Swedish Tahu Ratum expedition heads to Pakistan
Martin Jakobsson and Magnus Eriksson planned an alpine-style ascent of Pakistan’s 6,651-meter Tahu Ratum in August 2011, supported by Tierra.
On August 10, 2011, Swedish adventurers Martin Jakobsson and Magnus Eriksson were due to leave for Pakistan as Tahu Ratum Expedition 2011. Supported by Tierra, they aimed to climb the 6,651-meter peak, which the expedition announcement reported had previously been climbed only by a Japanese team in 1977.
Their intended route followed the northwest ridge, a huge granite pillar rising 1,500 meters above the Khana Basi Glacier. Tahu Ratum lies in the Hispar Muztagh massif in the northern Karakoram, reached after several days of walking from Hunza. The area sees few tourists or climbers and contains several large unclimbed peaks.
“Martin and Magnus climb in alpine style, which means climbing on the mountain’s terms,” said Magnus Sundberg, Tierra’s sales and marketing manager. “The lack of advance information demands great flexibility and mental strength. Tierra is sponsoring this expedition because it puts Swedish alpine climbing on the world map in an excellent way.”
The pair aimed to reach the summit without porters, supplemental oxygen or fixed ropes. Tahu Ratum was larger, more technically difficult and more physically demanding than any mountain they had climbed before.
“We hope this climb can raise the standard of Swedish alpinism and inspire other people to realize their dreams, large or small,” Martin and Magnus said. “We are pleased to have Tierra as a sponsor because its clothing is developed for, and works in, expedition climbing in challenging and extreme environments.”
Read more on the expedition blog: http://hakuloklattra.blogspot.com
