Cho Oyu Climbing Expedition News Autumn

Cho Oyu Climbing Expedition News Autumn

 
 
Cho Oyu: News of our expedition:

Trip Summary: Our team has returned from the mountain. Congratulations! 15 on the summit. 11 used supplementary bottled oxygen. 4 did not. Please read down for photos and stories:
 
Blog posts: Please click one of the links below to go directly to that blog post or just scroll down.

Glenn with view of Everest on summit of Cho Oyu. Jangbu Sherpa Photo Andre Aaldering, Summit of Cho Oyu, 29 September. Hup Hup Team Holland. Allen Barclay Photo

 Glenn with view of Everest on summit of Cho Oyu. Jangbu Sherpa Photo. Andre Aaldering, Summit of Cho Oyu, 29 September. Hup Hup Team Holland. Allen Barclay Photo.

Thomas and Stefan on the summit of Cho Oyu. Uwe Werner Photo Uwe and Thomas on the summit. Stefan Simchen photo
 
Thomas and Stefan on the summit of Cho Oyu. Uwe Werner Photo. Uwe and Thomas on the summit. Stefan Simchen photo.
 
Ang Pasang Sherpa. Photo by Alan Barclay Christian on the summit. Stefan Simchen Photo
 
Ang Pasang Sherpa. Photo by Alan Barclay.  Christian on the summit. Stefan Simchen Photo.
 
Christian, basic member, sliding his kit bag. Photo Stefan Simchen climbers working their way through the ice step. Stefan Simchen  Photo
 
Christian, basic member, sliding his kit bag. Photo Stefan Simchen. Climbers working their way through the ice step. Stefan Simchen  Photo. 
 
Climbers in the Ice Cliff. Glenn Nyberg Photo Descending down the rock band. Glenn Nyberg Photo
 
Climbers in the Ice Cliff. Glenn Nyberg Photo. Descending down the rock band. Glenn Nyberg Photo.
 
 
villa arna gisursdottir summit Cho Oyu
 
Glenn and Jangbu on the Summit of Cho Oyu. With Everest View. Alan Barclay Photo Thomas. Photo by Stefan Simchen
 
Glenn and Jangbu on the Summit of Cho Oyu. With Everest View. Alan Barclay Photo. Thomas. Photo by Stefan Simchen. 
 
 Uwe supervises team Germany cooking Bavarian food in the ABC kitchen. Stefan Simchen photo Allen Barclay rests in C2 while Troy Bacon looks on. Andre Aaldering photo
 
 Uwe supervises team Germany cooking Bavarian food in the ABC kitchen. Stefan Simchen photo.  Allen Barclay rests in C2 while Troy Bacon looks on. Andre Aaldering photo. 
 
Green fields and blue skies around Tingri after summiting. Alan Barclay Photo Interim camp while descending. A teahouse tent and and truck. Alan Barclay Photo
 
Green fields and blue skies around Tingri after summiting. Alan Barclay Photo.  Interim camp while descending. A teahouse tent and and truck. Alan Barclay Photo.

Jangbu and Dan. Packing loads to carry back down the mountain after summiting. Alan Barclay Photo Jangbu, Alan, and Ang Pasang on the summit. Andre Aaldering photo

Jangbu and Dan. Packing loads to carry back down the mountain after summiting. Alan Barclay Photo. Jangbu, Alan, and Ang Pasang on the summit. Andre Aaldering photo.
 
Local family looks after guests at interim camp. Alan Barclay Photo Marina Cortes on the Summit with Everest View. Jangbu Sherpa Photo
 
Local family looks after guests at interim camp. Alan Barclay Photo.  Marina Cortes on the Summit with Everest View. Jangbu Sherpa Photo.
 
Mighty Cho Oyu towers above advanced basecamp. Alan Barclay Photo Mount Shishapangma seen from Cho Oyu. Stefan Simchen Photo
 
Mighty Cho Oyu towers above advanced basecamp. Alan Barclay Photo.  Mount Shishapangma seen from Cho Oyu. Stefan Simchen Photo.
 
Stefan and Thomas, sponsored by Deutsche Alpine Vereinung. Tenji Sherpa Photo Stefan Simchen. Photo by Thomas

Stefan and Thomas, sponsored by Deutsche Alpine Vereinung. Tenji Sherpa Photo.  Stefan Simchen. Photo by Thomas.
 
Team climbs above camp 2. Andre Aaaldering photo team Germany summiters and their flags. Alan Barclay Photo
 
Team climbs above camp 2. Andre Aaaldering photo.  team Germany summiters and their flags. Alan Barclay Photo.

3 October -

Laatste keer nieuws "Team Holland" expeditie Cho Oyu september .

Inmiddels is de hele expeditie groep weer terug in Kathmandu.

Van de negentien leden hebben er tien de top gehaald. Dik vijftig procent.
Geen slecht resultaat dus.

Helaas heeft een van de leden nog enkele problemen mijn zijn gezondheid.
Zowel aan vingers en tenen heeft hij last van frost bite.

Team Holland heeft een honderd procent score gehaald. Zeker niet slecht wetende dat de hoogste berg in Holland iets hoger is dan 300 meter :-).

Uiteindelijk is het gelukt om de top van de Cho Oyu te bereiken maar het heeft heel veel moeite en inspanning gekost. Na vijf weken is er een einde gekomen aan deze expeditie en wil ik namens "Team Holland" iedereen bedanken die onze verrichtingen gevolgt heeft.

Gr. Andre Aaldering.

Ang Pasang Sherpa abseiling steep snow. Photo by Marina Cortes Team Germany vor dem Start (Christian, Stefan, Uwe, Sebastian und Thomas)
 
Ang Pasang Sherpa abseiling steep snow. Photo by Marina Cortes. Team Germany vor dem Start (Christian, Stefan, Uwe, Sebastian und Thomas)
 
Endlich am Ziel. Foto by Leo Wang Marina Cortes at Camp 2. Photo by Jangbu
 
Endlich am Ziel. Foto by Leo Wang.  Marina Cortes at Camp 2. Photo by Jangbu. Back to Top
 
Beautiful sunset over camp 2. Marina Cortes Photo Blick auf Lager I und ABC Foto by Ch.Muendl
 
Beautiful sunset over camp 2. Marina Cortes Photo. Blick auf Lager I und ABC Foto by Ch.Muendl.
 
