This summer, we both (Lucia and Romy) finished school, and what better way to celebrate than with a long climbing trip? Our big trip started at the end of September, with Vietnam as our first destination. We already got a taste of the action there, climbing a few beautiful routes in the “Butterfly Valley” on Cat Ba.
But our climbing trip really got underway in Thakhek, Laos. We were particularly excited by the variety of climbing the rock had to offer. It ranged from large tufa complexes and sharp sinter climbing on small finger pockets to demanding face climbs. Since it was really hard to choose from such a wide selection, we sent as many routes as possible and even ticked off an entire sector (“Hangover”). We particularly enjoyed the “Worldtrip” sector with its long, technical routes and beautiful tufa. Of course, we also couldn’t miss the notorious 50 m long, almost horizontal “Roof”. The next two days, however, were inevitably spent chilling, eating Peanutcake and drinking Banana Lassi to recover from the full-body muscle soreness.
Three weeks later, we continued to the beautiful Tonsai in Thailand. Climbing right on the beach is, of course, something very special, but unfortunately, most of the classics in the Beach sector are already quite polished. That’s why we preferred the long routes at the slightly more remote “Catwall”. But even there, the humidity was no lower, which sent our chalk consumption through the roof, and we were glad to finally escape the jungle.
As they say, save the best for last, and that’s what led us to Hampi in India. We were slowly getting tired of the pump, and it was time to trade our harness, rope, and quickdraws for crash pads. Hampi captivated us from the very beginning. In every direction, all you can see are boulders in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and varieties. Overall, it’s very pumpy, and our skin struggled with the sharp granite at first. The ratings aren’t always generous either. But of course, that didn’t stop us from climbing up to the cool boulders every day. We enjoyed the evening sessions at sunset the most, when the boulders were bathed in golden-orange light. All in all, we liked Hampi best for its friendly boulders and the laid-back bouldering atmosphere at the “Goan Corner”. Our opinion might also have been influenced a little by the evening “Banoffee Pie” that was served as a reward after bouldering.
Highlights
Laos:
– Finally Home 8a (Worldtrip)
– Changing Plans Directissima 7c+ (Worldtrip)
– Monkey Trail 7b+ O.S. (Roof)
– Calwfinger 7b+ O.S. (Hangover)
Thailand:
– Gilles no Limits 7c O.S. (Cat Wall)
– Tidal Wave 7b+ fl. (Tonsai Roof)
Hampi:
– Good Luck Mantle 7a fl.(Rishimuk Plateau)
– Little Cobra 7b (Barry’s Area)
– Areoplane 7a fl. (Baba Cáfe)
– Surface Traverse 7b+/7c (Relax Area)
– Sebis Roof 7a+ (Sandwich Roof)
– Cosmic Crimp 6b+ Highball (Cosmic Cave)
