Makalu Attempt. Todd Burleson was accompanied on the northwest ridge of Makalu by Lhakpa Rita and Gopal Tamang. They established Base Camp, Camps I and II at April 1, 4 and 5 at 5300, 6000 and 6900 meters. The plan was to climb the rest of the mountain alpine-style. Three summit attempts were made from Camp II in the next 20 days, all aborted because of high winds. On April 26, Camp III was placed at 7600 meters. After waiting out a day in strong wind on April 27, on the 28th the three left for a final summit attempt at six A.M. At 10:30 A.M., they reached a high point of 8200 meters when violent winds returned and ended the climb.

Willi Prittie, Alpine Ascents International