2001 K7 Expedition - Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin & Brady Robinson

Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Brady Robinson's 2001 attempt on the south face of K7 in the Charakusa Valley in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. In hindsight, this was a warm up for Conrad and Jimmy's ascent of Meru. You can see glimmerings of Meru in this short film, and even a bit of footage if you're paying attention. www.merufilm.com/

[@auralplex]

There's something magical about blurry color footage from the early 2000's/90s/80s/70s.

[@johannajacinto3020]

; )

[@criticalmass6249]

:: ))P

[@conormackay5946]

it’s very mysterious

[@zorilaz]

It's strange that you can get better images from a stupid phone nowadays. Makes no sense. Technology, what Technology? If you turn a phone apart there's nothing inside that seems advanced at all. Don't get it

[@truthwesee1889]

It's called 'vintage' ;)

[@ImNotHereEither]

Fascinating. Almost a precursor to Meru. You forget, given Jimmy’s filmmaking and photography accomplishments, just what a groundbreaking and incredible climber he is. One of the GOAT’s. Truly an amazing era of both sports and alpine climbing to live through.

[@Synathidy]

INCREDIBLY good and cool climbing expedition documentary. I've seen plenty of docs on higher, more famous mountains, but this beats them all. Showing the awesome people who live in the country... informative, not dramatized, and most importantly, the music is BUMPIN'. Also, nice climbing, and stunning views. Just everything, really.

[@JayB2]

It's nice to see a video about a mountain that's not as well known. I found this by accident, I was looking for *K2* videos. I never heard of this mountain until I stumbled upon this.

[@MichaelSLeahey]

This is amazing, how have so few people seen this? Feel like I stumbled upon treasure...

[@oneactionman]

Couldn't agree more

[@theredrover3217]

68K? Considering the number of people with any interest in this sport, able to appreciate conditions, challenges, recognize the climbers (reputations)?

[@tomkirk6942]

Michael Leahey Agreed!

[@AX1A]

see movie MERU

[@ReaIJohnDoe]

@@AX1A even none climbers have seen Meru, I've never even heard of this before. Amazing find.

[@gregparrott]

I've watched this several times over the years. I learned of 'K7' via. a photograph on Steve House's climb on the West face of K7. It looked down and out upon a steep, sustained couloir with a GIGANTIC vertical ice wall to one side and majestic mountains in the distance. K7 looks steeper than even the Abruzzi route on K2. Combining high alpine mountaineering and mixed rock/ice climbing on essentially vertical walls is awe inspiring. Climbing K7 probably served as preparation for climbing the 'Shark's Fin'.

[@darrenramsami8755]

Conrad and Jimmy are the total best of climbers. Crazy respect for these guys. After i heard of them i will never look at climbing and mountaineering the same way ever. Like this documentary can attest to these guys. Thanks for the upload.

[@uzollee7578]

Nimsdai always ledgend❤

[@Srijithstv]

Thanks for sharing this Brady! Been reading/watching the work of Conrad and Jimmy Chin for 4 years now. You guys are absolute legends. Thanks for taking us on journeys we would never have been on if not for you. Your grit, the stunning views and the songs (by ARR, a legend from my city) made this a fun watch. This deserves more views! And oh, Conrad’s a legend. Did I say that already?

[@YZ250W1]

Thanks so much for the upload!

[@plgplgplg]

Great video. Two things to say, Brady responding to so many comments really adds to the whole package. The comments about the music show that different strokes for different folks is as valid as ever. Fellas, be safe and live long, four more killed this past week in Canada, a pro skier and 3 pro alpinists.

[@andrewgillman8885]

Summer of 1990 or 91 Brady teaches me how to belay, evening of December 2020, Brady teaches a munter hitch and super munter using one hand. Thank you for inspiring adventures and great conversation.

[@andrewgillman8885]

I was 10 years old in 1991

[@patrickomarr8756]

Fantastic film! I felt like I was there. Thanks so much for documenting and sharing this experience!

[@deannilvalli6579]

I really enjoyed this. It really shows how you can start with a film like this- good for the constraints in budget, etc- and eventually do Free Solo, an epic climbing film and cinematic masterpiece. I really liked the use of local music to set the tone for the journey there, and also showing more than just the climb itself. This is how it's done! Nice work Jimmy! I hope I can make a film as good as you do someday.

[@gregparrott]

Intense! Great filming, incredible pyramidal mountain. You were all smart enough to extend it to the max without getting into serious trouble. Thanks for sharing, Brady.

[@PaulCarterArt]

Wow this is a mind Binder of extremes, thanks guys for sharing this amazing journey

[@niels3030]

So sick!! I like how you actually posted and comment on this Brady R.... This is way cool..well played

[@benegesserit9836]

This is the best piece of mountaineering on youtube!

