Climbing Aconcagua: Days 5–9 "The Summit Push"

Day 5: Leaving Base Camp (December 21, 2024)

December 21, 2024, marked a significant step forward in the climb as the team departed Base Camp Plaza Las Mulas for good, aiming to establish themselves at Camp 1 (Camp Canada) at 16,198 feet (4,937 meters). Though the route was familiar from their acclimatization climb the day before, the weight of their packs made the ascent considerably tougher. Each climber hauled tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and additional gear, making every step more demanding.

The team began the climb in good spirits but with heavy hearts. Just twelve hours after George from Hungary had departed due to altitude sickness, Adi from Singapore also made the decision to withdraw from the expedition. With the team reduced from six to four, David reflected on the bond they’d formed over the past days. “We’ll miss them,” he thought, as the remaining climbers—Michael, Campbell, Justin, and David—pressed on.

The trail was steep and unforgiving, winding through icy penitentes that glittered in the sunlight, their jagged spires forming a surreal labyrinth. As they gained altitude, the Horcones Glacier came into view again, its ancient ice glistening under a cobalt sky. Despite the weight of their packs, the team pushed through, supporting one another with encouragement and camaraderie.

After 3 hours and 30 minutes of steady climbing, they arrived at Camp 1. Perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the valley below, the camp felt like a triumph. David noted that he felt surprisingly good despite the grueling ascent. The team set to work immediately, pitching their tents and organizing their gear. The effort was rewarded with a simple yet satisfying snack of nuts, cheese, sausage, and crackers.

Camp life at this altitude presented unique challenges. Using the facilities required precision and adherence to the “leave no trace” principle: each climber used a small tent equipped with a bag filled with sawdust to handle waste, which was then carefully sealed and packed out. It was a humbling reminder of the responsibility climbers bear to protect the mountain’s pristine environment.

Dinner, however, brought a touch of comfort and warmth. Inside their tents, the team enjoyed a hearty meal prepared by their guides, Gastón and Florencia. Noodle soup was followed by a delicious serving of pork with mashed potatoes, a well-earned feast after the day's effort. Sharing a tent with his Scottish teammate, Campbell, David felt grateful for the companionship. “He’s a good dude,” he thought as they laughed and shared stories of past adventures.

As the day drew to a close, the team gathered outside their tents to witness a breathtaking sunset. The sky transformed into a palette of fiery oranges and deep purples, casting long shadows over the rugged peaks surrounding Camp Canada. 

Before turning in for the night, David brushed his teeth with his fellow climbers and took a final look at the fading light over the mountains. The summit still lay far ahead, but for now, Camp 1 felt like a world of its own—a place of effort, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring views.

Day 6: Climbing to Camp Nido (December 22, 2024)

December 22, 2024, began with the soft glow of dawn illuminating Camp Canada. At 16,198 feet (4,937 meters), the morning air was crisp and thin, and the team moved with purpose as they prepared for the climb to Camp Nido, also known as Camp 2. Their goal for the day was to reach 17,895 feet (5,454 meters), gaining 1,697 feet in elevation—a significant step closer to the summit of Aconcagua.

Camp Nido’s full name, Nido de Cóndores, translates to “The Condor’s Nest”. The name reflects the camp’s location high above the valleys, where Andean Condors—the largest bird of prey in the world—are known to soar effortlessly through the thin mountain air.

The team departed Camp Canada, their packs heavy but their spirits high. The trail ascended steadily, winding its way through a mix of rocky slopes and patches of snow. Each step required focus, as the loose scree underfoot made footing tricky. The sun reflected off the crystalline snow and ice, casting dancing light across the trail.

The team worked together, offering words of encouragement and keeping a steady pace. David, feeling the effects of the altitude, focused on his breathing and took frequent sips from his hydration pack. The sight of the sprawling Andes below, with their snow-capped peaks and vast valleys, served as a reminder of the incredible journey they were undertaking.

After 2 hours and 47 minutes of hiking, the team arrived at Camp Nido. Perched on a barren plateau at 17,895 feet (5,454 meters), the camp offered panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

Setting up camp became the immediate priority. The team worked efficiently, securing their tents and organizing their gear. For David, this included ensuring his CPAP system was ready for the night ahead. For this ambitious adventure, David opted to use the ResMed AirMini CPAP with EXP48PRO APEX batteries, recharged during the day using the EXP PRO Summit 60-Watt Solar Panel. The set up performed flawlessly throughout the climb. Having a reliable power source gave him peace of mind and allowed him to rest as best as possible in the challenging conditions.

Day 7: Rest Day at Camp 2 (Camp Nido)

December 23, 2024, was a much-needed rest day at Camp Nido, or “The Condor’s Nest,” perched at 17,895 feet (5,454 meters). With the summit push only two days away, the team focused on acclimating to the high altitude and conserving their energy for the challenges ahead.

