The Janu Peak, the earth's 38th highest point (7,710 meters), is known among mountain climbers as the only problem remaining unsolved in the Himalayas. Local inhabitants have dubbed the peak "Kumbukarna," which translates as "Horror Mount." Its steep northern slope poses the greatest challenge to climbers. About twenty expeditions tried to ascend the Janu at various times in the past, but none ever made it to the top, Odintsov said.
In October 2003, a Russian team reached a record altitude of 7,200 meters, surpassing their numerous predecessors' best result by 500 meters. But the project then had to be suspended owing to harsh weather conditions and to injuries sustained by two climbers. Upon its return home, the team immediately got down to preparations for a spring expedition. The participants hope their next try will be more successful.
"We'll be kind of trailblazers as where we're going to summit a mountain peak, no man has stepped before," Odintsov said.
