Grottes et karsts de Chine
Sur les traces de Xu Xiake

(EPE 10m). In shakehole 10m long x 5 m wide x 5m deep. Shakehole is part of a line of shakeholes running NW-SE, on undulating ground. Entrance is towards west end of shakehole. Description: Hole dug open. Currently 70cm diameter; could easily be widened further. 20m entrance pitch lands on a rubble floor. (Rig from sling and bolt at pitchhead; backup required, but may be difficult to find [in 2006 snow belay was used as backup]. Requires 2 rope protectors on current rig.) Immediately afterwards, a hole at floor level leads to a chossy 2m climb down to a dig. The cave draughts significantly (noticeable both at the entrance and at the dig; draught was outward when cave was found in fine February weather, and inward one week later in snow conditions. Relatively easy progress at dig front; possible to dig with two people, but 3 or even 4 would be ideal. A promising prospect. Worth a return. DP, HG, AO, PL