He had faced seemingly impossible odds and emerged victorious, and his achievement was celebrated world- wide. It was a climb that solidified his reputation as one of the greatest mountaineers of all time, and it remains an inspiration to climbers today. Pictures showing Herman Buhl returning to the camp prove that he used bamboo poles. Technically, this was before the term “trekking pole” was even born. Presumably, these poles were manufactured for downhill skiing. Mountaineers commonly used bamboo poles as a tool for balance and support during climbs. They were lighter than wood, strong, and relatively inexpensive, making them an attractive option for climbers. They were also easily available in many parts of the world, which made them a popular choice for climbers in developing countries. Most grips and straps at that time were constructed from leather. The baskets were huge by modern standards combining a metal ring with leather straps. This was prior to mass production, and each pole was hand-crafted. Back in the day, the trekking pole might just have been a lofty idea in the mind of Karl Lenhart.
Hermann Buhl, an Austrian mountaineer, set out in the summer of 1953 to attempt to summit Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. The mountain had never been climbed and was considered one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks in the Himalayas. Buhl was part of a team of climbers, but as they made their way up the mountain, they were plagued by bad weather and challenging conditions. Despite the challenges, Buhl pushed on and reached an altitude of 7.200 meters, where he decided to continue alone. Buhl knew that the summit was still far away and the weather was getting worse, but he was determined to reach the top and started his attempt at 2:30 in the morning on July 3. Finally, around 7 pm, Buhl reached the summit of Nanga Parbat. He was exhausted and alone, but he had reached the top of one of the most difficult mountains in the world. Buhl’s climb was a remarkable feat of endurance and determination.
1953 THE BAMBOO ERA
NANGA PARBAT 8.126m
HERMANN BUHL * 21.09.1924 Innsbruck † 27.06.1957 Chogolisa
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