Photo: Campsite below Becho Pass
Sep 16, 1985 We woke up before daylight to eat breakfast and prepare for the hike over the Becho Pass. Two guides arrived to assist us in our hike over the pass. We walked up a rocky trail, gaining altitude all the time. After an hour and a half the trail became a narrow snow covered path on the side of a steep mountain leading up to the pass. Lonya gave me his ice axe though I didn't know how to use it. Every step counted, as a slip meant a long tumble down the steep slope and possible death.
My glasses fogged over, more from fear than the physical exertion. Eventually we reached a 'safe' resting place, but a long hike across a glacier field lay ahead of us,
Sheep in mountain pasture
Photo:
Photo: Monument to deceased climbers near campsite
Photo: Mike and climbers monument
Photo: Helga and burro at campsite
Photo: Hiking on steep ridge toward pass
Photo: Susan, Sasha, Helga & Mike taking a rest break
Photo: Lonya & Yvonne on snow bridge over crevasse
Photo: Sasha leading route up Becho Pass
Map of USSR
