The Golden Pillar | Spantik

New Route: Spantik or Ghenish Chhish, 7027 meters, 23,055 feet, Northwest Pillar, Summit reached on August 11, 1987 (Fowler, Saunders). (Fifth ascent of the peak.)

Personnel: Anthony Victor Saunders, leader, Elizabeth Allen, Philip Butler, Bruce Craig, Dr. John English, Michael Fowler, George Fowler, liaison officer Dr. Iqbal Ahmed.

Contributors
remus
10 contributions since 21st August 2025.
TdG
5 contributions since 20th August 2025.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.

Ascents

2 recorded ascents.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Mick Fowler Mountaineering | alpine 11th Aug 1987
First ascent. With Victor Saunders.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12198802100/The-Golden-Pillar-Spantik
Vic Saunders Mountaineering | alpine 11th Aug 1987
First ascent. With Mick Fowler.

I looked over the edge of the cornice and saw the Descent Ridge snaking down to the Prominence. Surely we were going to survive this climb. Already I had begun to debate the value of it all. What is the point of mountaineering? It seemed to me in that moment that the nature of the goal did not matter. Are we driven to reach goals but can learn no lessons from them? There is no pot of gold, only the rainbow.

“I suppose it’s because we live in an achievement-oriented society,” I said to Mick. He looked at me as if I had just announced I was stark staring mad.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12198802100/The-Golden-Pillar-Spantik