Little Poobah

Objectives to explore the Fersmana Valley area on the east side of the Western Kokshal-Too in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on new alpine rock routes on the faces either side of the Fersmana Valley, and the first ascents of a number of peaks of up to 5481m.

The approach was by air to Bishkek, then by a UAZ 6 wheel drive truck provided by logistics company I.T.M.C. took them to a drop-off point some distance from the base camp at c3400m on the west side of the Fersmana Valley, but as this was downhill the carries were not too difficult. During a two week period the party made a total of 6 first ascents of peaks in the range 4500-4900m with grades up to D, and also a number of multi-pitch rock routes on lower crags of VS and HVS grades. The attempt on Little Poobah itself (5,481m) failed due to poor snow conditions.