Asia, Nepal, Makalu Attempt

Publication Year: 1974.

Makalu Attempt. A Czech expedition led by Ivan Gálfy attempted to make a new route on Makalu on the southwest ridge between the French and Japanese routes. Members were Dr. Jarmir Wolf, deputy leader, Fiala, Orolin, Cervinka, Brabec, Psotka, Záhoranský, Procházka, Pálenicek, Krišák, Jan Kounický, Neumann and Wojcik. While on May 21 the assault team was climbing from Camp V at 25,750 feet to establish Camp VI, Jan Kounický’s oxygen failed at 26,300 feet. He removed his mask and fell some 350 feet down a snow slope. Seriously injured, he died five days later at Camp V. The expedition was abandoned.