Annapurna IV, Post-Monsoon Ascents and Attempt. There were three successful ascents of Annapurna IV (7525 meters, 24,688 feet) and one unsuccessful one, all by the northwest ridge. An expedition of six South Koreans under the leadership of Goo Hwa-Sub completed the climb when on September 21 Lee Dai-Haeng, Kim Jong-Sub and Bir Bahadur Tamang reached the top. On September 23, the only member of another Korean expedition, Rim Jong- Bum, with Nepalese Dagumbu Sherpa, Jambyang Lama and Nanda Prasad Magar, climbed to the summit. [This was a remarkable ascent, as Rim is a Buddhist monk who was on a special pilgrimage. He wrote the following to the Editor, “Throughout history, the Himalaya has been a source to understand and practice Buddhism. When I reached the summit, I had in my mind a sense of happiness and a deep respect for the noble ideas the monks before me possessed. I hope to find out how strong the human will is through nature. I want to challenge myself through challenging nature.”] On September 24, Spanish Basques Asier Eiza- girre, leader, Angel Navas, Patxi Navas and José María Sarasola also completed the ascent. A six-member Japanese expedition led by Satoshi Ikenuma reached a high point of 6400 meters on October 3.

Elizabeth Hawley