All news: 2015

Tashi Tenzing, multiple climber of Mount Everest, the youngest son of Pem Pem, the eldest daughter of the great Tenzing Norgey. November 30th he will be 50 years old! The date worthy to tell the history of his life, continuing the great generation of Tenzing.

"The famous GRANDPA of our hero was born in the highlands of the Khumbu in Nepal. Later, as an adult, he moved to Darjeeling (India). It is likely that in fact he was born in Tibet. After birth, was named Namgyal Wangdi. Then, on the advice of Lama was named by parents as Tenzing Norgay, which means "happy wealthy supporter of religion." He did not attach much importance to his exact age, proper names and their transcription (Sherpas at the time did not use written and accurate calendar in the home). Date of birth he defined approximately, according to the memoirs of mother about the weather and the harvest. "

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The 7 Summits Club organized a trip to Africa for a large group of Moscow Society of Naturalists. It consists of scientists and movie crew. They successfully climbed the peak of Uhuru on the Kilimanjaro mountain massive and visited the National Parks to mett animals.

Our congratulations!

"The purpose of the expedition – make a film about the unique glaciers, which are currently on the verge of extinction. The film will be shown at a reception in honor of the 210 th anniversary of the Society at the Moscow State University.

The expedition "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is timed to the 210th anniversary of the Society and the 80th anniversary of release of the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Information and reports on the expedition will be published in our newswire as well as in social networks. "

The final picture

In Arco (Italy) the Mountain School of the 7 Summits Club guided by Yegor Dulnev continues its work.

Under the leadership of Yegor the team made several ascents in the most beautiful via ferrata in the area of Lake Garda, as well as committed Basie jumping from the surrounding peaks.

Next school in Arco will take place in the summer. Join us!

November 9th Georgy Royko and his friends (5 people) climbed to the highest volcano in North America, the highest point of Mexico - Mount Orizaba. Mexican guides our friends Israel Breton and Vero Herrera reached the top with them. Thanks to them, our climbers have managed to overcome the caprices of the mountain, met them by a strong wind and fog. Thanks to our guides! And our sincere congratulations to climbers!

The 7 Summits Club organized a trip to Africa for a large group of Moscow Society of Naturalists. It consists of scientists and movie crew. Now we have received information that they successfully climbed the peak of Uhuru on the Kilimanjaro mountain massive.

Our congratulations!

"The purpose of the expedition – make a film about the unique glaciers, which are currently on the verge of extinction. The film will be shown at a reception in honor of the 210 th anniversary of the Society at the Moscow State University.

The expedition "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is timed to the 210th anniversary of the Society and the 80th anniversary of release of the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Information and reports on the expedition will be published in our newswire as well as in social networks. "

This morning participants of the Mountain School of 7 Summits Club went on climbing, to check and fix the knowledge and skills obtained in the previous days of activities. All climbers have successfully overcome their routes (multipitches).

In the evening, Captain of the 7 Summits Club Alexander Abramov congratulated all participants on the successful completion of courses and issued certificates attesting to the passage of training in mountaineering and rock climbing.

Well, as always, there was a surprise. To receive a certificate, each participant had to pass one last test - chug a glass of Crimean portvein.

Certificates obtained all ...

The list of trainees that have passed the first stage of rocky-mountain school of technical training of 7 Summits Club and received certificates:

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS:

1. Savostikov Vladimir
2. Melnikova Alina
3. Kharazova Irena
4. Maikov Gennady
5. Kozlovsky Vadim
6. Maikov Alexey (the youngest participant, 8 years)
7. Sidorova Natalia
8. Lerman Philip

Certificate of Honor for his great contribution to the work of the School of Mines was awarded to Instructors of the 7 Summits Club:

1. Kartashova Natalia
2. Lastochkin Alexander
3. Marinkevich Alexander.

Two of our group are going on their programs almost parallel, with a difference of 1 day. Members of the first group climbed up to La Malinche at 4th November and yesterday went to the side of Orizaba. The second group, they are active members of the 7 Summits Club (leader George Royko), were at the top of La Malinche yesterday, November 5th.

We warmly congratulate them all and wish them good luck in Orizaba!

The second group today moved toward Orizaba, plan to spend the night in the village Tlachichuka where they will stay in a mountain hotel. Today they have a day of rest. The first group should rise up to a mountain shelter on Orizaba....