Erste Schluesselstelle - Der Eisfall. Foto by Uwe Werner Kaffeetrinkenbei Chris im ABC der schoene in der Mitte ist Sebi  Fotoby Ch.Muendl
 
Erste Schluesselstelle - Der Eisfall. Foto by Uwe Werner.  Kaffeetrinkenbei Chris im ABC der schoene in der Mitte ist Sebi  Fotoby Ch.Muendl.
 
Lager 1 auf 6434m. Foto by Uwe Werner Marina Cortes abseils the fixed lines. Jangbu Sherpa Photo
 
Lager 1 auf 6434m. Foto by Uwe Werner.  Marina Cortes abseils the fixed lines. Jangbu Sherpa Photo. Back to Top
 
Marina Cortes climbing the ice step over camp 1. Jangbu Sherpa Photo Marina, Andre, and Allen in the ice step. Jangbu Sherpa Photo
 
Marina Cortes climbing the ice step over camp 1. Jangbu Sherpa Photo.  Marina, Andre, and Allen in the ice step. Jangbu Sherpa Photo.
 
Morgenstimmung im ABC Foto by Ch.Muendl Nach dem Gipfel darfs auch wieder etwas Luxus sein Foto by Ch. Muendl
 
Morgenstimmung im ABC Foto by Ch.Muendl.  Nach dem Gipfel darfs auch wieder etwas Luxus sein Foto by Ch. Muendl.
 
Schluesselstelle Yellow Band auf ca. 7800m Foto by Ch.Muendl Team Germany startet zum Gipfel Foto by Ch.Muendl
 
Schluesselstelle Yellow Band auf ca. 7800m Foto by Ch.Muendl. Team Germany startet zum Gipfel Foto by Ch.Muendl. 
 
Steve Abseiling on the ice step above camp 1. Troy Bacon Photo Steve enjoys a yummy bite of Yak cheese in Camp 2. Troy Bacon Photo
 
Steve Abseiling on the ice step above camp 1. Troy Bacon Photo.  Steve enjoys a yummy bite of Yak cheese in Camp 2. Troy Bacon Photo. Back to Top
 
Steve, Kaley, and Stu descending snow slopes from Camp 2. Photo by Troy Bacon Chris beim Cordon Bleu braten. Foto by Uwe Werner
 
Steve, Kaley, and Stu descending snow slopes from Camp 2. Photo by Troy Bacon. Chris beim Cordon Bleu braten. Foto by Uwe Werner.
 
Steve takes a break. Troy Bacon Photo Tent in camp 3 with C2, C1, and ABC in the background. Photo by Troy Bacon
 
Steve takes a break. Troy Bacon Photo.  Tent in camp 3 with C2, C1, and ABC in the background. Photo by Troy Bacon.
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Camp 2 at sunset. Marina Cortes Photo Aus Chris Zelt Lager II Foto by Ch.Muendl
 
Camp 2 at sunset. Marina Cortes Photo.  Aus Chris Zelt Lager II Foto by Ch.Muendl.

30 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition: Depois d uma escalada extremamente dificil ao pico Cho Oyu estamx felicissimx a 7140m no campo 2 sob Sol magnifico e picos esplendorosos.

Today's Tweet from Expedition:  After an extremely difficult climb to the peak Cho Oyu the team are now at 7140M in the field surrounded by sun plus magnificent and splendid peaks .

29 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Summit Climb Cho Oyu team returns from summit to C3. Everyone summited, Glen, Andre, Marina, Alan, Jangbu, Ang Pasang, Dan. Beautiful Views!

28 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur:

SUMMIT CLIMB TEAM ON TOP OF CHO OYU JUST NOW! COLD WINDY & SUNNY. SUPERB #EVEREST VIEWS!

Summit Climb Cho Oyu member Leo Wang summits at 9:30 am. Our German team Stefan, Thomas, Uwe, & Christian also summit! We are proud of them!

Congratulations to season's first Cho Oyu summiter: Bo Belvedere Christiansen, former Summit Climb member from Denmark. Congratulations Bo! Back to Top

27 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Now in summit position. Our Sherpas, with other teams, today fixed ropes to summit plateau @ 8000m / 26,000ft. Team Germany summit tonite!

26 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Cho Oyu Summit Climb Sherpas are fixing rope to C3. Half our team is in C2. Half are in C 1.5. Its early in the morning here and its windy.

24 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Summit Climb Cho Oyu ‪#‎Expedition‬ at C1 in sunny clear weather. Tomorrow is a long hard ‪#‎climb‬ to C2. The ‪#‎forecast‬ calls for wind. Uh oh.

Chegamos ao Campo 1 e se possivel esta ainda mais bonito. A luz rosada e azul reflectida nos picos nevados a toda volta. Perfeito fim d dia.


SummitClimb Cho Oyu Team is heading for the summit starting now. Today C1, tomorrow C2, after C3, then summit. Fingers crossed!
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23 September -

Cho Oyu News- A huge avalanche hit Camp 2 this morning. Is everyone ok. Troy Bacon Photo

Cho Oyu News- A huge avalanche hit Camp 2 this morning. Is everyone ok. Troy Bacon Photo

Team Germany in Aktion bei der Akklimatisierungstour. Foto by Scholles Tensing and Marina and Ice training wall at ABC - photo by Tsewang Sherpa
 
Team Germany in Aktion bei der Akklimatisierungstour. Foto by Scholles.  Tenji and Marina and Ice training wall at ABC - photo by Tsewang Sherpa.

Tensing, Marina and Tsewang at Ice trainig wall View of Camp 1 by Troy Bacon

Tensing, Marina and Tsewang at Ice trainig wall. View of Camp 1 by Troy Bacon.

View towards Camp 2 from Camp 1.5 by Troy Bacon Way to Ice training wall on ABC - Photo by Marina Cortes
 
View towards Camp 2 from Camp 1.5 by Troy Bacon.  Way to Ice training wall on ABC - Photo by Marina Cortes.
 
Stu Frink climbing from Camp 1 by Troy Bacon Tensing at camp 1 preparing oxygen to take to camp 2 - photo by Marina Cortes
 
Stu Frink climbing from Camp 1 by Troy Bacon.  Tenji at camp 1 preparing oxygen to take to camp 2 - photo by Marina Cortes.
 