[@carolineullrich7323]

Really love the music, goes perfectly with the video. Thanks for the upload!

[@christiantyroll464]

This is brilliant, thank you.

[@fragelicious]

This was a good warm up for the new documentary Meru. Two Of These climbers (Conrad Anker and Jimmy Chin) star in the film. A film about climbing the notoriously difficult 'Shark Fin' in India's section of the Himalayas.

[@incidentalist]

Yea man, that made me NEVER want to climb in alpine environment!! I could NEVER sit in a tent vertically 20k feet up with avalanches falling beside.... WOW!! Mad props though, was impressive!

[@johannajacinto3020]

I came here after meru. ; )

[@CarterWong91]

This is incredible! There needs to be a push to recirculate this after the success and general interest in Meru!

[@RingerRacing]

whomever complains about the soundtrack should please try to open their mind instead of complaining, this is quality art

[@rajazkhan2520]

The fact that this footage uses A R Rehman's music as background is incredibly fitting!

[@n1cy582]

The karakoram range in Pakistan offers the worst climbing weather, you go from bad to worst... but also the Karakoram offers the most spectacular mountain vistas in the whole world. 5 peaks over 8000 meters and many, many more between 6000 to 8000 meters... a mountaineer wonderland!

[@n1cy582]

A little south east of the range.

[@BradyRobinson]

Patagonia weather is pretty bad too.

[@jasper374]

Monsoon doesn't reach the mountains at that height I think, it gets trapped before the mountain range. You often have a dry and a wet side of the mountain in a country with a tropical climate. I could be wrong but I noticed it at the annapurna massive

[@aacc2622]

Damn what an amazing adventure!! Really enjoyed watching, thax for sharing 👍

[@MESS1]

excellent music! great editing, tks for this adventure. Fun!

[@densmoreken]

Super great movie, soundtrack and humor. A classic!

[@nudetaynehatwobble]

I've always had mad respect for Conrad and his clear headed decision making. he's the kind of guy I like to climb with

[@yvettepaulson4967]

This is a Great video! After watching all the K2 and Everest disasters, you guys make it look easy. Just 3 guys camping on a tiny ledge!!! Really great 👍. Live to climb another day instead of getting avalanched.

[@barryostroff9235]

Excellent production! The school visit was very inspiring!

[@incidentalist]

"I think SOME of their safety standards are a little less then they are in the States." - Jimmy Chin - Quote of the year!

[@carolineullrich7323]

Love the music! Think perfect for this video! Absolutely loved it. Thankyou!!

[@devkkev9066]

hey i agree completely, but do you may know what genre, or from where this music is? sounds like Bollywood, cause i know pakistani-music and i think this isnt something from pakistan. but if you know better just say it, iam open for every improvement! have a great day ma'am!

[@wyomingadventures]

Love their moive meru excellent work. Shows how hard to do this kind of climbing

[@goddammitalana]

loved the video AND the music.

[@jorarch1]

That's a super doc. Thanks. Knowing (together) when to quit a bad situation. Really impressive Well done and good luck to you all.

[@patbingham9689]

Anker and Chin are very smart and experienced alpinists. One thing I took from this is their correct decision to descend. It appears that if they had pushed on or waited, they may not have had the strength to safely descend. This shows the experience and risk/reward side of smart climbing.

[@guillermo3564]

+Pat Bingham you know the rule - getting up is optional, getting down is mandatory.

[@48MAthel]

Conrad Anker climbing legend

[@jimwyatt8096]

There's been a bunch of awesome climbing movies as of late, but this is on the edge of technology dead sea scrolls style. All you guys were missing back then was a Chai and you would've been making Oscar films. So happy to find this and thank you for sharing!

[@BradyRobinson]

LoL, I don't know about that but great comment! Thanks. Yes, this was recorded on TAPE!

[@sergeantcrow]

Thank you...

[@phildown99]

Great movie, haven't seen this. KZbin gem.

[@henryhepburn7899]

So glad you added info on the fabulous music during this great film!

[@Flyhigh7007]

I love the background music 🎶 good job 👍🏻

[@hawkkim1974]

amazing video. I really loved watching it.

[@ninaallison4450]

Love the music....awesome footage .

[@Singing-elephant]

Well presented. I thought it was boring watching 3 guys climbing and squaring but its actually very nice and well presentation. Very interesting music and what a difference scienary and environment In that part of the world...

[@nudetaynehatwobble]

now I know where Conrad Anker lives! Thanks!

[@chair1234567]

Excellent documentary!

