This past weekend was a tense one in Base Camp on Broad Peak as the Polish team waited, watched the skies, and sifted through weather forecasts. All signs point to a weather window opening up in the next 24 hours, granting access to the summit for a very brief time.
The climbers have to be patient and cautious in their approach if they hope to take advantage of this opportunity, shaping up to be the last one before the season ends on March 21.
As of Saturday, the entire team was still in BC and waiting to go up. There haven’t been any updates since then, although a dispatch on that day indicated that high winds at 7000 meters (22,965 ft) were preventing anyone from going up the mountain.
That same dispatch gave us a glimpse into their schedule, however, which would have them reaching Camp 4 today and going for the summit tomorrow, March 5.
Obviously, we’ll be watching this one closely over the next few days, not only as the team heads up to the summit but hopefully gets back down safely as well. This squad has been on BP for weeks now, and I’m sure the cold temperatures and bad weather are taking their toll.
They have been resting in BC for two weeks, however, and since they are fully acclimatized at this point, they are definitely eager to be on the move once again.
I’ll post updates as we have them over the next few days. Keep your fingers crossed that the team gets up and down safely.
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Polish Team has reached the summit!!! :D:D:D
Thanks Pabich! Was just writing an update! 🙂
Tomasz Kowalski and Maciej Berbeka missing on descent after successful summit attempt. Hopes fading for rescue says Pakistan Alpine Club, according to a Press Trust of India report