Putha Hiunchuli | 2024 NE Face

A S Africa expedition to Putha Hiunchuli in 2024 via NE Face, led by Sean Disney. Summit reached on 10th May 2024. 7 members recorded.

Expedition Details

Field Value
ID 11410
Imported 2026-03-06 18:04:49.359634
Expedition ID PUTH24101
Peak ID PUTH
Year 2024
Season 1
Host Country 1
Route 1 NE Face
Route 2 -
Route 3 -
Route 4 -
Nationality S Africa
Leaders Sean Disney
Sponsor Putha Swimming Expedition 2024
Success 1 False
Success 2 False
Success 3 False
Success 4 False
Ascent 1 -
Ascent 2 -
Ascent 3 -
Ascent 4 -
Claimed False
Disputed False
Countries Germany, Malta
Approach -
Basecamp Date -
Summit Date 2024-05-10
Summit Time -
Summit Days 0
Total Days 0
Termination Date -
Termination Reason 14
Termination Notes Abandoned at 6405m after acheiving goal of setting a high-altitude swimming record
High Point (m) 6405
Traverse False
Ski False
Paraglide False
Camps 0
Fixed Rope (m) 0
Total Members 7
Summit Members 0
Member Deaths 0
Total Hired 6
Summit Hired 0
Hired Deaths 0
No Hired False
O2 Used False
O2 None True
O2 Climb False
O2 Descent False
O2 Sleep False
O2 Medical False
O2 Taken False
O2 Unknown False
Other Summits -
Campsites xxx(10/05,6405m)
Route Notes From Madswimmer website: “The Sky is the Limit” Madswimmer Team triumphantly returned to a camp in Kagkot in the Himalayas on Sunday afternoon, the 12 of May, marking their reconnection with civilization and their first steps on solid ground after a grueling fifteen-day ascent on the icy slopes of Mt. Putha Hiunchuli in the Himalayas. Their mission was to complete the highest altitude swim ever recorded. On the morning of May 10th, at an altitude of 6405 meters, the team achieved their ambitious goal. They surpassed the previous record of 6370 meters set by Australian Dan Bull in the Andes Mountains in South America, thus shifting the highest swim record to a new continent under challenging conditions— a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Jean Craven, expedition leader and founder of Madswimmer, noted that the trek to the swim site was the most arduous part of the journey. Following three flights and a nerve-wracking 17-hour Jeep ride along steep cliffs, the team embarked on a 138km uphill trek that lasted 15 days. With the aid of eighteen sherpas and a caravan of 35 donkeys and yaks, they transported over a ton of equipment and supplies essential for their survival. They faced harsh icy conditions, battling wind and snow, and navigated treacherously near crevasses that threatened to collapse beneath them. Describing the swim, Jean recounted, “The last accessible liquid (swimming) water was found at 4900 meters. To achieve a world record, we needed to venture higher and create a suitable swimming environment at 6405 meters. We carved out a swimming hole in the ice and melted ice in large drums that preserved the liquid water overnight. The swimming hole was covered under a tent canvas to prevent refreezing at night. The next morning, we removed the canvas, filled the ice hole with the liquid water we preserved, and took turns swimming in it for about three minutes each, wearing Speedos only. The water was chillingly cold at 3.7 degrees Celsius, with the outside temperature at minus six.” The expedition was conducted with a commitment to environmental stewardship. After their historic swim, the water was carefully returned to the mountain, where it refroze. Dr. Chiara Baars, the team doctor, diligently monitored the members’ vital signs and general health throughout. Oxygen levels were measured in the morning and again at night and it was interesting observing how sleep aided their acclimatization overnight. Despite most team members lacking experience in high-altitude climbing, none suffered severe shortness of breath or other altitude symptoms. Three members took medication to facilitate acclimatization, which was discontinued as they began their descent. Post-swim, everyone was warmed in heated tents, dressed in warm clothes covered with hot water bottles, ensuring their bodies recovered well from the extreme cold. The team emphasized that their expedition aimed to witness and document the impacts of climate change. They encountered alarming signs, like running water appearing nearly 5000 meters above sea level. The solid ice is crucial for binding the soil in these frigid zones. The melting of it threatens devastating land and mudslides that could obliterate communities. With global awareness campaigns initiated by Nepalese tourism and the vivid documentation by Madswimmer, the team hopes to spark meaningful discussions and highlight the urgent need to address climate change.
Accidents -
Achievement -
Agency Holiday Himalaya Treks
Commercial Route False
Standard Route False
Primary Route False
Primary Member False
Primary Reference False
Primary ID -
Checksum 2463320
Year 2024
Summit Success False
O2 Summary None
Route (lowercase) ne face

Members

7 recorded members.

Name Sex Year of Birth Citizenship Status Residence Occupation
Sean James Disney M 1971 S Africa Leader Craighall, Gauteng, S Africa Alpine guide Details Other expeditions
Jean Charl Craven M 1972 Malta Deputy Leader - - Details Other expeditions
Thufayl Kara Ali M 1990 S Africa Climber - - Details Other expeditions
Chiara Anne Baars F 1992 S Africa Climber - - Details Other expeditions
Vanes-Mari Du Toit F 1989 S Africa Climber - - Details Other expeditions
Deniz Kayadelen F 1987 Germany Climber - - Details Other expeditions
Neo Refiloe Mokuene M 1987 S Africa Climber - - Details Other expeditions

References

1 recorded references.

Expedition ID Journal Author Title Publisher Citation Yak 94
PUTH24101 - - https://madswimmer.com/madswimmer-world-record-swim-speaks-of-climate-change/ - - -