Ishinca from the west

Photo taken on the way down from Ishinca. On the way up, not far from here, I had to make a decision: climb the NW slopes, on the left, or the SW ridge, on the right? Basically, both routes are easy (as in F), so it depends on the current conditions. In 2011, on the SW route, there was a bergschrund just below the final meters to the summit. It wasn't wide, but it was steep right across, making it impossible to jump. You had to step over it, cling to the steep bit and climb the last few meters. The NW slopes had no such problems. I had heard about the bergschrund near the summit, but have to admit that I had forgotten on which side it was. I don't remember why I decided to go to the right, but I did, went up the SW slopes, found the bergschrund and made my way across. I still recall thinking that it would be a lot trickier on the way down. Now, when I climb, or hike, I like to take different routes, so I wanted to do a traverse anyway, if possible. While I was on the summit, I saw several groups ascending the NW slopes, and one or two more way down on the SW ridge. It seemed that the NW slopes were more popular today. As the first climbers approached the summit, I started my descent. 26 July 2011.