The Khumbu Climbing School

The third annual Khumbu Climbing School Program was held from the 12th of January to the 20th of January in the village of Phortse, Nepal. The last precipitation in the Khumbu occured in mid October - hence it was very dry and dusty. The available ice was adequate for the needs of the school. The school consisted of 8 groups with a total count of 72 students. The classes were split according to ability. We had one group of 11 women and 10 scholarship students from Porter's Progress, an advocacy group for load carriers. We spent 7 days climbing frozen waterfalls, rock pitches and trees. There were no accidents and the students were very pleased with the program.

We found several new ice routes and added six top rope problems at the local rock climbing crag. Prior to the beginning of school we met with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF) signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" with the NMA. The NMA now recognizes our program and the instruction. (2006 KCS Program report provided by Conrad Anker).

The Khumbu Climbing School (KCS) is an annual vocational training and instructional program for Nepali climbers. The school is designed to increase the competency of Nepali people who climb and / or work in the high mountains. The school takes places in January, the low season for altitude workers. Classes are held in the village of Phortse, a one day walk from the Namche Bazaar, "capital" of the Khumbu. Training is conducted on frozen waterfalls on the northern flank of Khumbila Peak.

Khumbu Climbing School Program
Mission Statement
To increase the safety margin of Nepali climbers and high
altitude workers by encouraging responsible climbing practices
in a supportive and community-based program.

With thanks to

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