ISLAMABAD: Avalanches on Gasherbrum-I have cut off the retreat route of two Czech mountaineers who were left with a little choice except climbing to the higher ground.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) on Saturday said Marek Holecek and Ondra Mandula were climbing light and fast, alpine style, no ropes, without tents and bottled oxygen. The duo has been resting and spending nights in temporary camps without tents.

“On Friday, the two climbers, who had camped at 6,800 metres only, climbed 200 metres and reached 7,000 metres on Gasherbrum-I,” said ACP spokesperson Karrar Haidri.

Marek Holecek has attempted the southwest face of the 11th highest peak in the world thrice before and with Zdenek Hruby twice in 2009. In 2013, Holecek lost his climbing partner, Zdenek Hruby, when the duo was attempting the same route for the third time.

Mr Haidri said this summer their ascent had been delayed due to bad weather, and one team member falling sick. On August 10, avalanches rumbled past their temporary camp at 6,800 metres throughout the day. Their retreat route was cut off and the mountaineers climbed higher to safety.

Updating on expedition, Holecek explained: “The mood is good, the weather clear and will continue climbing on Sunday.”

The ACP said the climbers would have a favourable weather during the coming days.

Against the advice of family and friends, Scottish trekkers came to Pakistan and were left awestruck by views that some of the most scenic western countries did not offer.

Pam and John Hunter with their friend Jim Morley booked their seats, as soon as the travel advisory said it was safe to travel to Pakistan.

“Even our Pakistani friends thought we were crazy and that it was not safe to travel to this part of the world,” said Jim Morley, who had returned from one of the most spectacular treks in the Karakuram Range, leading to the K2 base camp a day before departure for their home country.

The trio completed the roughly 10-day trek from Askole to Concordia and back through Gondogoro La and Hushe Valley, a shorter route.

“It was nothing like I had ever done. It was a lot of work getting to the top, almost to the top and then at the top,” said Jim Morley.

His friend, Pam Hunter, explained how the views were nothing like they would ever see again - K2, Broad Peak and all the other magnificent peaks.

“We were a bit weary about being in such remote areas for the first time. But in a day or two, we were looked after in the best ways possible,” Hunter added.

“Sure the negative news about Pakistan gives you second thoughts and we could have stayed home. But then there are as much chances of getting run over by a bus,” Hunter added.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2016