The first part of the route meant crossing the Thorung La Pass (5416m) from the ‘wrong’ direction. This was a long and hard day, but was completed by all. On arrival in Pisang Village, beneath the peak, we conducted final admin and kit checks before setting out for base camp (4400m). This was reached, and there were fantastic views.

Following a rest day, when the team invented base camp cricket, played with snow shovel for bat and trekking poles for stumps, the first summit team set out for the 24 hour round trip to the summit via high camp. The snow line was extremely high, and the result was rockfall, and the eventual calling off of the summit attempt by Maj. John Tolan, the senior instructor. The team was very disappointed, being only about 70m off the summit.

The second stage of the trek saw us finish the route of the Annapurna Circuit in Besisahar, after a very hot and sweaty 5 day trek through the tropical regions at lower altitude.

The expedition was very successful despite not summiting the peak, and all members were left looking forward to all AT activities in the future.