newsgathers

A formidable team of three European climbers, consisting of Herve Barmasse from Italy, Adam Bielecki from Poland, and Felix Berg from Germany, has successfully pioneered a demanding alpine-style ascent on the south face of the 6,958-meter Numbur peak, nestled within Nepal's rugged Rolwaling Valley. This challenging two-day climb, executed on October 18-19, saw the trio navigate their way through treacherous conditions. They christened their new path \"Nepali Ice Spa,\" a name ironically chosen to reflect the extreme cold and harsh environment, including an exposed bivouac at 6,900 meters without a tent or sleeping bags, enduring temperatures plunging to -25°C and winds gusting up to 60 kph.

The expedition was fraught with peril from its inception, testing the climbers' resolve. Adam Bielecki fell ill before the ascent, but his teammates' insistence on a collective effort or complete withdrawal spurred him to continue. Their chosen line initially followed an earlier Spanish attempt through icefalls, which, despite appearing promising, quickly presented a barrage of falling ice and rock. Herve Barmasse sustained a shoulder injury from a falling chunk, yet the team pressed onward, opting for more difficult but safer vertical terrain away from the hazardous chutes. Barmasse described the route as becoming \"increasingly interesting, aesthetic, and unpredictable\" as they ascended.

The ultimate test came in the final 200 vertical meters, characterized by unstable snow that offered no reliable protection. This forced them into an unplanned, arduous bivouac at 6,900 meters beneath a snow cornice, where they huddled through a long night battling intense winds and freezing temperatures. Despite the severe conditions, they emerged at dawn without frostbite, pushing through the final meters to the summit. Barmasse reflected on the climb as a \"thrilling ascent, technically splendid, profound,\" emphasizing that while one can prepare technically for any climb, the true challenge lies in surviving such an adventure. This achievement marks the first alpine-style ascent of Numbur's south face, a peak first conquered in 1963 via the same face, and its southwest ridge in 1981.

This remarkable feat of endurance and skill underscores the unyielding human spirit in confronting nature's formidable challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder that true accomplishment often lies not just in reaching the summit, but in the unwavering determination to persevere through adversity and emerge stronger. The collective resolve and mutual support demonstrated by these climbers highlight the profound bonds forged in the crucible of extreme environments, inspiring us all to push our boundaries and embrace the unknown with courage and resilience.