Balakun, India, Christian Black, Sean McLane, Vitaliy Musiyenko

American alpinists Vitaliy Musiyenko, Sean McLane and Christian Black prior to setting off to climb the virgin SW Ridge of Balakun (6,471m), India. Black turned around a few hours into the ascent, while McLane & Musiyenko made a 40-hour push to the summit and back. While it is unclear whether this was also the first ascent of the mountain, what is certain is that this is an excellent new route forged in the finest of styles.