Baruntse Ascents and Attempts in the Post-Monsoon. An expedition led by Ralf Dujmovits was composed of six Germans, one Swiss and one Czech. On October 15, Germans Dujmovits, Wolfgang Kunzendorf, Frau Helga Kowatsch, Manfred Kowatsch, Swiss Rafael Wellig and Sherpas Kami Tenji and Sangje climbed the south ridge to the summit (7129 meters, 23,389 feet). That same day, the leader of five French climbers, Alain Hirsch, also reached the top by the same route. Also on the south ridge were four Americans led by Christopher Brown, who had to turn back on October 25 at 6000 meters. Four Germans under the leadership of Jörg Zengerle unsuccessfully attempted the northeastern side of the peak, reaching a highpoint of 5800 meters on October 19. A French team of eight led by Pierre Brizzi had also hoped to climb the south ridge but did not get higher than Base Camp. Porters carrying their gear and food were not properly outfitted for snow and cold, and the Frenchmen had to devote their energies to helping these poor people to survive.

Elizabeth Hawley