Hello! This is Alex Abramov from the Crimea. In Crimea – a perfect weather. There is no wind, warm, afternoon we climbed T-shirts. In the morning we made a run to the Blue Bay - 6 kilometers, there and back. And then we ran to the beach and had a swim. It was very beautiful, windless morning, lit the rocks ... I mean, just the perfect weather for rock climbing. After that we went to the rock massive Koshka and spent a good lesson ....

Have a good day! This is an official information from the Chief Judge of All-Russian competitions on rock-climbing on a natural relief the Cup of Caucasus. Now the last day of competition ended . The final starts were carried out at the climbing region Myshky, Berezovsky Gorge - near the town of Kislovodsk.

More than 100 people attended the starts, from 6 to 56 years old in six age groups, boys and girls, men and women. The event took place, with the support of the 7 Summits Club, which has provided equipment, medals for the young winners of the festival, cups and diplomas to the winners of the competition. The judging was attended by members of the 7 Summits Club, mountaineers and climbers of Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University: Maria Ushakova, Krutikov Valentine, Syakov Andrew. Absolute winners of the Cup are: the 7 Summits Club guide Sergey Avtomonov (Kislovodsk) and Farida Baychurova from the team Club Maximum .

Thank you!

A Russian lady from Ulan-Ude, aged 86, established a new Guinness standard in high-altitude trekking, being the oldest person in the world to have reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m). Her crew made it to the top on October 29, 2015 at 1:08 PM, UTC+3.

The 7 Summits Club local office was the first to know how it feels to be on ‘the roof of Africa’ and how to go on in the torrential monsoon rains. Here’s what she shared with us.

- Angela, congratulations on your achievement! We are happy to be a part of your success. By the way, as far as we know, it was your first high-altitude trekking experience. What do you think was the most difficult part?

- The first days of our expedition almost seemed a leisurely promenade. And then it started pouring with heavy rains. I thought they would never end. We would trek during days, and the nights our guides spent drying the clothes, so that I had something warm to wear in the morning. Fatigue seemed insurmountable, I was utterly drained of all energy by the summiting day which started in Barafu Camp (4600 meters above the sea level), and it was then when the most challenging part of my journey began - conquering Uhuru Peak which took us 13 strenuous hours.

- Your blood circulation parameters at an altitude of 4 600 m were incredible: oxygen concentration was 89%, pulse – 70, which means that high-altitude acclimatization was not a big problem for you.

- My pulse and oxygen rate were indeed excellent. Daily medical examinations confirmed that. However, I was still exhausted to no end.

- Did it ever cross your mind to turn back?

- No, I never give up. The guide and I even danced a tango at 4 000 m. At 5 000 m we were lucky to see the sunrise above the clouds. It was spectacular! What else… I almost lost my voice and could hardly pronounce a word, but the idea of going back was the last thing on my mind.

- How much time did you spend on the top? What did you feel there at the top of the continent of Africa?

- We spent almost an hour at Uhuru Peak. Its irresistible beauty mesmerized me. I did not want to leave that place. And it wasn’t because of breathtaking sceneries. The date for conquering Kilimanjaro – October 29 - was chosen for a reason. I was aware of the rains this time of the year, but reaching the top on that very day was very important for me. Eighty years ago I gave a promise to my sister Lydia that I would be travelling for both of us. My beloved sister was six years older than me, born in 1923. She died of pneumonia when she was only twelve years and four days old. I loved her dearly. It was her birthday on my summiting day. I dedicate this climb to her.

- When you set off on your first journey, the Guinness World Records Book didn’t even exist yet. Now when your name has become its part, how do you feel about it?

- I had no idea I could become a record breaker until I was told so by the organizers of my expedition in September (laughing). Well, I would lie if I said I’m not keen on the idea to be mentioned in the Guinness Book.

- How did you decide to visit Africa and climb Kilimanjaro?

- I love mountains. They have always lured me. And I love Africa, especially its nature. Besides that, being the highest freestanding mount in the world, Kilimanjaro is not as tough as Elbrus or Everest, and the top is not ice capped, thus, it does not require any special mountaineering skills or equipment, so I decided to give it a try.

- So, here we come to your preparation. I’m sure people would like to know what steps you took to get ready for this adventure.

- My first intention was to hike the Inca Way (from Cusco to Machu Picchu) in Peru. It‘s a 48 km trek at an altitude of 4000 m. I thought that if I could manage that challenge, my next endeavor would be Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, Peru plans failed, and we decided to go straight to Tanzania. I walk a lot and rarely have problems with blood pressure. My every morning starts with exercising and a cold shower. I guess, that was my only preparation.

