Asia, Nepal, Moditse or Annapurna South

Publication Year: 1972.

Moditse or Annapurna South. An expedition from Chiba Institute of Technology was led by Dr. Tomoyo Minegishi. They attempted the north (“Sanctuary”) side and east ridge. From Camp IV at 20,675 feet on October 15 they got to 21,325 feet. After being camp-bound from October 16 to 18, on the 19th the Sherpas declined to continue climbing and left the expedition. The reason given was that the heavy snowfall had made conditions too dangerous. One tent at Camp III had been crushed by a snow avalanche. The Sherpa decision was largely influenced by news of the death of their comrades on Gangapurna, close by. The expedition was abandoned on the departure of the Sherpas.

MICHAEL J. CHENEY, Himalayan Club