This 111th volume of the Alpine Journal focuses on Tibet and the mountainous
regions of western China, the scene of some of the most exciting exploratory
climbing of recent years.
Mick Fowler recounts the first ascent of Kajaqiao, with his customary quota of
suffering, Ed Douglas tells of a nervy climb up Xiashe’s north face, and the
insatiably curious Tamotsu Nakamura penetrates further into the vast
Nyainquentangla East.
Geologist Mike Searle examines the make-up of Tibet’s upwardly mobile
mountains while John Dugger details the role of the Dalai Lama and the
influence of Tibetan art in the creation of his celebrated Mountain Banners.
Other features cover the most outstanding achievements of 2005, including big
new routes on Angel Falls, in Venezuela, on Nanga Parbat in the Karakoram, and
on Cerro Torre in Patagonia.
Doug Scott regrets a lack of common humanity in the behaviour of Everest
climbers.
Kurt Diemberger takes a look at the diaries of Hermann Buhl, his ropemate on
Broad Peak.
Articles and reviews by top mountaineers and writers, including Simon Yates,
John Arran, Nick Bullock, Steve House and Pat Littlejohn.
Eiger north face and escape to Tibet – a reflection on the life of Heinrich
Harrer.
An invaluable record of notable climbs, region-by-region, over the past year.
More than 160 inspiring photographs, paintings and maps.