A Record-Breaking Caravan
The idea of setting a speed record on the Snowman Trek — a 188-mile trail through Bhutan's Himalayan Mountains seemed like a good idea to adventurers Ben Clark, Timmy Olson, Chris Ord, and Anna Frost. There was only one problem; the Kingdom of Bhutan is mostly unexplored wilderness that bans any climbing above 19,800 feet out of respect for local spiritual beliefs. Once the climbers arrived they found out that they were not allowed to travel in the country alone, instead they would have to attempt to break the record lugging along an entourage consisting of one guide, two horsemen, five cooks, and 21 horses ferrying all of their supplies. Over the next 15 days they endured consistent rain and snow, porters that did not want to go faster, and the loss of Ord due to pulmonary edema. In the end they set the record, but we imagine they'll be looking for a less bureaucratic endeavor next time.
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