[@wasabiginger6993]

A real jewel, thank you!

[@cheysgrann]

This is great fun especially from the warm safety of my bed. Love the music too.

[@tanyasingh8460]

Who picked the music?! They're old masterpieces from Indian cinema ❤️🇮🇳 what a movie , what equipment and what views 👑 thanks so much for uploading this!!

[@jwright1918]

anything produced by Jimmy Chin is lst class-- glad I found this too🌠

[@Vilspang86]

love the video. what is your hardest climb so far ?

[@BradyRobinson]

Vilspanx In a sense. None of the individual rope lengths were that hard, but taken together with the altitude, weather and lack of food it was definitely a challenge. And of course we didn't make it to the top....

[@badnews9312]

This really marks the beginning of Jimmy's film making career......and by 2001 he only really had six or seven years of climbing and photography under his belt - shows just what a natural talent he is....after six years of dedicated climbing I was leading 5.10s trad, 11s sport and ice climbing grade five tops more comfy on grade four ice when on the sharp end but I did lead Polar Circus.......My point being - I was a hell of a long way away from an expedition to K7 - Jimmy sure has come a long way in a relatively short time it seems to me but maybe it is our age difference......I am 56 now and climb mostly Alpine - but far from earth-shattering ascents ....still pushing that's the most important point I guess

[@Grandizer8989]

Jimmy Chin is the David Grohl of mountaineering. He’s everywhere and involved in everything

[@mofomartianp]

Fantastic job documenting this entire expedition, and good you make it home safely. Any help with the naming the song at 7:35?

[@sayand03011]

mofomartian "jiya jale jaan jale" from the movie "Dil Se" . all songs used are actually indian

[@Moishe555]

@@sayand03011 thank you

[@patton303]

Really digging the soundtrack. Excellent video. Thanks for posting.

[@mirceaionescu6805]

Amazing!Good job boys!!!

[@jarrell4878]

Excellent video. Should have 10x views.

[@001barca]

Woww Jimmy looks so young back in 2001. This video is what shows now many alpinists and rock climbers are attracted to cliffs and peaks in Pakistan Karakoram more than anywhere. Surely lots of people have have done 8000rs(Nepal/Pakistan) in expedition style. But for alpinists, these rocky and icy peaks are more entertaining and difficult. Plenty of 6000rs and 7000rs unclimbed peaks which should be the play ground for alpinists

[@Mikeyd_]

At what point in this do you see Meru? I wasn’t able to spot it

[@BlackWarriorLures]

great film

[@m1k119]

You guys made one one the best decisions. Thats why you still around

[@nulizeng1756]

K7 it's amazing.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Some real legends of their craft in this video.

[@coastfan24]

This is incredible.

[@cyberwarcraft9036]

Anyone know the name of the song that's playing when they take off from the airport at 1:37? I've heard that same music as a soundtrack many times in documentaries set in either South East Asia or Pakistan. ktnx~

[@AnilPatel-ol2mz]

Its score from oscar winner music director A R Rehman from India. Its hindi song from Bollywood movie

[@Chakirisan]

Music is fantastic, wonderful visuals... what an amazing place. I see the people that live there and it keeps me humble, incredible humans with a great strength of character.

[@criticalmass6249]

From Bozeman to Karakoram.... nice little gem !

[@adffadafad5123]

any one know the name of the song that's played in the first three minutes?

[@tcmsp93]

Chaiyya chaiyya from the movie Dil Se

[@vetarpalivodica3999]

This is just awesome ! These people are awesome ! K7 baby !!!

[@old-red]

To me, one of the craziest things would be sleeping in those portaledges, which literally means portable ledge. The trust they show in them is insane and no doubt sells itself to any big wall climber. To open a zipper and look down only to remember that you’re 18000’ above sea level...nope!!! Haha, i’d zip ‘er back up and hug my teddy for dear life and wait for death! I’m addicted to these climbing videos. These athletes make the NFL guys look like huge pussies.

[@johnnywright6639]

Haha your comment wins

[@matthewriley1983]

@Brady Robinson -There's a song that comes in at 29:10, possibly Dance Trance by Maziar(?) - any idea where I can find this, or can you share this song?

[@BradyRobinson]

Iberia by Tony Stevens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qquun2uFh86knpI

[@x-0jynx540]

when you look in the bio and it says that this is a "warmup"

[@cryptonite8495]

If there must be music, local music is better than the filmmaker's personal mix tape of his faves, or worse, telephone hold music. Here the local local music really adds to the experience.

[@robertolesen5782]

That was a great video. I'm a flatlander Floridian who know nothing of mountain climbing but you guys got up there pretty high looked like to me. What was left wasn't worth the risk.