The biting cold of the nights had taken its toll, leaving David with a touch of sinus congestion. While such issues are common at these altitudes, they serve as a reminder of the body’s ongoing battle with the thin air and harsh environment.

David spent the day focusing on rest, hydration, and nutrition, knowing how critical it was to maximize recovery. Sleep, though elusive in the cold and altitude, remained a priority. Even with his CPAP machine running smoothly thanks to the reliable EXP48PRO APEX batteries, his body struggled to fully relax at this elevation.

Throughout the day, the anticipation for the summit attempt grew. As the stars emerged over the Andes, the climbers lay in their tents, aware of the fact that everything would need to go just right over the next couple days in order for them to summit Aconcagua on December 25th.

Day 8: Camp 2 (Camp Nido) to High Camp (Camp Berlin)

On December 24, 2024, the team made their ascent from Camp Nido to High Camp, also known as Camp Berlin. Starting at 17,895 feet (5,454 meters) and climbing to 19,453 feet (5,929 meters), they gained 1,558 feet in elevation over two grueling hours.

The weather forecast for the day dictated a brisk pace. Morning conditions were clear, offering the team crisp visibility of the towering peaks and sprawling glaciers. However, snow showers were expected later in the day, accompanied by plummeting temperatures that would drop to -19°C (-2°F) by nightfall, with a wind chill reaching -31°C (-24°F). This meant moving efficiently was not just strategic but essential.

The trail ascended steeply, cutting through a harsh and rocky landscape interspersed with snow-covered patches. As the team neared 19,000 feet, the guides shared a striking story of the Argentinian Army's historic trek through this unforgiving terrain 70 years ago. During that journey, several mules succumbed to the harsh conditions, and one of their skeletal remains still rests along the trail. Passing this silent monument to the mountain’s unforgiving nature served as a stark reminder of the challenges they faced.

The sight served as a sobering reminder of the mountain’s unforgiving nature. It reinforced both the importance of preparation and the respect owed to the terrain. 

Upon reaching Camp Berlin in just over two hours, the team was greeted by strong, icy winds sweeping across the barren plateau. The camp, perched high above the Andes, offered breathtaking yet stark views of the jagged peaks and valleys below.

The team quickly secured their tents, anchoring them tightly against the relentless gusts and preparing for what promised to be a brutally cold night.

The team huddled together to discuss their plans for the next day. With snow showers expected overnight and into the morning, timing would be everything for their final summit push. As they prepared for a frigid night, the weight of the mountain’s demands was ever-present, but so too was the anticipation of reaching Aconcagua’s summit.

Day 9: Summit Day Attempt – Camp Berlin to the Top

December 25, 2024, began long before the sun graced the Andes. The team woke at 3:00 AM in the biting cold of Camp Berlin (19,453 feet/5,929 meters) to hydrate and prepare for the summit push. By 5:00 AM, headlamps pierced the darkness as they set out, the stars above serving as their only guide through the still, predawn air.

For David, this was the culmination of months of preparation and a relentless drive to reach the top of Aconcagua. However, the climb came with its own set of challenges. Days of sleeping in low-oxygen environments had left his body on high alert, making true rest elusive. Coupled with the frigid nights, he had developed congestion in his sinuses and chest—a common struggle at such extreme altitudes. Despite these obstacles, David was determined to give the summit his best effort.

As the first rays of sunlight lit the sky, an awe-inspiring sight emerged—the shadow of Aconcagua cast across the atmosphere, a colossal triangular silhouette stretching into the horizon. The team paused briefly to take in the view, a humbling reminder of the mountain's sheer scale and the significance of their endeavor.

The ascent grew steeper and more challenging with every step, the thin air forcing the climbers to adopt a slow, methodical pace. By mid-morning, they had reached over 21,000 feet, pushing their physical and mental limits. The icy wind gnawed at exposed skin, and every breath felt like a battle against the mountain's relentless altitude.

Despite their progress, the team made the difficult decision to turn back approximately 1,800 vertical feet short of the summit. The combination of altitude, exhaustion, and physical strain dictated the choice. For David, it was a bittersweet moment. Though he didn’t reach the summit, it was a new personal best for his highest altitude reached and he knew this was not the end of his journey with Aconcagua.

After seven hours of climbing and descending, the team returned to Camp Berlin. The journey was an unforgettable one, filled with breathtaking vistas, shared struggles, and hard-earned camaraderie. As David reflected on the experience, he felt gratitude for the friendships forged on the mountain and for the opportunity to challenge himself in such an extraordinary way.

“This was an epic journey that I will never forget,” David shared later. “I’ll be back to finish what I started.”