A Russian mountaineering expedition to Baintha Brakk, also known as The Ogre, has seen one member, Alexander Ryndyk, medically evacuated. Despite this, the rest of the team remains committed to conquering the formidable peak. The three remaining climbers, led by Alexander Parfenov, are poised to resume their ascent of the south face tomorrow, demonstrating unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

Russian Team Continues Ogre Ascent After Medical Evacuation

On September 8, 2025, Alexander Ryndyk, a member of a Russian climbing team attempting Baintha Brakk (The Ogre) in the Karakoram region of Pakistan, was airlifted from base camp. He had been suffering from a persistent fever that did not respond to antibiotics. Ryndyk, who admitted to being unwell before departing Moscow, acknowledged that his illness had too severely weakened him to continue the expedition, necessitating his return home.

Despite Ryndyk's departure, the spirit of the expedition remains unbroken. His fellow climbers, Alexey Sukharev, Ratmir Mukhametzyanov, and team leader Alexander Parfenov, are pressing forward. Last week, while Ryndyk and Parfenov were recovering from illness at base camp, Sukharev and Mukhametzyanov made an initial attempt. They prudently shifted their focus from the hazardous north face to the south face, but were forced to retreat due to uncooperative weather conditions.

Today, with Ryndyk safely en route to Skardu, Parfenov has regained sufficient strength to rejoin Sukharev and Mukhametzyanov at the base of the south face. A recent update to Mountain.ru confirms their intention to embark on the summit push tomorrow, highlighting their enduring determination to achieve their mountaineering goal on The Ogre.

This incident underscores the inherent risks and unpredictable challenges of high-altitude mountaineering. The team's resilience, even after one member's evacuation, serves as a powerful testament to the adventurous spirit and deep commitment required to tackle such demanding peaks. It also emphasizes the critical importance of swift medical response and the difficult decisions climbers must sometimes make for their safety and the success of the expedition.