The Golden Years of Polish Himalayism: The Successes and Tragedies from 1978 to 1989.

In 1939 Poles set off for the Himalayas for the first time and climbed Nanda Devi East. The years of German occupation during the Second World War and the subsequent Soviet-controlled political situation meant the 'Golden Age' of world Himalayan mountaineering was lost for them. Starting from 1960, the Hindu Kush became the focus of Polish exploration and a place to develop high mountain skills. The climbing achievements of Tatra mountaineers in various mountain ranges, and the change of regime and the liberalization of the Polish state policy in the 1970s, opened the way for them in Karakorum and the Himalayas. Poles quickly made up the distance to the world's best, joining the competition. From 1978 to 1989 Poles become a power in Himalayan climbing, setting the standards for the next 20 years. This worldwide phenomenon was the result of many factors. Among these factors was the Poles' passion for the mountains and their ability to devote themselves to climbing which was largely conditioned by national tradition. There was also their ability to recognize the realities of the times and take advantage of the political situation and economic absurdities of the repressive state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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