The British quartet of Theo Elmer, Sam Harvie, Oliver Hill, and Patrick Hill trekked to the Ashat Valley from the Ak-su Valley after climbing several routes there, including the famed Perestroika Crack (800m, 5.12-) on Slesova Peak. After a five-day walk to the west, crossing over four passes, they established a base camp in the Ashat Valley on August 16.

Poor weather then covered the high peaks with snow, preventing alpine climbing, so instead the team explored what they described as “incredible” bouldering on granite blocks, and Oliver Hill and Patrick Hill established a traditionally protected route on a limestone wall about two kilometers below base camp, on the east side of the valley: 7 O’Clock Sharp (9 pitches plus scrambling, E3 5c). They reported significant potential for new limestone routes, comparing the walls in quality and size (up to 800m) to the Taghia Gorge in Morocco. Bolts would be required for protection on most routes. 

            —Information from Patrick Hill, U.K.

Download the team's Mount Everest Foundation expedition report here.