Christof Nettekoven
Christof is a German expedition climber, alpinist explorer and devourer of cultural variety around the world. Christof has led expeditions to 5 first ascents in the past 5 years alone. Apart from unclimbed peaks the pristine culture of mountain tribes along the way fascinate him the most. His documentary “Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks/Das andere Afghanistan” about Afghan nomads has been shown at several recent film festivals.
Q&A
How did you first get into exploring/mountaineering?
The challenges and adventures of the greats who went before me are my real inspiration. The idea of mountaineering expeditions is the desire to discover and to explore remote places. It’s about the blank spaces on the map with nameless unclimbed mountains at the end of the world. But an expedition is not only focused on an unclimbed summit, it’s also the journey into far away regions and remote places with interesting people, traditions and culture. This unspoiled cultural experience is as important to me as the pure climb itself. That’s why I do it.
What is the most challenging or rewarding expedition you have achieved?
Since my preferred expedition targets always have to include two things, unclimbed peaks and fascinating culture of mountain tribes, there are two different kinds of reward.
As a cultural highlight, I consider the time living with Pamir nomads on the Wakhan high plateau in Afghanistan! The climbing was not the most challenging, but the experience with the local people was amazing.
Christof’s Osprey
Atmos AG 65
For a long expedition, I prefer the Atmos AG 65. It offers the volume to carry a lot of gear, with great organisation, accessibility and durability. For heavy loads and hot temperatures the suspended AntiGravity backsystem together with the fully ventilated hipbelt make it a very comfortable backpack!
If I’m climbing and need to go light I always reach for the Mutant 38. It has a slim design which is great for climbing but still provides all the important features, such as the integrated helmet storage and removable top lid.
VIEW THE ATMOS AG SERIES
Career Highlights
- 2009 – Iran, Alborz range, Mt. Damavand 5.610m
- 2010 – Bolivia, Andes, Cordillera Sud Lipez/Uturuncu 6.020m, Cordillera Occidental/Licancabur 5.920m, Cordillera Real/Huayna Potosi 6.088m
- 2011 – Pakistan, Karakorum, Ghujerab range, Koh-e-Brobar 6.008m, first ascent
- 2012 – Afghanistan, Little Pamir/Wakhan Corridor, Koh-e- 5.725m, first ascent. Won the prize “Globetrotter of the Year 2012”
- 2013 – Pakistan, Karakorum, Shuijerab range, Koh-e-Gulistan, 6.224m, first ascent
- 2014 – China, Karakorum, Aghil range, Xiao Kangri 6.102m, first ascent
- 2015 – Premiere of the expedition documentary “Afghanistan´s Secret Peaks – das andere Afghanistan”
- 2016 – Pakistan, Karakorum, Panmah Muztagh, Porok Ri 6.020m and Nera Peak 6.143m first ascents
- 2017 – West Nepal, Mugu District, Kangla Himal & Namja Laguja Danda: Sinkala Topi 5.865m, Lek Fett 5.767m, Pratibandhit Lek 6.130m, first ascents.
- 2018 – West Nepal, Humla District, Nalakankar Himal: Takphu Himal 6.395m, Til Kang 6.369m, P1 6.613m, P2 6.521m, P3 6.422m, first ascents.
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