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12.10.08 KANGSHUNG FACE TREK CANCELLED IN FAVOUR OF MANASLU CIRCUIT

Phungi a stunning western outlier of Manaslu

The planned Everest Kangshung Face 20th anniversary trek had to be cancelled, because of the Chinese crackdown on Tibet. By way of consolation, I led a very select team (just four people) on another trek I had been wanting to do for ages the circuit of the world's ninth highest mountain, Manaslu. Despite a good deal of cloud and rain (and leeches) we had a fantastic time.

The complete trek team

The Buri Gandaki is one of the most spectacular river gorges in the Himalaya and Manaslu itself a magnificent peak, which before I had only glimpsed distantly, from high on Shishapangma.

Half way up the Buri Gandaki

Wonderful to see completely new country, in good company, with a brilliant team of Tamangs and Rais, led by Ram Krishna of Himalayan Expeditions, looking after us. Starting at just 500 metres above sea level and rising to over 5,000 metres, with 180 miles walking stretched over 18 days, this is a magnificent trek.


Richard Wright and William Close getting down to the real business of the trek.

Manaslu at sunrise from Sama Gompa

16.10.08  SOUTH GEORGIA EXPEDITION

Stephen sets off today for South Georgia – his third visit to the sub-antarctic island – to join international yachtsman Skip Novak leading a group on the Shackleton Traverse. He will be returning on November 17. Anyone interested in following the expedition's progress can visit www.pelagic.co.uk  and www.beyondendurance.co.uk

14.10.08 MEDIA NEWS

Stephen's new book, First Ascent, featured recently in this Climber magazine feature by Ed Douglas. Click to download pdf of article

Stephen's motivational speaking career was also the subject of this feature in the business magazine E&T.  Click to download pdf of article

SPECIAL AWARD

The week Stephen returns from South Georgia he will be travelling up to Sheffield to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

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