Sacred Summits: Kangchenjunga, the Carstensz Pyramid and Gauri Sankar

Peter Boardman visited three sacred mountains in one climbing year, including the Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, Kangchenjunga, and the Gauri Sankar in the Himalaya. Boardman's second book, Sacred Summits, combines the excitement of extreme climbing with acute observation of life in the mountains and fulfills the promise of his first title, The Shining Mountain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing Ltd

Mountaintops have long held a revered status, serving as the abode of gods and dreams. In a single climbing year, Peter Boardman embarked on a remarkable journey to explore three distinct sacred mountains. His adventure commenced in the New Year, on the challenging South Face of the Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea. This formidable peak, with its sheer limestone walls and majestic glaciers, stands as the highest point between the Andes and the Himalayas, and it is also one of the most inaccessible, perched above a dense jungle inhabited by warring Stone Age tribes. During the spring, Boardman ventured onto more familiar terrain, undertaking a four-man, oxygen-free attempt on the world's third highest peak, Kangchenjunga. Despite facing hurricane-force winds on their initial attempts on the unclimbed North Ridge, they ultimately reached within feet of the summit, respecting the inhabiting deity by leaving the final few yards untouched. In October, Boardman returned to the Himalayas, conquering the mountain most revered by the Sherpas: the twin-summited Gauri Sankar. Renowned for its technical difficulty and awe-inspiring profile, it is aptly nicknamed the Eiger of the Himalaya. Boardman's first ascent of the South Summit took a grueling twenty-three days, showcasing his unwavering commitment and determination.

Three sacred mountains, three distinct expeditions, all meticulously documented by Boardman in his second book, Sacred Summits, which was published shortly after his passing in 1982. This captivating work blends the exhilaration of extreme climbing with keen observation of mountain life, delivering an entertaining, dramatic, poignant, and thought-provoking narrative. It fully fulfills the promise of Boardman's earlier title, The Shining Mountain, for which he received the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1979.

Boardman's journey to these sacred mountains not only pushed the boundaries of human achievement but also provided a profound insight into the diverse cultures and traditions that surround them. His writings evoke a sense of wonder and awe, reminding us of the immense beauty and fragility of our natural world. Sacred Summits serves as a testament to Boardman's remarkable talent and dedication as a climber and writer, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839810602
Edition number: New ed