newsgathers

A group of five Russian climbers, fresh from their triumph of reaching the summit of Manaslu via a newly forged path on the Southwest Face, now face an equally daunting challenge: a treacherous descent. Despite their exhaustion, all members are reported to be in good health. Their current strategy involves traversing a plateau at 7,100 meters, after which they plan to switch to the established Messner/Tyrolean route. This deviation means navigating approximately 700 vertical meters through unfamiliar and potentially hazardous territory.

The team's ordeal is further compounded by a significant deterioration in weather conditions. Forecasts indicate a harsh environment of severe cold and escalating wind speeds. While specific wind velocities vary between meteorological sources, some predict gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. These strong southwest winds will directly impact the climbers, adding considerable difficulty and danger to their already arduous journey.

This challenging situation underscores the relentless nature of high-altitude mountaineering, where the summit is often only half the battle. The team's courage and resilience are being tested to their limits as they contend with the mountain's harsh realities and the unpredictable forces of nature. Their safe return is a testament to meticulous planning, teamwork, and an unyielding spirit in the face of extreme adversity, reminding us of the profound respect due to these formidable peaks and the climbers who dare to conquer them.