude become exhausting and require so much more effort to achieve than at sea level.
A well-earned rest day to reconsolidate equipment and organise rope teams prior to a massive push for camp two (6150m). After lessons learnt, we began the ascent early and this time in approach shoes to manoeuvre across the frozen moraines more quickly. Unfortunately, after reach- ing Red Flag hill, a team member suffer- ing from mild D&V could not continue. We bid farewell, and Glenn accompanied him back down to camp one, where he remained with Roy. The remainder of the team continued up to Purgatory Point, which was a long gruesome slog to the
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