SAMAYA x JULIETTE WILMANN & PIERRE IDRIS MEHDI
HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION IN NEPAL BETWEEN SUMMITS AND SELF-TRANSCENDENCE
Diving into the heart of the Himalayas, climbing peaks and skiing in an extreme environment: that was the expedition of Juliette and Pierre-Idris in October 2024. This adventure, marked by physical challenges and moments of contemplation, is an ode to the mountains and shared effort.
Expedition Nepal 2024: conquering the Himalayan peaks
As soon as we arrived, the excitement was palpable. The objective was clear: reach base camp at 5100 m, acclimatize gradually and explore the surrounding peaks, including Tukuche (6900 m), our main objective.
Day 1: We began the approach hike, with an ascent of 1,400 metres in positive altitude difference, from 2,700 metres to 4,100 metres in Yakarka. Accompanied by three young muleteers from Marpha and 12 mules, we were well loaded with our personal belongings and the equipment needed for the base camp. The day was relatively short: around 3h30 walk to reach the camp.
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization day. We did a short 500-meter hike to base camp, before descending to 4100 meters. The slow, steady pace paid off: no headaches, and the sensations were good.
Day 3: Getting to base camp was a real ordeal. With 1200 meters of ascent and around 15 kilometers of walking, we crossed the Dumpus Pass (5300 m). Under a scorching sun and a suffocating magnifying glass effect, this long traverse put our bodies to the test. After an 8-hour hike, we finally reached the Hidden Valley, where we set up our base camp at 5100m. We were tired, but setting up the tents with Pim, Giulia, Brice and our Nepalese cooks, Dawa, Ram and Sancha, marked the beginning of our high-mountain adventure.
First outings: skiing and exploring
The next two days were spent resting and exploring the surrounding area. We adjusted our tents, took time to acclimatize and explored the French Pass, which leads to the Dhaulagiri base camp. We took advantage of these moments to admire the Tukuche, our main objective, and send out the drone to capture images of this awe-inspiring landscape.
On October 6, we had our first ski outing. We spotted a peak at 5800 meters that seemed ideal to start with. The climb took us through all kinds of snow: fine, compact, wind-blown, crusty and sometimes even sugar. Arriving on a ridge thin with snow, we decided not to continue any further. The descent, though punctuated by hard-to-ski crusty sections, was marked by our first Himalayan turns, a pure joy.
On October 7, we attempted a climb towards Tukuche to assess conditions and ski. After 700 meters of ascent, we realized that the snow was unstable and blown by the wind of the last few days. Without hesitation, we turned back. It was clearly a red light. Although our main objective seemed compromised, other options in the valley were open to us.
On October 8, I reached my first summit at 6,000 metres: Dhampus Peak (6,012 m). This relatively simple ascent ended with a descent on perfect spring snow. A memorable and rewarding day.
Exceeding your limits and altitude
A few days later, we decided to set off for two or three days in the mountains, with all our gear. After a 3.5-hour hike, we set up an advanced camp at 5600 metres on the south-facing slope. Giulia and Brice, unfortunately, had to go back down to the valley as 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 summit at 6200 meters. But after a complicated night at 5600 meters, the altitude weighed heavily on me. Despite my best efforts, I stopped at 6100 meters, just short of the summit. The view, the place and the moment were nonetheless magical. "If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be here, in the Himalayas, skiing at these altitudes, I wouldn't have believed it."
A last attempt and a farewell to the mountains
On October 13, we set off at 3:30 am to attempt the Purba Kang (6400 m). The approach was particularly difficult: crossing icy rivers barefoot, walking through scabrous scree and moraine... Brice, suffering from circulation problems, had to turn back to avoid severe frostbite. For my part, I struggled against the altitude and fatigue. Despite all my efforts, I reached 6300 metres, just 100 metres from the summit. Although frustrated, I was proud to have given it my all. The steep and impressive descent was a real achievement.
The last few days were marked by fatigue. We made a final, more contemplative outing, to enjoy this majestic environment one last time. Watching and admiring these Himalayan landscapes will remain one of the most beautiful memories of this trip.
An adventure engraved in our memories
This expedition to Nepal was an unforgettable experience, combining physical challenges, adaptation and self-transcendence. Every summit, every ascent, every descent brought us closer to the mountain and to ourselves. These weeks in the Himalayas will remain engraved in our memories as a unique adventure, where every moment was priceless.
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