Kilian Jornet and David Goettler team up in Nepal, April 2021.

Kilian Jornet today confirmed he is back in Nepal with David Goettler – the plan still remains a mystery?

“A simple idea and a high possibility of failure summarises perfectly what we are searching for in the next weeks in the Khumbu region.”
– Kilian Jornet

David on his own IG just today posted an image from his last rotation at 6800m on the #Lhotse face between C2 and C3.

“One more from my last rotation up to 6800meter on the Lhotse face between C2 and C3. The face itself was super dry. I hope with the recent small snowfalls it changes to a bit better and safer conditions.“
@David_goettler

It begs the question, are the duo planning to resurrect the project of Ueli Steck. Maybe the Hornbein route on the west ridge of Everest… Climb the Hornbein Couloir then traverse to the peak of Lhotse? Steck unfortunately died before he had the opportunity…

“Steck had originally planned to attempt it after completing an audacious Everest-Lhotse traverse—summiting the world’s tallest and fourth-tallest peaks in one push without supplemental oxygen.”
Outsideonline

Time will tell what the duo plan, one thing is for sure, they may will need to be flexible and adaptable, particularly with the ever-changing Covid situation. In theory, they will have 4-weeks to attempt anything and then the monsoon will come.

It would appear that David has been training and getting acclimated for some time in the area, at least 3-weeks. David summited Island Peak just 2-weeks ago.

Whereas Kilian has been training in Norway. While Norway is a perfect training ground, it lacks altitude and Kilian will need to play catch up when in Khumbu. One thing is for sure, Kilian adapts quickly but as we all know, altitude and the mountains are the boss!

Update May 5th 2021: Both Kilian and David have been acclimating above 7000m on Everest,

We wish them well and safe passage on the journey.

One thing is for sure, Kilian will be looking for fun and adventure.

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