- Am I right in thinking that the Inca Way and Machu Picchu will be the next chapter in your adventure book?

- Most definitely! Besides that, I have always dreamed of the Anadyr-Murmansk cruise, vising the Russian Arctic Islands and the North Pole. Not only is travelling the best way to learn the world, but it also helps to reveal your inner self, understand what you are really worthy of.

Angela’s companion during her Kilimanjaro adventures was her daughter Vera (62 y.o.). They started to plan this expedition in February of 2015. Their success depended on many things: the ladies’ overall physical condition, their stamina, and professional organization as well. Fourteen professional mountaineers comprised Angela’s climbing crew. Their well-coordinated and professional work made this climb safe and successful. The chief guides of the expedition – Mr. Elias Massawe and Mr. Shabani Swalehe have 15+ years of experience in climbing Kilimanjaro.

“Reaching Uhuru Peak at any cost was never our number one priority”, comments Aleksandr Andreichuk, the head of the 7 Summits Club office in Tanzania. “The most important task was to ensure that this climb would be safe. All our expeditions include a similar set of safety measures: daily medical examinations, oxygen systems, high-calorie nutrition, and so on. Nevertheless, we have ‘customized’ the route and safety measures for Angela and her daughter. By the way, the conqueror of the African pinnacle needed neither medical kits, nor oxygen systems”.

A dedicated traveler, Angela has been to a lot of countries of the former USSR. However, she made her first international trip on the verge of her 80th anniversary. “Astounding safari in Botswana, the beautiful Victoria Falls in Zambia, captivating Cape Town. I can hardly believe I’ve seen all those wonders! I remember the Cape of Good Hope. I was sitting on the rock, and splashes of the giant waves were blending with tears on my checks…” This is how Angela describes her first meeting with Africa.

The majestic Kilimanjaro has become the next trophy in Angela’s collection, and her adventures are still far from the end. Her next destinations are South America and the North Pole. The countdown has commenced. We wish this unique, tireless Russian lady all the best in all her future adventures!

Meanwhile, a well-deserved rest awaits Angela and Vera on the sunny beaches of Zanzibar, as well as fascinating safari in the picturesque Tanzanian savannah.

Alex Abramov: Today we climbed the route, Gornyashka in the Uch-Kosh sector, 9 pitches. At my feelings, it is 5B - 6A difficult grade.

Climbers: Alexander Marinkevich, Alexander Abramov and Lyudmila Korobeshko.
Another man, of our instructor, the trainer of Club Alexander Lastochkin came to the starting pount. But, as you know, the faster and more mobile is rope with three. In the end, Lastochkin chose climbing on a Red Stone.

We completed the route in 4 hours. The difference of about 200 m, 9 pitches..

Thanks to Alexander Marinkevich and his teammates, created the route!

Tomorrow, at Wednesday, the main members of our Mountain School come to the Crimea. We will meet at the village of Simeis. On the first day, we will hold training sessions on the rock Koshka.

Have a look and check new photos received this week for our contest! Send us your work, but before that is required to meet the conditions of the contest!

 All work can be viewed here in the General gallery...

 Here, in the public gallery, vote for the best photo, press “like”! The photo receiving the most “likes” will receive a prize of Spectator sympathies...

 New arrivals:

The first group of two people has already arrived in Mexico yesterday, 1th November, the second group of 5 persons arrives today, November 2th. But given the time difference, they have not yet arrived in Mexico.

The first one today have a trip to the famous Mexican pyramids of Teotihuacan. For the second group - the pyramids scheduled for 3th of November. And then all one after the other will move in the direction of Orizaba. First on the program they have acclimatization as usual on La Malinche, and then to storm the highest peaks of Mexico!

The group go on climbing together with our excellent local guides Israel and Veronica.

Here they are:

Hello! This Alexander Abramov from the Crimea. Today, a large group of 7 Summits Club climbed to the highest point of the Crimea Mount Roman-Kosh. Our ascent was timed to the anniversary of the wedding of Alexander Abramov and Ludmila Korobeshko. With us on the mountain were: our son Maxim Abramov, a well-known expert in the Crimea Eugene Ochkin with friends, veteran of our Club Vladimir Pushkarev with his daughter ...

