STEVE RAZZETTI MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOURNALISM

HIMALAYA: DHAULAGIRI

Summits and Secrets

"Whenever I think of Nepal, the view from Gorepani Pass leaps to my mind. The summit of the pass is jungle covered; lianas trail from the dark branches. Pale mauve flowers blossom in the moss that clothes the trunks. Tree ferns grow between them. And at the highest point on this immemorial road you will find prayer flags hanging.

As we were toiling up to the summit of that pass, close to 10,000 feet, I saw Dhaulagiri once more. It was early morning. There it floated, utterly divorced from the earth and weightless as some mighty cloud"

Kurt Diemberger, after climbing Dhaulagiri in 1960

Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
From MuktinathNikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
In the Myagdi Kola valley, south of DhaulagiriNikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
SunriseNikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
In the Myagdi Kola valley, south of DhaulagiriNikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
In the Myagdi Kola valley, south of Dhaulagiri
     
  
In the Myagdi Kola valley, south of DhaulagiriNikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
   
This valley drains the south side of the enormous Dhaulagiri massif. This is the village of Darapani.Bronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Provia
   
On a freezing November morning in the Myagdi Kola valley near Dobang.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Otherwise known as the Puchhar Wall, this is one of the greatest precipices on earth. Puchhar, or Italian Base Camp, is at an altitude of 3500m. The summit of Dhaulagiri I is almost 5000m - three vertical miles - immediately above.Nikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The last rays of sun catching the summit above PuchharNikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Seen from the final slopes leading to French Pass (5360m), high above the Chhonbardan glacier.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A view back up Hidden Valley to French Pass (left of picture). Taken mid-December.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view north, down Hidden Valley, from the slopes leading to Damphus Pass. Taken mid-October.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Also known as Thapa Pass. The final escape from the wilderness into the Kali Gandaki valley. Taken mid-December.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Seen from Yak Karka below the Damphus Pass at sunset.Nikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
   
From Yak Karka, below the Damphus Pass, with the Kali Gandaki valley way below in the foreground.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The spectacular east face and ice-fall, seen from Thulobugin Pass (4300m).Nikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Seen across the Kali Gandaki valley from Thulobugin Pass (4300m).Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Pemba Chhiri approaching French Pass on our first trip. December 1998.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The south face from Darsinge Kharka, above the village of GurjagaonBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Provia
     
  
The Dhaulagiri Himal is a huge massif, and this pass lies at its western end, beneath the Gurja Himal. This is a view along the southern slopes, with the Annapurna Himal rising in the distance on the left.Nikon Fm2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Evening light at a high camp on this spectaclar ridge.Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Provia
   
Colin Wells braving the December chill at 4500mBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Provia
     
  
The west faces of (l to r) Manapati (6380m), Jirbang (6062m), Fang (7647m) Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). Mountain vistas don't get any better!Nikon FM2, 105mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Evening light on Ghustung (6529m) and Gurja from Budzunge Bara (4590m).Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Colin Wells and Nats Hawkrigg enjoying porrige al fresco on a crisp November morning at Budzunge Bara (4590m).Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Seen from the upper Myagdi Khola.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The west face of Tukche Peak (6837m) towers above the upper Chhonbardan glacier and Dhaulagiri base camp.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view back south-west from the final approach to Dhaulagiri base-camp (4750m). The summit of Dhaulagiri V (7618m) is just visible, left of centre.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A panorama of Dhaulagiri II (on the right), III (7715m) and V (7618m) from base camp.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
From just above base-camp on the Chhonbardan glacier.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
From the ascent to French Pass.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Glad to finally emerge into the sun, just below French Pass (5360m).Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The north face, from the top of Hidden Valley. French Pass is at the far right of this shot.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Seen from the top of Hidden Valley. French Pass (5360m) is at the far left of this shot.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Nats Hawkrigg and a panoramic view of the Kali Gandakhi valley. The Thorung La crossed the range beyond.Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Our sirdar, on the Damphus Pass between Hidden Valley and the Kali Gandakhi during our crossing in mid December.Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
     
  
Nats Hawkrigg, Colin Wells, Rob Riddell & Steve Razzetti on French Pass in December 1998Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia