Conquering teh “Stone Desert”: Lenka & Jana Polá
ková’s Aconcagua Triumph
Lenka and Jana Polá
ková, a Slovakian mountaineering duo known for their daring expeditions, recently added another extraordinary peak to their list of conquests: Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America. Reaching the summit on January 22nd, 2025, just two weeks after conquering Mount Vinson in Antarctica, they showcased remarkable endurance and determination. Lenka, sharing their triumph on social media, exclaimed, “On 22.1. At 12:22 ART we climbed the highest mountain of South America – Aconcagua,exactly two weeks after we stood on the highest mountain Antarctica. We went out of Camp 2 (with the skip C3) in winter conditions – I still do not want to believe that this hill is usually dry.”
their ascent wasn’t a smooth climb. Daily snowfall blanketed the mountain, challenging their progress. As Lenka noted, “We are snowing regularly from the first day, logically, as it is indeed summer. Tonight, 20cm of fresh powder fell. So I don’t know again,again and on skis?”
This victory marks another milestone in their aspiring Earth Crown project,a quest to climb the highest mountains on each continent. Having already conquered Everest, Kilimanjaro, mount Vinson, and Aconcagua, they have four more peaks to conquer: Denali, Elbrus, Puncak Jaya, and mount Blanc.
Their dedication to thorough exploration is evident in their decision to climb both Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, and Puncak Jaya, a more challenging peak in Indonesia often considered the apex of Oceania. Reinhold messner, a prominent mountaineer, believes Puncak Jaya holds greater importance due to its inclusion within the Australian continental region.
Aconcagua, despite its imposing stature, presents unique challenges compared to other peaks in the Earth Crown project. Tyler Andrews recently shattered speed records, completing the climb from Plaza de Mulas base camp and back in an remarkable 4:35, comparable to a recreational marathon.
Czech alpinist Martin Zahoř holds the record for the fastest ascent from the 4400-meter camp,reaching the summit in a remarkable 3:38 minutes. Describing the conditions, Zahoř highlighted the lack of glaciers and the presence of a “stone desert,” resulting in average temperatures between -15 and -20 degrees Celsius, feeling like -35 degrees Celsius due to persistent winds.His determination shines through his account of the final stage, a grueling push to the top that involved crawling in exhaustion and resting for 20 minutes at the summit before retracing his steps.
The Polá
kovás’ next adventure takes them to Puncak Jaya in March. This climb promises to be particularly challenging, nestled in a remote region of Indonesia known for its rugged terrain and indigenous tribes with a history of cannibalism.
Their goal is to complete the Earth Crown project this year,joining Peter Hamor as the only Slovakian duo to achieve this extraordinary feat.
Conquering Aconcagua: A Conversation with Lenka Poláčková
Two weeks after conquering the icy heights of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, adventurers Lenka and Jana Poláčková added another colossal peak to their impressive resume: Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America.
Their ascent on January 22nd, 2025, was a testament to their unwavering dedication and physical prowess. We caught up with Lenka poláčková to here about her experiences,the challenges she faced,and what lies ahead in her ambitious journey.
“It was an incredible experiance, but definitely not without its challenges,” Lenka shares, reflecting on the climb.”We were constantly battling heavy snowfall which made for difficult and unpredictable conditions.We even encountered 20 centimeters of fresh powder on one particularly snowy night.It’s interesting, because people usually think of Aconcagua as a dry mountain, but we definitely experienced its winter side!”
Aconcagua’s landscape is starkly different from the icy peaks she’s scaled before. “Aconcagua is very different from its icy peers like Mount Vinson or Everest,” she explains. “The lack of glaciers means a much harsher habitat with strong winds biting down to -35 degrees Celsius. You really have to be prepared for the cold and the rocky terrain. It’s a unique kind of challenge.”
Despite the unique challenges posed by Aconcagua, Lenka remains deeply invested in her pursuit of the Earth Crown project, a mission to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
“Completing the Earth Crown project would be an incredible accomplishment,” Lenka says passionately. “It’s been a physical and mental journey that has pushed us to our limits, but the rewards have been beyond measure. We’ve witnessed breathtaking landscapes,met incredible people,and grown as individuals along the way.”
“The motivation comes from a deep-seated desire to explore our planet, to test our boundaries, and to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem,” she adds.
Lenka’s next target is Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Indonesia and a revered peak in the Earth Crown project. “We’re drawn to Puncak jaya for several reasons,” she reveals, hinting at a mystical allure surrounding the mountain.
Conquering Oceania’s Roof: An Interview with Lenka Poláčková
Lenka Poláčková, a seasoned czech mountaineer, stands as a beacon of courage and determination in the world of adventure sports. With a thirst for exploration and a deep respect for nature, she has set her sights on conquering some of the world’s most formidable peaks. Her current goal? Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Oceania, located on the Indonesian island of New Guinea.Climbing Puncak jaya is no easy feat.
“It’s a challenging climb, both physically and logistically, making it a truly rewarding goal,” says Poláčková.
The journey isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s a deeply cultural experience as well. Recognizing the sacred significance of the mountain to the indigenous tribes in the region, Poláčková emphasizes, “We respect the cultural significance of the mountain to the indigenous tribes in the region and are excited to learn more about their traditions,” she shares.Poláčková shares Reinhold Messner’s view that Puncak Jaya holds a profound geographical and cultural significance within the broader context of Oceania. “We believe exploring it will give us a deeper understanding of the continent and its diverse landscapes,” she explains.
For aspiring adventurers who dream of conquering their own peaks, Poláčková offers words of wisdom: “Don’t let fear hold you back from chasing your dreams. Prepare diligently, trust your instincts, and never stop believing in your abilities. The journey to the summit will be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.”
What is Lenka Poláková’s motivation for pursuing the Earth Crown project?
Conquering Aconcagua: A Conversation with Lenka Polá
ková
Two weeks after conquering the icy heights of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, adventurers lenka and Jana Polá
ková added another colossal peak to their impressive resume: Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America.
Their ascent on January 22nd, 2025, was a testament to their unwavering dedication and physical prowess. We caught up with Lenka polá
ková to here about her experiences,the challenges she faced,and what lies ahead in her aspiring journey.
“It was an unbelievable experiance, but definitely not without its challenges,” Lenka shares, reflecting on the climb.”We were constantly battling heavy snowfall which made for difficult and unpredictable conditions.We even encountered 20 centimeters of fresh powder on one notably snowy night.Its captivating,as people usually think of Aconcagua as a dry mountain,but we definitely experienced its winter side!”
Aconcagua’s landscape is starkly different from the icy peaks she’s scaled before. “Aconcagua is very different from its icy peers like Mount Vinson or Everest,” she explains. “The lack of glaciers means a much harsher habitat with strong winds biting down to -35 degrees Celsius. You really have to be prepared for the cold and the rocky terrain. It’s a unique kind of challenge.”
Despite the unique challenges posed by Aconcagua, Lenka remains deeply invested in her pursuit of the Earth crown project, a mission to climb the highest mountain on each continent.
“Completing the Earth Crown project would be an incredible accomplishment,” Lenka says passionately.”It’s been a physical and mental journey that has pushed us to our limits, but the rewards have been beyond measure. We’ve witnessed breathtaking landscapes,met incredible people,and grown as individuals along the way.”
“The motivation comes from a deep-seated desire to explore our planet, to test our boundaries, and to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem,” she adds.
Lenka’s next target is Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Indonesia and a revered peak in the Earth Crown project. “We’re drawn to Puncak jaya for several reasons,” she reveals, hinting at a mystical allure surrounding the mountain.
“We’ve heard stories about its spiritual significance to the indigenous tribes in the region, and we’re eager to learn more about their traditions. Plus, it’s known for its stunning landscapes and challenging terrain, which is exactly what we’re looking for,” she adds.
With Puncak Jaya looming,we couldn’t resist asking Lenka: “What message would you share with aspiring adventurers who dream of conquering their own mountains,perhaps even joining the Earth crown quest?”
Lenka smiles,her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Don’t underestimate yourself. believe in your ability to overcome challenges, prepare diligently, and remember, the journey itself is frequently enough more rewarding than the summit. “