Nejunge Chhimie  and Troy Bacon at ABC by Steve Janke Prayer flags at Advance Base camp with Cho Oyu in the background by Kaley Erickson
Nejunge Chhimie  and Troy Bacon at ABC by Steve Janke. Prayer flags at Advance Base camp with Cho Oyu in the background by Kaley Erickson

Steve Janke hinking to Camp .5 by Troy Bacon Stu Frink and Jim Bingaman spinning prayer wheels in Tingri by Kaley Erickson.
Steve Janke hinking to Camp .5 by Troy Bacon. Stu Frink and Jim Bingaman spinning prayer wheels in Tingri by Kaley Erickson.
 
Rock tower with prayer flags just above Advance Base Camp by Kaley Erickson Steve Janke and Troy Bacon climbing to Camp 1.5 by Kaley Erickson
Rock tower with prayer flags just above Advance Base Camp by Kaley Erickson.  Steve Janke and Troy Bacon climbing to Camp 1.5 by Kaley Erickson

Stu Frink and Steve Janke at Camp 1 by Troy Bacon Stu Frink, Steve Janke and kaley Erickson at Camp 1 by Troy Bacon
 
Stu Frink and Steve Janke at Camp 1 by Troy Bacon.  Stu Frink, Steve Janke and kaley Erickson at Camp 1 by Troy Bacon.

22 September - 

Laatste nieuws van Team Holland,  (Andre Aaldering)  Expeditie Cho Oyu .

Gisteren teruggekomen in ABC vanaf kamp1 waar we geslapen hebben, Maar wat een lange weg hebben we afgelegd de laatste dagen voordat we weer terug waren..Vanaf ABC zijn we vol goede moed vertrokken richting kamp 0.5 Een lange tocht waarbij we alleen maar omhoog gingen. Hierna was het slapen om de volgende morgen door te gaan naar kamp 1 . Dit was een lange lijdensweg omhoog. De naam  "Killer Hill" werdt regelmatig genoemd. Op kamp

1 aangekomen stonden onze tenten al klaar. Na een beker thee is het genieten van het uitzicht. En wat voor een uitzicht over de uitgestrekte sneeuwvlaktes. Hier blijven we twee nachten slapen om te acclimatiseren.
Geen slechte plaats om te overnachten. Maar we moeten verder. Kamp 1.5 staat op het programma. Eerst een heel stuk omhoog om daarna een echte ijswal te beklimmen. Ik met mijn geringe ervaring hierin ben helemaal kapot als we boven zijn. Omdat ik teveel op kracht doe en te weinig op souplesse schreeuwen mijn spieren om zuurstof. Als ik boven ben op deze ijswal ben kost het me nog wel een half uur om een afstand van honderd meter af te leggen naar ons kamp.Ik kom dan ook  bijna kruipend bij mijn tent aan. Wat een dag. Alles doet zeer, snak naar zuurstof, heb geen honger, heb geen dorst. Heb het helemaal gehad, Kruip mijn slaapzak in en val in slaap.De volgende dag gelukkig een rustdag en tijd om een beetje bij te komen. Nog steeds heb ik geen honger en nog steeds geen dorst. De volgende dag is het weer verder omhoog met weer een stuk ijswal. Gelukkig niet zo hoog als de vorirge maar toch. Ik met mijn ervaring dan weet je het wel. Op kamp twee rusten we een half uurtje uit om daarna af te dalen naar kamp een. De volgende dag is het terug naar ABC. Ik ben helemaal op als ik terug ben. Nu een paar dagen bij komen om over een dagje of drie richting de " summit " te vertrekken. Het weer is wisselvallig en er is veel sneeuw gevallen de laatste paar dagen. Het zal allemaal nog heel heel heel erg zwaar worden. Ik hoop dat Team Holland in het volgende stukje kan schrijven dat het met 100 procent aantal deelnemers op de top heeft gestaan JJ.

Groet vanuit het verre Tibet.

Team Holland  ( Andre Aaldering )
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English Translation

We returned yesterday in ABC from Camp 1 where we slept the previous night.

What a long way we've come in the last few days before heading back to ABC, going up to go to camp 1 was a long upward journey full of agony. The name "Killer Hill" was regularly used!

When we finally reached Camp 1 our tents were ready and after a much needed cup of tea we were able to enjoy the view. And what a view of the vast snowfields we had! We slept there for two nights to acclimatize.
It was not a bad place to stay. But we need to go higher to help with acclimatizing. So it was off to camp 2, first a whole lot of walking and then came the climb.  What a day. Everything hurt and I was desperate for oxygen, I'm wasn't hungry, did not feel thirsty. I had had it, so crawled in my sleeping bag and fell asleep The next day was happily a day of rest and time to recover a bit. I still have not felt hungry and still not thirsty. At camp two we rested for half an hour and then descended to camp 1. The next day it's back to ABC. I'm felt much better when I got back. Now a few days to rest before a few days heading towards the "summit" The weather is changeable and there has been a lot of snow the last few days. It will all still be very very very very heavy. I hope Team Holland can write back with 100 percent number of participants stood at the summit stood

Greeting from the distant Tibet.
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Marina Ice Training at ABC - Photo by Tsewang Sherpa Stu Frink at Camp .5 by Troy Bacon

Marina Ice Training at ABC - Photo by Tsewang Sherpa.  Stu Frink at Camp .5 by Troy Bacon.

Nach 7 harten Tagen am Berg - Team Germany wieder vereint im ABC. Foto by Kylie Summit Climb team heading to Camp .5 by Troy Bacon

 Nach 7 harten Tagen am Berg - Team Germany wieder vereint im ABC. Foto by Kylie. Summit Climb team heading to Camp .5 by Troy Bacon

21 September -

Cops on Top Deputy Barbara Pill Memorial Cho Oyu Expedition. Dispatch

21 September, .The team has returned to ABC after being up on the mountain moving gear up to higher camps. As well as working on acclimatization. Members are in good health with only a few physical issues that are minor. We will spend 3-5 days in ABC resting and preparing for a summit attempt. Fixed lines are yet to be placed above camp 2. Steve, Troy, Kaley and myself are excited to make the summit bid to honor Deputy Pill. We also send our love to family so far away. We celebrated Troys birthday while here at ABC, the cook Kipa did a great job with the cake. Troy loved the attention. On a personal note I would like to wish both my daughters Shaylee

9-9 and Amber 9-24 a happy birthday. Summit attempt should be around five days will update when we can. Again thanks for all the support. Till next time. Stu Frink 
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Expedition members getting ready to climb to Camp 1.5 by Kaley Erickson Marina and Tensing on Ice training wall at ABC - photo by Tsewang Sherpa

Expedition members getting ready to climb to Camp 1.5 by Kaley Erickson. Marina and Tensing on Ice training wall at ABC - photo by Tsewang Sherpa.

