SAMAYA x JULIETTE WILMANN & PIERRE IDRIS MEHDI

 

 

Plunging into the heart of the Himalayas, climbing peaks, and skiing in an extreme environment: such was Juliette and Pierre-Idris's expedition in October 2024. This adventure, marked by physical challenges and moments of contemplation, is an ode to the mountains and shared effort.

 

 

From the moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable. The goal was clear: reach base camp at an altitude of 5,100 meters, acclimatize gradually, and explore the surrounding peaks, including Tukuche (6,900 m), our primary objective.

 

Day 1: We began the approach hike, with a 1,400-meter vertical gain from 2,700 meters to 4,100 meters at Yakarka. Accompanied by three young muleteers from Marpha and 12 mules, we were well-loaded with our personal belongings and the equipment needed for base camp. The day was relatively short: about 3.5 hours of walking to reach the camp.

 

Day 2: A day of rest and acclimatization. We took a short walk with a 500-meter elevation gain toward base camp before descending back to 4,100 meters. The slow and steady pace paid off: no headaches, and we felt good.

 

Day 3: Accessing base camp was a real test. With a 1,200-meter elevation gain and about 15 kilometers of hiking, we crossed the Dumpus Pass (5,300 m). Under a scorching sun and a stifling magnifying effect, this long crossing put our bodies through a grueling test. After 8 hours of walking, we finally reached the "Hidden Valley," where we set up our base camp at 5,100 meters. Fatigue was certainly present, but setting up the tents with Pim, Giulia, Brice, and our Nepalese cooks, Dawa, Ram, and Sancha, marked the beginning of our high-altitude adventure.

 

 

The next two days were spent resting and discovering the surroundings. We adjusted our tents, took the time to acclimatize, and explored the French Pass, which leads to the Dhaulagiri base camp. We used these moments to admire Tukuche, our main goal, and flew the drone to capture images of this grandiose landscape.

 

On October 6th, we completed our first ski outing. We spotted a 5,800-meter peak that seemed ideal for starting out. The climb confronted us with all types of snow: fine, compact, wind-drifted, crusted, and sometimes even sugar snow. Upon reaching a narrow, snowy ridge, we decided not to push any further. The descent, although punctuated by crusted sections that were difficult to ski, was marked by our first turns in the Himalayas—pure bliss.

 

On October 7th, we attempted a climb toward Tukuche to assess conditions and ski. After 700 meters of elevation gain, we noticed that the snow was unstable and blown about by the winds of the previous days. Without hesitation, we turned back. It was clearly a red light. Even though our primary objective seemed compromised, other options in the valley were available to us.

 

On October 8th, I reached my first 6,000-meter peak: Dhampus Peak (6,012 m). This ascent, relatively simple, concluded with a descent on perfect spring snow. A memorable and rewarding day.

 

 

A few days later, we decided to head out for two to three days in the mountains with all our equipment. After 3.5 hours of walking, we set up an advanced camp at 5,600 meters on the south face. Giulia and Brice, unfortunately, had to return to the valley because Giulia had injured her knee the day before. For her, it was more fear than harm, as she was already feeling better on the way down.

 

The next day, Pim and I attempted a 6,200-meter peak. But after a difficult night at 5,600 meters, the altitude weighed heavily on me. Despite all my efforts, I stopped at 6,100 meters, just before the summit. The view, the location, and the moment, however, were magical. "If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be here, in the Himalayas, skiing at these altitudes, I wouldn't have believed it."

 

 

On October 13th, we left at 3:30 AM to attempt Purba Kang (6,400 m). The approach was particularly difficult: crossing icy rivers barefoot, walking through scree and precarious moraines... Brice, suffering from circulation issues, had to turn back to avoid severe frostbite. For my part, I struggled against the altitude and fatigue. Despite all my efforts, I reached 6,300 meters, just 100 meters from the summit. Although frustrated, I was proud to have given it my all. The descent, steep and impressive, was a real accomplishment.

 

The last few days were marked by fatigue. We made a final, more contemplative outing to enjoy this majestic environment one last time. Observing and admiring these Himalayan landscapes will remain one of the best memories of this trip.

 

 

This expedition to Nepal was a landmark experience, blending physical challenges, adaptation, and self-transcendence. Each peak, each climb, and each descent brought us closer to the mountains and to ourselves. These weeks in the Himalayas will remain etched in our memories as a unique adventure, where every moment held priceless value.