Dog Summits 23,389-foot Baruntse, in Nepal’s Himalaya

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In summary, a determined dog attached herself to a group of climbers on their way up Mount Baruntse in Nepal. Despite the dangers of rabies in the area, the dog won over the sherpas with her spunk and was eventually adopted by one of them. She showed no signs of frostbite or altitude sickness, likely due to inherited genes from her local dog ancestors. This highlights the incredible adaptations that animals, and even humans, can develop in high altitude environments.
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BillTre
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https://www.outsideonline.com/2390456/first-dog-ascent-baruntse-nepal about a dog that attached herself to a group of climbers on their way up the mountian, would not give up and went all the way to the top (and back down).
Because many dogs in the area have rabies, the locals generally don't like them much. However, her spunkiness forged a connection with the sherpas who now consider her good luck. One of them adopted her.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Wow, how did she not get frost bite!
Fur?

She did not have problems with the altitude either.
Probably inherited genes adapting her to high altitude from her local dog ancestors.
I have read Tibetan people have inherited something like a high altitude hemoglobin from either Denisovans or Neanderthals.
 
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BillTre said:
Fur?
Well I have a dog and she begs to come in after about 30min in the teens.
 
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Here is a Science news article about altitude adaptations in Tibetan dogs.
They may have gotten adaptive genes from wolves (locally adapted ones).
It also talks about the Tibetans getting genes from the Denisovans.

The original article has some great pictures.
 
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  • #6
Greg Bernhardt said:
Well I have a dog and she begs to come in after about 30min in the teens.
So clearly you need to go outside and sit with her and show her the videos from this thread. You can inspire her! :smile:
 
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  • #7
berkeman said:
So clearly you need to go outside and sit with her and show her the videos from this thread. You can inspire her! :smile:
nah too cold :biggrin:
 
  • #8
Greg Bernhardt said:
nah too cold :biggrin:
For you or the pup?
 
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berkeman said:
For you or the pup?
mostly me :biggrin:
 
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1. What is the significance of "Dog Summits 23,389-foot Baruntse, in Nepal’s Himalaya"?

The significance of "Dog Summits 23,389-foot Baruntse, in Nepal’s Himalaya" lies in the fact that it is a challenging and prestigious mountaineering achievement. Baruntse is a difficult peak to summit due to its technical terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, the Himalayas are known for their extreme beauty and cultural significance, making this summit a truly remarkable and memorable experience.

2. How long does it take to summit Baruntse?

The duration of the summit varies depending on the route and weather conditions, but on average it takes about 4-6 weeks to reach the summit of Baruntse. This includes acclimatization periods, rest days, and the actual ascent to the summit.

3. What kind of training and experience is required to summit Baruntse?

Summiting Baruntse requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and experience in high altitude mountaineering. It is recommended to have previous experience climbing peaks over 20,000 feet and to undergo specific training for endurance, strength, and altitude adaptation.

4. Are there any risks or dangers involved in summiting Baruntse?

As with any high altitude mountaineering expedition, there are inherent risks and dangers involved in summiting Baruntse. These include altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, crevasses, rockfall, and avalanches. It is important to have a highly experienced and qualified guide, as well as proper equipment and training, to minimize these risks.

5. How does summiting Baruntse contribute to scientific research?

While the primary goal of summiting Baruntse is a personal and physical achievement, there are also opportunities for scientific research during the expedition. Many mountaineering teams partner with research organizations to collect data on climate change, glacial movements, and other environmental factors. Additionally, studying the effects of high altitude on the human body can contribute to medical research and understanding of human physiology.

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