[@Moishe555]

@Brady Robinson - What was the experience like climbing with the great Conrad Anker?

[@mifik1158]

Incredible soundtrack by A.R. Rahman. I'm wondering how you even got permission for it. It elevates what's already a superb story.

[@pietervis1138]

Amazing music in this video, anybody has any idea what the names of the artists and tracks are?

[@jsainju]

Chaya Chaya and jiya jale jyan jale from Indian movie Dil Se by Oscar winning musician AR Rahman.

[@jsainju]

Chayaa chayya and jiya jale jyan jale from Indian Movie Dil Se by Oscar Winning Musician AR Rahman my personal favorite.

[@carolineullrich7323]

Were the girls not able to celebrate in the festive, or have any lengthy video taken of them? The briefs shots of them... they were very quite, not singing, celebrating the gifts brought to them.???.

[@BradyRobinson]

I don't recall the exact circumstances, but as you probably know there are serious divisions between men & women, girls and boys in Pakistan and in remote villages. At the time, the fact that there even were girls in the school at all was somewhat remarkable for the region. I say this not as an apologist but only to provide context.

[@mikek9488]

Any time i view material from Pakistan, there are hardly ever any females present at all. Quite amazing this shot even exists.

[@bobbuilder5902]

What an awesome documentary! Did you ever make any other climbs with Jimmy and/or Conrad?

[@BradyRobinson]

Jimmy and I got our start together, this was our third expedition to Pakistan. I did another trip with Jimmy and Conrad in 2002 to the Waddington Range in Canada.

[@bobbuilder5902]

I've gone back multiple times and watched this documentary.

[@thoughtthrottle.]

How much gear do climbers on average have to leave to rappel off a climb this massive? Do they try to minimize costs by only leaving behind things like webbing/cord around spikes or chock stones and nuts?

[@BradyRobinson]

We would build a fairly big anchor, and then the last guy down would pare it down, usually to just two pieces. By the time we decided to bail, the cost of the gear was a secondary concern. We needed enough gear to make all the rappels so we had to conserve. We left no trash on the mountain at all other than rappel anchors.

[@thoughtthrottle.]

Very interesting! Thank you for the detailed response.

[@wyomingadventures]

@@BradyRobinson great job nice to hear you pack your trash out

[@anthonylacy4466]

Super awesome!

[@THXbox]

Had K7 been summited prior to this 2001 expedition ? Same South Face route ?

[@BradyRobinson]

I believe it had been summited by a Japanese expedition. To my knowledge, it has never been summited by the route we attempted -- by us or anyone else.

[@petrosstefanis6234]

soundtrack video content STORY is AWESOME.

[@asfand5747]

I’m curious, why did they pick k7?

[@dimitrisc8749]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vaibhavkumar8133]

Great mountains and so innocent people. God bless this country. Also nice songs of Shahrukh Khan movie

[@lronbutters5688]

I love the local news and weather station!! Lol well done

[@gmccoaching2855]

Epic

[@jupitorious7925]

Got In such a trance from the background chant, that I woke up in my neighbours garden

[@mahima0530]

That's AR Rehman's music.

[@umersheikh3429]

This is called real climbing....!!!

[@fragelicious]

Most climbers do not make Attempts in the Himalayas in June. Because That is the month When the monsoons come up from the Bay of Bengal. half of their days (8 of 16) it snowed. Why did they pick June?

[@Tsumami__]

Tom R Are you thinking of the Himalayas?

[@TradDad1]

Living legitimate legends

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Yes indeed. True legends of their craft. I had zero family history of mountaineering and i started following conrad anker when i was 13 tge year he found mallory. I now have a summit of everist from the north and south and climbed 6 other peaks in the states.

[@gerthie]

Brilliant

[@bog1dan]

This should be on National Geographic or Discovery

[@MohsinAli-nf7uj]

Old is gold

[@johnguzman8637]

Is it just me but I didnt see it snowing, I wonder why they stayed in the Porto ledge so many days

[@BradyRobinson]

It snowed. A lot! We didn't get out to film it when it was snowing, we just stayed in the ledge and knocked the snow off the fly every once in a while.

[@BradyRobinson]

It was snowing! Trust me on that one.

[@TheJfizzle11]

Legendary!

[@yawarabbas9557]

woow my home GB.

[@TheBoarder360]

Love the music.

[@carolineullrich7323]

Rik Elderton "Chaiyya Chaiyya" is the song. An India song.

[@holyfox94]

What??? The singers voice gives me headache 🤕 Must be a castrate around minute 8.00. Well, no need to fight over taste, I guess.