This past November, David Lama and Conrad Anker became the first expedition team to reach the headwall of Lunag Ri —a 6907-meter mountain located on the border of Nepal and Tibet. While David and Conrad had set out with the aim to reach its untouched summit in a rapid, ultralight push, this dynamic alpine duo was forced to retreat due to poor conditions of extreme cold and wind.

Despite having left with unfulfilled ambitions, their valiant effort on this demanding and dangerous climb deserves immense respect. The two plan to return next year for a second summit attempt.

We bit off more than we could chew

– Conrad Anker

Related: David Lama and Conrad Anker Climb First Ascent of Latent Core in Zion National Park