It was all looking so good. We saw off half of our team after breakfast yesterday morning on their way up to Camp 1 on their summit push. The rest of us, who would be aiming for the summit from
Read moreHope fading on Cho Oyu
Month: September 2010
Rest and relaxation at Base Camp
We’re now enjoying our third day of rest at Base Camp. The good news is the heavy snow which has blighted pretty much every afternoon since we’ve been here has now cleared, and we’re looking at a long summit window.
Read moreUp to Camp 2 on Cho Oyu
Back at base camp again after three days on the mountain, including a night at Camp 2 (7100m), the highest I’ve ever slept. We started out for Camp 1 on Monday morning (20th). As usual the weather started clear, but
Read moreAvalanche above Camp 3
At 10.30 yesterday morning there was an avalanche above Camp 3 on Cho Oyu. Seven climbers from the China Tibet Mountaineering Association who were fixing ropes, fell 10 metres over the Yellow Band, a band of rock high on Cho
Read moreInitial forays on Cho Oyu
It’s now been a few days since our puja and it feels like our ascent of Cho Oyu has truly begun. On Monday we made an initial foray up to Camp 1 at 6400m. This involves a three hour crossing
Read moreBase Camp Puja
I’m writing this covered in flour and sampa and clutching a tin of Budweiser having just completed our puja (or blessing) for the climb. Our Sherpa team won’t contemplate beginning the ascent until the necessary ceremony is completed with offerings
Read moreArrival at Cho Oyu Base Camp
So finally, after nearly two weeks in Tibet, we have arrived at the foot of the Turquoise Goddess, when we arrived at Cho Oyu Base Camp yesterday. It has been a rapid ascent. Less than 2 weeks after leaving the
Read moreThe Forbidden City
It’s the end of our second day in Lhasa, and tomorrow we head off along the Friendship Highway to Cho Oyu Base Camp. It’s my second time here, but I still feel I know the city a little better after
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