Cho oyu team germany blog 21 september,

Kein moeglicher Gipfelerfolg ohne die entsprechend notwendige, koerperliche Adaption am Berg.Dies gilt im Besonderen auch fuer uns, denn gerade in extremen Hoehen drohen ohne genuegend Vorbereitung schnell Dehydrierung, Kraefteverfall und typische Symptome der Hoehenkrankenheiten.

Somit starten wir mit schwerem Rucksack  am 13.09. vom ABC-Camp aus ueber endlos wirkende, karge und huegelige Moraenen-Geroellfelder, durchsetzt vom ewigen Eis der Gletscher, unseren Weg Richtung Camp "Half"fort, wo wir gegen Nachmittag eintreffen.Hier wollen wir eine Nacht verbringen, immer mit dem Ziel, dem Koerper einen neuen Hoehenreiz zu bieten.Dankbar nehmen wir den vorbereiteten heissen Tee und die Nudelsuppe der Sherpas entgegen, bevor uns die Nacht und der Schlaf umpfaengt.

Kaum versprechen die ersten Sonnenstrahlen des naechsten Morgens Waerme und Licht, sind wir schon wieder auf den Beinen. Wiederum sind es Tee und eine kleine Schale mit "Porridge",welcher uns schnell Energie fuer den Tag liefern soll. Ueber den beruehmt-beruechtigten Killerhang, der uns mit Gepaeck alle Kraefte abverlangt, erreichen wir erstmals muede aber zufrieden Camp 1. Eine atemberaubende Aussicht auf die umgebenden Bergspitzen, ein waermender Schlafsack zum Abend hin und naechtliches Wetterleuchten entschaedigen uns fuer alle Muehen. Noch eine weitere Nacht verbleiben wir hier, spueren wir doch alle die Hoehe hier schon deutlich und die Anzahl der Atemzuege steigt mehr und mehr...

Tags darauf verlassen wir Camp 1 bei klarem Wetter, wieder haben wir ein Zwischenziel vor Augen: "Camp One and Half" moechten wir erreichen, doch war der Plan schneller gefasst, als realisiert...Mit gegen die Kaelte isolierten Bergstiefeln, Klettergurten, Steigeisen, Pickeln und warmer Daunenbekleidung treten wir am spaeten Vormittag in die Schneestapfen, die von den Sherpas bereits Tage zuvor angelegt wurden.Das Gelaende ist recht steil und schnell merken wir, dass die duenne Luft ein rasches Vorwaertskommen unmoeglich macht. Immer wieder muessen wir halten, die Luft in die Lungen pressen und uns auf den naechsten Schritt nach oben konzentrieren. Alsbald erreichen wir eine Steilstufe, nur von einem Fixseil gesichert, die fuer so manchen zur grossen Herausforderung wird. Dankbar bin ich in diesem Moment, aus den Erfahrungen des Eisklettertrainings im letzten Winter profitieren zu koennen. Doch es geht nicht ohne Hilfe fuer andere im Team und so sichern Uwe, Sebastian,Thomas, Stefan und Christoph die kniffligsten Passagen ab, was sich bei den zunehmend sinkenden Temperaturen und der Dauer  der Ueberschreitung zu einer nervenaufreibenden Aktion entwickelt. Trotz der Vermutung, dass viele wohl augenscheinlich wenig Erfahrung im Umgang mit Seil, Geraet und Klettertechniken haben, wir doch aber hier schliesslich Teilnehmer an einer 8000-er Expedition mit definiertem Anspruch sind und in der Folge viele Fragen offen blieben und Diskussionsbedarf bestand, waren doch final alle froh und dankbar, im erreichten Camp "One and Half" muede und der voelligen Entkraeftung nahe in den Schlafsack zu sinken.

Gestaerkt vom morgendlichen "Porridge" und ein paar Energieriegeln mit heissem Tee, entschlossen sich Thomas, Stefan, Uwe und einem weiteren Sherpa

(Zelttransport) den Weg Richtung vorlaeufigem Endziel der Akklimatisierung "
Camp 2"  auf ca. 7.100m einzuschlagen.Langsam vorankommend, immer wieder innehaltend, verschnaufend, ueberwanden wir nicht zulezt Dank der angebrachten Fixseile auch die steilsten Passagen und konnten schliesslich Camp 2 nach etwa 4-stuendigem Aufstieg erreichen. Nachdem auch alle weiteren

Expeditionsteilnehmer wieder zu Kraeften gekommen sind, hat die gesamte Gruppe den Aufstieg am Tage darauf wiederholt und auch fuer den Umstand, dass der Abstieg bis in den Sonnenuntergang andauerte, erfolgreich beendet.

Vom Camp "One and Half" aus stiegen wir nach diesen anstrengenden Tagen wieder hinab bis ins ABC-Camp, wo wir von Sherpa Koch Kipa schon freudig erwartet wurden und was noch viel genugtuender fuer uns war, mit deftiger Kost verwoehnt wurden.

Ein ganz besonderer Dank an dieser Stelle fuer Kipa Sherpa und seiner Kuechenmannschaft, wir wissen Eure Leistung unter den gegebenen Umstaenden absolut zu schaetzen !

Ausblick: Die naechsten Tage im ABC dienen der koerperlichen Regeneration, der Reinigung J und natuerlich auf den Ausblick auf ein gutes Wetter-Fenster, welches uns evtl. vorauss. am 28.09. den Gipfeltag schenken koennte. Wir werden Euch berichten....
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**written by Stefan**

Dan Mazur and Uwe Lerner prepare tweet inside tent at Camp 1.5 - Photo by Marina Cortes Marina and Tsewang Ice Training at ABC - Photo by Tensing Sherpa
 
Dan Mazur and Uwe Lerner prepare tweet inside tent at Camp 1.5 - Photo by Marina Cortes. Marina and Tsewang Ice Training at ABC - Photo by Tensing Sherpa.

20 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Hi friends. SummitClimb Team came down to C-1 late, after a long day. The #Sherpas prepared a much needed hearty meal. Today down to abc.

19 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Greetings to everyone from 7142m/23,426ft, the highest anyone has been on Cho Oyu this season. Go SummitClimb Team!

