Climbing Accident Forces Delay of The Ogre Expedition

Russian climbers Ratmir Mukhametzyanov, Alexander Parfenov, and Alexey Sukarev have decided to delay their ambitious expedition to conquer the unclimbed North Face of Baintha Brakk I (7,285m), also known as The Ogre.

On July 24, Mukhametzyanov suffered a 10-meter fall while scaling a route in the Tsey-Loam range in the Caucasus, which necessitated this postponement.

The Tsey-Loam range, with peaks reaching around 3,000 meters, is located in Russia’s Republic of Ingushetia. This range holds profound significance for the ancient Ingush population, an ethnic group from the central Caucasus, who have historically revered the mountains as sacred.

Makhumetzyanov suffered fractures to his ribs and pelvis in the fall and was promptly evacuated from the mountain. He is scheduled for surgery this week, followed by a recovery period of a few months.

Instead of seeking a replacement for Mukhametzyanov on their upcoming expedition to Baintha Brakk I, his partners decided to postpone their ambitious attempt.

Last year, this determined trio was awarded the Russian version of the Piolet d’Or for pioneering a new route on Military Topographers Peak in the central Tien Shan.