Gus hurst reports from his latest incredible adventure with Ozone riders Sigve Botnen, (2nd in 04 and 05 Winter Tour) and Johann Civel.
“The most amazing expedition I have ever been on - just travelling along Pakistans` Karakoram Highway through the Himalayas is incredible enough, so working our way up to a base camp at 4000m in the massive Deosai Plateau using Ozone Frenzy05 for power was fantasy material.
Snow Kite professionals Sigve Botnen and Johann Civel were leading the way, the first people we know to have kited anywhere in the Himalayas, and achieving record altitude reached by kite - from base camp to a distant nameless peak, it took them around 15 minutes to climb to 4600m on the worlds highest and most spectacular plateau.
On a windless day ski touring to Chatung Peak, it took us around 4 hours to get to the same spot. Months of exploration would barely scratch the surface of this truly stunning setting, but with just a hint of wind, you can be snow kiting on the roof of the world, 360 degree views racing by, K2 and Nanga Parbat 8000m + giants, reaching out on the horizon.
Army helicopters circled and landed at our camp, news from a nearby high altitude camp informed them of parachutists dropping in - After a brief demonstration; I don`t think it will be too long before the Pakistan army are armed with Frenzy05!
Moving further north, Zoe Smalley and Anoushka Mullgrew (professional snowboarders) joined myself and Felix Hentz in a four day hike to a 4600m base camp in the Karakoram range, to learn to snow kite - hard corps or what!
Having never flown power kites before, progression was not easy at these altitudes. Not to be put off by inconsistent winds, the chicks got to grips by day three and Felix managed to climb to 4800m half way up a small peak, another new record!
Hundreds of Yaks arrived in our camp, herded by the Wacki people of the northern area, we managed to hitch a ride for our gear with them - Yak Snow Kiting will be coming soon, watch this space!”
Check out teh website for info on the 04 expedition. The website will be updated with the latest expedition soon
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