TEAM HOLLAND ANDRE BALDERING HEEFT VANDAAG EEN PR GEZET MET 7142 METER NU TERUG NAAR ABC # SPANNEND
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Climbers Steve Janke and Troy Bacon in line to climb the Ice Cliff by Kaley Erickson Dan Mazur rests outside tent on acclimatization day at camp 1.5 - photo by Marina Cortes
 
Climbers Steve Janke and Troy Bacon in line to climb the Ice Cliff by Kaley Erickson. Dan Mazur rests outside tent on acclimatization day at camp 1.5 - photo by Marina Cortes. 

18 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Das leider leicht geschw?te Team Germany (Sebastian steigt ab ins ABC) besucht das Camp 2 auf ca. 7100m bei Traumwetter. VLG SJ+J v. Uwe

17 September -
 
Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: We are now at 6700m/22,000ft. Crossing the 8m/26ft high ice step was challenging. Now its a gorgeos morning with amazing views. Back to Top
 
ABC clear in the morning! Photo by Marina Cortes Cops on Top climbers Steve Janke, Stu Frink, Troy Bacon and Kaley Erickson at Advance Base Camp by Kaley Erickson.
ABC clear in the morning! Photo by Marina Cortes.Cops on Top climbers Steve Janke, Stu Frink, Troy Bacon and Kaley Erickson at Advance Base Camp by Kaley Erickson.

16 September -

Today's Tweet : Cho oyo expedicao td otimo!Chegamx C1 6,400m.Uista magnifica rodeada d picos lindissimos e esplendoroso Cho Oyu mesmo ?rente!

English Version - Cho Oyu expedition team all doing great! Now at Camp 1 6,400 metres. Such a magnificent place surrounded by beautiful peaks and splendid views of Cho Oyu.

15 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #SummitClimb #ChoOyu #Expedition @ camp1, 6400m/21,000ft. No teams above us. We open route to C2. Breaking trail; very deep #snow.

14 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: We are now climbing the mountain! Tonight team camped @ 6000m/19,800ft. Weather clear. Abc trekker Jim back to Ktm. We miss you!

 
Panoramablick Basislager. Foto by Uwe Werner
 
Waking up at Advanced Base Camp, Sun! Photo by Marina Cortes Yak Caravan on the way to Base Camp - Photo by Marina Cortes
 
Waking up at Advanced Base Camp, Sun! Photo by Marina Cortes. Yak Caravan on the way to Base Camp - Photo by Marina Cortes.

Camp staff Nejunge Chhimie by Kaley Erickson

Camp staff Nejunge Chhimie by Kaley Erickson.

13 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #Snow & wind today @ abc. Team members rested, walked up & down, enjoyed comfortable dining tent. #Delicious food!

Hi All This is a quick update from Alan the UK member of the Cho Oyu 2104 Expedition.

It's the 2nd day at Advance Base Camp and the team has been resting, eating and keeping hydrated in preparation for moving on up the mountain in 2 days time weather permitting.

We had the Puja today which is a blessing ceremony performed by a Lama and gives good luck to the expedition - followed by a bit of Nepalese dancing led by the Sherpas We've had some great views of Cho Oyu in between snow, cloud and fog and during the clear spells  our route is clearly visible.

Tomorrow we walk about half an hour from ABC to practice on some ice walls.

The team is in good spirits and keeping well - the expedition mantra is "Don't get sick," so everyone is looking after themselves and each other - there is a good team spirit.

Anyway that's all for me today, so from all of us thinking about all of you, Best wishes Alan & the Cho Oyu Team Back to Top

Before the Puja. Foto made by Andre Aaldering. Gesegnetes Team Germany mit Jangbu. Foto by Scholles

Before the Puja. Foto made by Andre Aaldering.  Gesegnetes Team Germany mit Jangbu. Foto by Scholles.

Dutch Dispatch for Cho Oyu

Expeditie Cho Oyu najaar .

Hier een  blog die ik mag maken  voor onze nederlandstalige volgers.
Sinds ons vertrek vanuit Kathmandu hebben we al het nodige meegemaakt. Op twee uur rijden van Kathmandu moesten we om een aardverschuiving heen waar we alleen te voet verder konden. Na een flinke wandeling was het daarna door naar de grens met China. Hier hebben we geslapen in een klein dorp vlak voor de grensovergang. De volgende dag was het  na de nodige formaliteiten aan de grens  door naar onze eerste stop in China om daar twee dagen te acclimatiseren. Op het moment dat ik dit stukje schrijf zitten we in Tingri waar we na de lunch richting Cho Oyu base camp zullen vertrekken.De sfeer in de groep is goed. Iedereen maakt contact met iedereen en door de verschillende nationaliteiten hoor je vele talen. Van Engels tot Duits tot IJslands en zelfs Nederlands. Er zit een dame uit Portugal bij die in Nederland gewoont heeft en een aardig woordje nederlands spreekt. Verder is het leuk om te zien en te horen hoe iedereen zich op deze expeditie heeft voorbereid.  De hoogteziekte heeft inmiddels ook al twee duitsers te pakken gehad. Nummer een moest na een noodstop van de auto waarin we zaten overgeven toen we over een  5126 meter hoge pas gingen en heeft daarna de rest van de dag als een ziek vogeltje in bed gelegen. Nummer twee had gisteren last van hoofdpijn en koude vingers. Gelukkig voelde hij zich vanmorgen een stuk beter. Het blijft voorzichtig omgaan met de hoogte en het is heel belangrijk om de tijd te nemen om goed  te acclimatiseren. Het weer is tot nu goed en iedereen zit te popelen om naar base camp te gaan. Op die ene Duitser na voelt iedereen zich goed en is iedereen klaar voor de volgende stap naar 4900 meter.
Groeten Vanuit Tingri  (China )   
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Andre Aaldering.

In front off the glacier. Foto by Andre Aaldering. Leo and Marina after Tsampa blessing - Photo by Jim

In front off the glacier. Foto by Andre Aaldering.  Leo and Marina after Tsampa blessing - Photo by Jim.

Dispatch for team Cops on Top Cho Oyu Deputy Pill expedition. All team members are well  and feeling excited as the expedition moves forward. We are located at camp ABC  18,500 ft. The weather has been sunny one minute then snow for the next, very unsettled. We look to due some carries up the mountain in the coming days as weather hopefully improves.

We wish to thank all of our supporters back home that made this all possible. In particular we reach out to the Pill family and friends whom we are climbing for. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.  To our own familes  back home we love you all. Till next time. --Stuart Frink

Good  Day from Advanced Base Camp @ 18,500 ft. The plan for today was 4-5 hrs of ice climbing practice for what lies ahead but unfortunately  we went to bed with snow falling and as I write this the afternoon of 9/13 the snow continues so practice has been called off. Some went for hikes up toward camp one to cache some gear but most are still taking the day to rest.

