Abstract des Autors

Modem climbers are still attracted by the highest peaks in the biggest mountain ranges or by the famous rock faces in the Alps. Nevertheless the interest to visit new regions and to climb difficult towers, though at lower altitude, is higher. The aim of the study was to organize an expedition in order to explore and evaluate the possibilities for first ascends of big walls and for summiting unclimbed peaks in the Khanne valley, Karakoram, as a first stage of the project “Karakoram Big Wall 2011/2012". Three Bulgarian climbers visited the valley during the period 10 - 22 September 2011. Several research activities were made: collecting of information for the foreign visitations and ascends in the valley; detailed photographing of the region; examination of the possible approaches to the walls; taking GPS coordinates; giving names of the different rock formations. This new information will be used also for the preparation of new detailed maps. Khane valley is surrounded by many peaks, all of which are rocky. Some of them are impressive volcanic towers with walls reaching up to 1000 m. Most of the rock formations have a complex structure built from a number of rock needles. The main peaks of these ranges are big walls, which are difficult to be climbed reaching altitude round 6000 m. None of the main peaks have been climbed. In conclusion: the area is filled with numerous towers with complex configuration and access. There is a great potential for climbing of new difficult big wall routes at a relatively high altitude. Verf.-Referat