In 1996, we visited the world's second highest mountain, the famous K2 of 8,611 meters. The expedition was organized by the City Climbing Club of Togliatti. In fact, it became the first Russian expedition to K2. It had a lot in it: a 500 kilometer trip to the lost nooks of the North Karakoram and isolation on the K2 glacier under the rough slopes of the North Ridge. There were unforgettable moments of success, the death of a friend and a grueling feeling that nothing could be changed. We met some interesting, strong willed people who were experts in their field. We swallowed a ton of food, including a wild yak, and finished with a handful of crackers and lean oatmeal porridge. We experienced a wide range of adventures during a three-month expedition.

For a while now, we've been thinking how to represent at least a tiny piece of that extraordinary life, filled with happiness and difficulties at the same time, for those who have not been involved in such expeditions. That's why, together with our friends, we decided to complete the project by making this Web presentation, a collage of the diaries, pictures, videos and recordings of radio negotiations.

We would be delighted for you to review our information and contact us with your feedback.

All the best,
Ivan Dusharin and Andrei Volkov.

June 13, 1997