Everyone appears to be in good spirit/mind and reasonably good health. The plan for tomorrow is to begin moving up the mountain but that will depend on the weather. We are getting a real appreciation for what lies ahead and a true respect for Cho Oyu. We very much miss our families and appreciate all the support from everyone around the world where our team is from.
Glenn Nyberg-USA

From James Bingaman: HELLO Portland and Chicago.  Headed back to Kathmandu tomorrow morning.  Snowed all night and woke up to a tent covered in snow.

The team looks excited to get to CAMP 1.  Base Camp has been fun and ready to get to the next phase of climbing.  I will be traveling alone, in the company of a Tibetan Guide to the next few camps back and hope all goes well with crossing the Chinese border.  I will touch base when I get through. 
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Logistik auf Tibetisch. Foto by Uwe Werner morgentliche Stimmung Zelt. Foto by Muendl
 
Logistik auf Tibetisch. Foto by Uwe Werner. morgentliche Stimmung Zelt. Foto by Muendl.

Cho oyu blog from Marina Cortes:

Ca estamos no advanced base camp no decimo terceiro dia de expedicao Cho Oyu Fall ! Acordamos num acampamento totalmente coberto de neve. As nossas tendas parecem iglos, nao se ve o tenda, so neve! O treino de escalada em gelo que estava programado para hoje foi cancelado. Assim, ha algum tempo para um blog em Portugues da expedicao!

Logo apos sairmos de Kathmandu ha treze dias atras, tivemos que deixar o autocarro que nos transportava para atravessar a pe um troco de longo estrada que que sofreu uma derrocada com as chuvas com cerca de 400 fatalidades nas vilas afectadas. Ao fazer a travessia do troco afectado deparamo-nos com os telhados de casas ainda visiveis nas terra enlameada.

Todas as pessoas que viajam na estrada Kathmandu-Tibete teem de fazer este troco a pe. Para os Ocidentais com mais bagagem existem Nepaleses dispostos a carregar bagagem durante a passagem a troco de um montante de dolares americanos. E surpreendente observar como alguns carregadores, incluindo mulheres, transportam carga de 40 kg a pe descalco. O Sol e escaldante e nos mal conseguimos com a nossa bagagem leve, e boas botas de montanhismo!

Apos atravessarmos o treixo afectado pelas chuvadas dormimos na fronteira do Nepal com a China, para passarmos a delicada Alfandega Chinesa. Que aventura no dia seguinte, atravessar a fronteira sob os olhares cerrados dos militares chineses, sendo toda a nossa bagagem incluindo nos proprios revistada.

Ao chegar ao Tibete, que surpresa a beleza do vale, verdejante, com quedas de agua de mil metros de altura! Tambem surpresa o nivel de desenvolvimento do Tibete comparado com as estradas no Nepal, que deixamos para atras. As estradas em muito boas condicoes o restaurante muito limpo e bem arranjado.
O nosso destino deste dia e Nyalam, uma vila tibetana muito tipica a 3,600m de altura. Uma vez mais, o hotel de tipico estilo tibetano impressiona-nos, com casa banho privada, duche quente e televisao. Ainda melhor que Kathmandu. Na rua principal da cidade observamos os tibetanos em trajes tipicos com a famosa tranca nos homens, a volta da qual enrolam uma pulseira de marfim.

Depois de dois dias em Nyalam para aclimatizacao prosseguimos de jipe para Tingri, a 4,400m de altitude, uma vila tambem muito tipica, mais isolada e onde ficamos outros dois dias tambem para aclimatizacao. Somos presenteados mais uma vez com um excelente hotel, surpreendentemente luxuoso para o que se esperaria no Tibete. Este sera o ultimo hotel da expedicao, depois de dois dias a aclimatizar em Tingri, prosseguiremos viagem por terras cada vez mais isoladas ate ao base camp a 4,900m. O cenario e deslumbrante, com vastas planicies a perder de vista, rodeadas em toda a volta por cumes montanhosos. Avistamos uma caravanas de Iaques atravessando a planicie na rota de comercio Tibete-Nepal. A partir do campo base dormiremos em tendas durante o resto da expedicao. O ambiente ao chegar ao campo base e alegre e atarefado. Os sherpas estao a montar as tendas e a preparar a refeicao. 
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Ficamos a 4,900m outras duas noites. Durante este tempo fiz um passeio ate 5,800m, de onde se avistou todos os picos em volta, e os primeiros glaciares,impressionantes entre os picos Himalaianos.

A primeira caminhada em grupo foi feita depois dos dias de aclimatizacao ate ao campo base intermedio a 5,300m. O tempo esteve quente durante as primeiras duas horas, ao ponto de usar gaurda-chuva para proteger do Sol, e meia hora mais tarde, tanto frio que nao senti os dedos das maos.

Depois de uma noite no campo base intermedio, comecamos a primeira escalada no treixo montanhoso de Cho-Oyu. Os iaques sao carregados com todas as nossas bagagens, cerca de 2,500 Kg. Esta escalada e bastante desafiante com trilhos em zigue-zague por entre iaques que carregam cerca de 80kg cada. Um toque de um iaque na nossa mochila ou num de nos, no momento errado e caimos do trilho pela montanha. Depois de 4 horas e meia chegamos ao campo base avancado, que o nosso guia, que subiu ao Evereste 10 vezes considera ser um dos mais belos. O cume do Cho-Oyu e avistado a Norte, deslumbrante. O topo suavemente arredondado e coberto de neve promete ser uma escalada agradavel, fora o caso de estar a 8,201 metros de altura, e a uma temperatura de -20C.

A Oeste avistamos um impressionante pico triangular, com uma face vertical de varios milhares de altura, que parece nunca ter sido escalado. A Sul desse pico um glaciar coberto de neves e miriades de crevasses.
Quando acordamos de manha o ceu esta limpo e percebemos que estamos rodeados de picos a 360 graus a toda a volta. Toda a face do Cho-Oyu esta visivel, incluindo a nossa rota e os varios acampamentos que percorreremos na escalada. E impressionante e um pouco assustador mas tambem belissimo. Deve ser o pico mais belo que me lembro de ver.

