Asia, Himalayan Expeditions

Publication Year: 1932.

Himalayan Expeditions : There are at present several expeditions under weigh, one of which contains several American members. Herr Willi Merkl of Munich left at the end of April with a large party to attempt Nanga Parbat (26,629 feet), the trip having been postponed from last year. The other members of the party are F. Bechtold, H. Künigk, F. Wiessner, F. Simon, P. Aschenbrenner, H. Hamberger (doctor), with E. Rand Herron and Miss Elizabeth Knowlton of the American Alpine Club.

Current dispatches indicate that the party is operating on the Rakiot glacier and aims to pass to the left of Rakiot Peak towards the main summit. Camp Four has been established at 20,000 feet on the glacier. Avalanches have been frequent and dangerous. Snow caves are being utilized for protection. By August 8th they were encountering much unfavorable weather, although it had been excellent through July, and the health and strength of the climbers were suffering from their exertions. Coolies had been taken to Camp Six but the party realized that they cannot be counted on any higher.

Mr. Marcel Kurz, who accompanied the 1930 Dyhrenfurth expedition to Kangchenjunga as topographer has left on an exploring and surveying expedition.