We enjoyed this climb. The difference in height was more than a kilometer, heavy, long walk. Of course, not technically difficult, but physically quite demanding. Around 2 p.m., our team was at the top of Roman Kosh, the highest peak of the Crimea. From there, we enjoyed wonderful views of the plateau to the sea. It was the first stage of our program “the Mountain School of the 7 Summits Club in Crimea”.

Roman Kosh - the highest point of the Crimean Mountains, altitude - 1545 meters above sea level. It is located on a plateau Babugan near Gurzuf, opposite the Ayu-Dag Mountain.

"The purpose of the expedition – make a film about the unique glaciers, which are currently on the verge of extinction. The film will be shown at a reception in honor of the 210 th anniversary of the Society at the Moscow State University.

The expedition "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is timed to the 210th anniversary of the Society and the 80th anniversary of release of the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Information and reports on the expedition will be published in our newswire as well as in social networks. "

Now the group went to the National Park Ndarakvay, which is located on the border with Kenya. There must be taken views of Kilimanjaro and picture of wildlife in Africa.

Then the group will climb Kilimanjaro by the Western traverse route Lemosho making additional stops to acclimatize and to shoot panoramic plans in specific points of the route.

29th October 2015 the 7 Summits Club organized a lecture entitled "How to climb Mount Everest." The Club President Alexander Abramov reveals the secrets of climbing the highest mountain in the world. He is six time summiter of Mount Everest, and more importantly, led the 17th Himalayan expeditions, as well as hundred of commercial climbing and traveling tours around the world. The lecture was held as part of the new Mountain School Project of the 7 Summits Club. Watch the video and photos ...

How to climb Everest. Part 1

How to climb Everest. Part 2

All pictures here

Arrival to Nepal, whether you visited this country before or a newcomer, is always a thrill. Especially, when you have a wonderful reception by 7 Summits Club office in KATHMANDU. #Gokarna Forest resort where we are staying is a ranch full of wonders. Starting with curious monkeys, jungle walks, SPA on premises and very polite and helpful personell.
Our group is here to see how international and Nepalese efforts of overcoming the major 2015 earthquake aftermath is taking effect on tourists and tourism industry in general. Kathmandu office of 7 Summits Club is located in the trading center of the city and full of memorabilia, authographs, books and awards.

Going around historical center and surroundings of Kathmandu, we can see that 2015 earthquake did a lot of damage. Over 1000 people lost their lives in Kathmandu itself. At the same time, many buildings had survived 8+ magnitude #earthquake in Nepal. Probably it's because all buildings tight up together with concrete, masonry, metal frames, that it makes one monolith net of houses, knitted into each other for centuries. Many buildings are still not rebuilt. Not enough funding. And funding comes from tourism - mountaineering, climbing, trekking, rafting, historical sightseeing, spiritual searches, and many others. And the tourists are not here. Tourism had dropped 50 to 70 percent in different segments. It will be a bigger post later on this subject. So stay tuned.

Mountain School Project of the 7 Summits Club started with the first workout climbing season 2015-2016. It was on Monday, October 26 in the Children's Palace of Sports.

Alexander Lastochkin, our coach, led the training. During the training were practiced belay skills, the initial elements of rock climbing: the correct location on the terrain, the optimal distribution of the load on the hands and feet. We climbed in a lot, but simple routes.

In the final part: lessons on fingerboard and on the bar with elements of gymnastics.

Hi! It says Vladimir Kotlyar, a guide of the The 7 Summits Club. We continue our expedition in Africa. Climbing the top, the main part of the program on Kilimanjaro we did. We were on the summit all five, as I said. Today we had the first day of the safari. So the African adventure continues. Today we went to the Manyara National Park ... and I'll tell you, we've seen a lot of animals: elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and we were even lucky enough to see a leopard.

October 29 (Thursday), beginning at 19.00. Next Thursday we will start a course of theoretical training on mountaineering. The first will be six time Everest summiter Alexander Abramov.

"How to climb Mount Everest." Beginning at 19.00
Address: Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya 7.

Alexander (Alex) Abramov has organized 17 Himalayan expeditions, 12 - on Everest.

We were treated by the ordinary people who never go to the mountains, to help them to climb Everest. And now, after the Hollywood film, it has become a common issue: could untrained novice climb the top of the World? Although the answer is obvious to us, but it requires clarification ....

Alexander Abramov believes that the top of Everest is available to any healthy person!
Everest is the scene of specific mountaineering, and now it may be reached by climbers of different levels of training.