Foi neste cenario que ontem tomamos parte, numa cerimonia tibetana budista, em que reunimos todo o nosso material de escalada para juntamente com nos proprios sermos abencoado por um Lama que veio conduzir a cerimonia. Esta e uma importante parte da escalada de qualquer pico nos Himalaias que os Sherpas levam muito a serio. No final somos coberto de farinha tibetana Tsampa, que faz parte integral da alimentacao tibetana e que suplementa a bencao de boa sorte e boa caminhada. As fotografias dos membros cobertos de Tsampa sao bastante divertidas!

E neste cenario que nos encontramos hoje, com uma boa quantidade de neve no campo, bebendo constantemente cha nepales para manter a temperatura. Estamos confiantes que o tempo melhorara, permitindo-nos levar a cabo o treino de escalada no gelo e iniciar a subida ao Cho-Oyu dentro de poucos dias! O campo base avancado nao e o sitio mais quente do planeta para passar alguns dias, mas e certante um dos mais belos. - Marina Cortes 
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Puja Ceremony . Foto by Christoph Puja Ceremony . Foto by Christoph
 
Puja Ceremony . Foto by Christoph.  Puja Ceremony . Foto by Christoph

Cho Oyu Dutch team report number 3

Verslag van team Holland  ((Enige deelnemer Andre Aaldering J) Vandaag al weer dag drie op advanced base camp. Net de Puja  ceremonie achter de rug waarbij wijzelf en onze matarialen gezegend zijn, voor een goede beklimming en behouden terugkomst van de Cho Oyu, door de Lama. Vanuit Tingri zijn we naar het basiskamp gereden waar we dan eindelijk onze eerste wandeltocht konden maken richting IBC. Iedereen was er aan toe om een flinke wandeling te maken. Op iBC stonden onze tenten al klaar. Luxe !!! Hierna een drankje doen in de locale kroegtent. Denk niet dat het er uit zit zoals bij ons in de kroeg. Deze kroeg is een donkere tent met wat matrassen op kisten.

Alles is stoffig en er komt nog een mooi taffereel voorbij bij het verhandelen van een stuk schapen karkas. Waarbij het karkas letterlijk van hand tot hand gaat J J. Na het eten is het nog wat drinken om daarna te gaan slapen. Dag twee is een lange wandeling naar ABC. Het is inderdaad een lange dag waarbij het in de middag ook nog licht gaat sneeuwen. We moeten de tenten zelf opzetten en alles is nat van binnen. Na een eerste schoonmaak en slaapklaar maken van de tent is het dinertijd om hierna als een blok in slaap te vallen. De volgende morgen merk ik dat de hoogte ook op mij vat heeft gekregen. Beetje zeurende hoofdpijn, geen l ust tot drinken en geen lust tot eten. Gelukig hoeven we niet veel te doen en het grootste gedeelte van de groep inclusief mezelf ligt de meeste tijd in bed. Niet vreemd we zitten op 5650 meter hoogte. Gelukkig schijnt het zonnetje in de morgen waardoor we onze natte spullen kunnen drogen en in de middag worden onze klimmaterialen nog een keer gecontroleerd. Voor de rest van de tijd doe ik niet veel meer dan proberen te wennen aan de hoogte. Vanmorgen de Puja gehad en hoor net dat we morgen beginnen met een eerste training  door het beklimmen van een sneeuw/ijswand te trainen . Overmorgen gaan weer een stapje hoger naar kamp een. Tijd om te wennen aan de hoogte is wat we tot nu toe gedaan hebben. En nu stapje voor stapje verder en blijven acclimatiseren.

De klimgroeten vanuit Advanced Base Camp.
Team Holland. - Andre Aaldering.
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Puja Ceremony 3. Foto by Christoph Sheepmeat for the next day lol. Foto made by Andre Aaldering.

Puja Ceremony 3. Foto by Christoph.  Sheepmeat for the next day lol. Foto made by Andre Aaldering.

12 September -
 
Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #Cho Oyu team checks #climbing gear & has an inspiring #mountain ceremony with #Sherpas. #Summit looks very snowy!
 
Puja Ceremony, blessing of the gear - Photo by Marina Cortes
 
Puja Ceremony, blessing of the gear - Photo by Marina Cortes
 
10 September -
 
Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Team reaches advanced basecamp ABC @ 5650m / 18,500ft. Afternoon #snowstorm adds to challenge of setting camp. Everyone is well.

9 September - 

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #Cho Oyu team reaches 5350m, 17,500ft in a snowstorm. Everyone is ok, but feeling the high #altitude.

Today's Tweet from Team #Germany ist wohl auf und freut sich auf das letzte Bier. Morgen gehts ins hinauf ins ABC.
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8 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: Sorted gear, walked up the ridge, then a big rain & windstorm hit basecamp. Everyone ok here. Weather looks bad above here.

Marina, Christian, Villa, Cho Oyu Team Spirit. Christoph Forster Photo. Marina Stefan Christoph in Tingri Photo by Marina Cortes

Marina, Christian, Villa, Cho Oyu Team Spirit. Christoph Forster Photo.Marina Stefan Christoph in Tingri Photo by Marina Cortes
 
La Lung Leh Pass at 5226m. Foto by Stefan Simchen Kloster Mila Repas Cave. Foto by Thomas Hoffmann
 
La Lung Leh Pass at 5226m. Foto by Stefan Simchen. Kloster Mila Repas Cave. Foto by Thomas Hoffmann. 
 
7 September -
 
Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #Cho Oyu team reaches Chinese #basecamp @ 4900m, 16,075ft. Sunny day, moonlit night. All is well.
 
Expeditie Cho Oyu najaar .

Hier een  blog die ik mag maken  voor onze nederlandstalige volgers.

