The Mandala

This world renown problem was first climbed by Chris Sharma in the Spring of 2000, and fittingly, it represents the litmus test for the boulderer of the new millennium. The problem was originally a project tried by many strong climbers of the last decade or so, and it now stands as rite of passage for the new generation of boulderers.

As a few holds have broken since Sharma’s ascent, the climb has become a tad harder and a new sequence has been developed. In the fall of 2002, during the Petzl Roc Trip, Tony Lamiche grabbed the coveted first ascent of the sit down start (dubbed “The Mandalion,”) that checks in at V13/14, making it one of the harder testpieces in Bishop.

The obvious prow on the North-west side of the boulder.

pads and spotters.