2026 Zanskar Valley

Shortly after arriving in India and beginning their acclimatisation around Padum, the team was hit by a triple whammy of illness; Ward and Tuck both developing respiratory infections and Schindfessel suffering the return of a kidney infection. These illnesses delayed their arrival at base camp, from where they planned to attempt the north face of T13 (6436m), and put back their acclimatisation schedule, which was further delayed by poor weather. After waiting out the weather, the approach of a five-day weather window commencing on 25 June allowed them to make a summit bid. Starting their attempt on the morning of 26 June, they followed a mix of 50-55° snow slopes and 80° mixed climbing on loose rock to an altitude of roughly 6,000m. At this point, with Ward and Tuck moving sluggishly due to their illnesses, they elected to retreat, abseiling through the night and returning to base camp at 3am. Undeterred, they hope to return in 2027 for another attempt.