Mountaineers From Estonia to Rise to University of Tartu, Parrot Peaks

To mark the 380th anniversary of the University of Tartu, Estonian mountain climbers want to once again climb the University of Tartu and the J. F. Parrot peaks in the Central Pamir Chain that were first climbed thirty years ago.

The group to climb the two peaks will be ten people from Tartu and Tallinn headed by Andrus Hiiemäe, who finds that the venture is complicated and relatively dangerous, as the expedition will take place far from settlements and it is almost impossible to rely on outside assistance, a press officer for Tartu University told BNS. The climb requires crossing a glacier, rises on snowy slopes, and movement along a sharp ridge. In addition, most of the activity will take place at higher then 5 000 meters and the peaks are one kilometer higher still. "To those who climb on sea level the height factor will certainly exert its influence. Weather conditions are always unpredictable in mountainous areas," Hiiemäe said, adding that even in case of extreme need the arrival of assistance by means of a Tajik military helicopter could take days.

The University of Tartu and J. F. Parrot peaks are located in Central Pamir, in the High Wall Chain of respectively 6 350 and 6 277 meters above sea level. Central Pamir is located in Tajikistan, in the territory of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (Viloyati Muhktori Kuhistoni Badakhshon). This year thirty years will pass from the first climb to the University of Tartu and of Parrot peaks. The climbs were made to mark the 350th anniversary of the University of Tartu, and in the interim no Estonians have climbed these peaks.

Hiiemäe found that for climbers the need to act without any support services made the expedition special. The existing description of the climb and the available information about circumstances are, at best, of historical value. As a result the tactical nuances and the choice of the route for the climb will have to be decided at the location.

The expedition will last 37 days and all their food and drink as well as communication equipment will have to be carried on the men's backs. They will also bring to the peak the University of Tartu flag, cap and ring. When the peak was conquered for the first time thirty years ago the university cap of the era and a peak slab were left there.

The expedition will leave on their venture from Tallinn Airport on Thursday and they are planning to return home on 17 August.

Baltic News Service