Sinds ons vertrek vanuit Kathmandu hebben we al het nodige meegemaakt. Op twee uur rijden van Kathmandu moesten we om een aardverschuiving heen waar we alleen te voet verder konden. Na een flinke wandeling was het daarna door naar de grens met China. Hier hebben we geslapen in een klein dorp vlak voor de grensovergang. De volgende dag was het  na de nodige formaliteiten aan de grens  door naar onze eerste stop in China om daar twee dagen te acclimatiseren. Op het moment dat ik dit stukje schrijf zitten we in Tingri waar we na de lunch richting Cho Oyu base camp zullen vertrekken.De sfeer in de groep is goed. Iedereen maakt contact met iedereen en door de verschillende nationaliteiten hoor je vele talen. Van Engels tot Duits tot IJslands en zelfs Nederlands. Er zit een dame uit Portugal bij die in Nederland gewoont heeft en een aardig woordje nederlands spreekt. Verder is het leuk om te zien en te horen hoe iedereen zich op deze expeditie heeft voorbereid.  De hoogteziekte heeft inmiddels ook al twee duitsers te pakken gehad. Nummer een moest na een noodstop van de auto waarin we zaten overgeven toen we over een  5126 meter hoge pas gingen en heeft daarna de rest van de dag als een ziek vogeltje in bed gelegen. Nummer twee had gisteren last van hoofdpijn en koude vingers. Gelukkig voelde hij zich vanmorgen een stuk beter. Het blijft voorzichtig omgaan met de hoogte en het is heel belangrijk om de tijd te nemen om goed  te acclimatiseren. Het weer is tot nu goed en iedereen zit te popelen om naar base camp te gaan. Op die ene Duitser na voelt iedereen zich goed en is iedereen klaar voor de volgende stap naar 4900 meter.
Groeten Vanuit Tingri  (China )   

Andre Aaldering.
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 the tingry observation point - the mountain in view is cho oyu. Photo Alan Barclay Tingri observation point - the mountain in view is cho oyu - Alan Barclay
The Ting Ri observation point - the mountain in view is cho oyu. Photo Alan Barclay. Tingri observation point - the mountain in view is cho oyu - Alan Barclay.
 
Cho Oyu Team watching Cho Oyu. Foto by Andre Aaldering Cho Oyu team in Nyalam restaurant. Foto by Andre Aaldering.
 
Cho Oyu Team watching Cho Oyu. Foto by Andre Aaldering. Cho Oyu team in Nyalam restaurant. Foto by Andre Aaldering.

English Version - 

Since our departure from Kathmandu, we have all had quite an experience. Two hours’ drive from Kathmandu, we had to get over a landslide on foot. After a long walk, it was then on to the border with China. Here we slept in a small village near the border crossing. The next day it was after the necessary formalities at the border that we made our first stop in China to acclimatize. We stayed there for two days. I am writing this from Tingri where after lunch we will trek towards Cho Oyu base camp.

The atmosphere in the group is good. Everyone makes contact with everyone and with the different nationalities you hear many languages. From English to German to Icelandic and even Dutch. There's a lady who used to live in Portugal in the Netherlands and speaks Dutch quite a bit. Furthermore, it is nice to see and hear how everyone on this expedition has prepared. The altitude sickness has now already affected two Germans. First was after an emergency stop of the car in which we were to surrender when we went over a 5126 meter high pass so after being as a sick bird they spent the rest of the day in bed. Second was yesterday with headaches and cold fingers. Fortunately, he felt a lot better this morning. They remains cautious and it is very important to take time to acclimatize properly.  The weather is so good and everyone is eager to go.  Now everyone feels good and everyone is ready for the next step to 4900 meters.

Greetings From Tingri (China)

Blick auf Cho Oyu von Tingri. Foto by Thomas Hoffmann Between the duffels. Foto by Andre Aaldering
 
Blick auf Cho Oyu von Tingri. Foto by Thomas Hoffmann. Between the duffels. Foto by Andre Aaldering.

6 September -
 
1.9. Montag
 
Am Montag haben wir unsere Ausruestung vervollständigt. Kathmandu mit seinen ca. 200 Bergsportlaeden bieten dafür die besten Möglichkeiten.
 
2.9. Dienstag
 
Um 4 Uhr ging es dann los. Um 6 Uhr  startet der Bus dann auch tatsächlich Richtung Kodari. Nach drei Stunden ist erstmal Schluss: ein gewaltiger Erdrutsch vor 4 Wochen hat ein kleines Dorf mit 240 Menschen und auch einen Teil der Straße mit sich gerissen.  Nach 2-3 Stunden Fußmarsch bei feuchtheißem Wetter geht es dann in einem anderen Bus über unwegsames Gerlände weiter bis wir Kodari erreichen.

 
3.9. Mittwoch

Am morgen überqueren wir die Grenze nach Tibet. Auf überraschend guten Straßen geht es auf Serpentinen steil hinauf bis nach Nyalama. Viele Grüße an Sylvia, Julius und Jonas.
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4.9. Donnerstag

Heute ist Ruhetag um sich an die Höhe von 3800m zu gewöhnen mit einer kleinen Wanderung auf den hiesigen Hausberg (4410m). Auch die kulturelle Anpassung ist beim Team Germany in vollem Gange (siehe Foto vlnr. Sebastian, Uwe und Christian)


Team Germany: vlnr. Uwe, Thomas, Christian, Stefan und Sebastian. Team Germany: vlnr. Uwe, Thomas, Christian, Stefan und Sebastian
 
English Version -

1.9
On Monday we have all our equipment complete. Kathmandu with its approximately 200 shops was a huge help.

2.9
At 6 clock the bus set off towards Kodari. After three hours, we stopped due to a huge landslide which occurred four weeks ago, a small village of 240 people and also a part of the road was swept away. After 2-3 hours of walking in hot, humid weather continues until we reach Kodari then another bus over rough terrain.

3.9
In the morning we cross the border into Tibet. In a surprisingly good roads which goes steeply up after Nyalam. Many greetings to Sylvia, Julius and Jonas.

4.9
Today is rest day to get used to the altitude of 3800m with a short hike to the local mountain (4410m). The cultural adaptation of the German team is in full swing (see photo left to right. Sebastian, Uwe and Christian)


Acclimatization trek in Tingri 4,700m Marina and Uwe Photo by Christoph
 
Acclimatization trek in Tingri 4,700m Marina and Uwe Photo by Christoph

5 September -

Today's Tweet from Expedition Leader Dan Mazur: #Cho Oyu team reaches Tingri @ 4400m , 14,400ft. Sunny & beautiful! Back to Top 

Tag 5 / 05.09.  (written by Stefan)

..ein neuer, sonniger Morgen bricht heran in Nyalam, wir sind in Aufbruchstimmung, denn heute starten wir nach Tingri als letzter Bastion vorm Chinese Basecamp. Schon stehen die Kleinbusse bereit und los geht es durch die flirrende, trockene Hitze.

Nach ca. einstuendiger Fahrt halten wir unvermittelt in einer winzigen Ortschaft und stellen die Fahrzeuge ab. Nach etlichen Treppenstufen, die wir abwaerts gehen, stehen wir vor einer tibetischen Gebetsstaette, umgeben von einem sagenhaften Blick ueber die Hochebene und den fernen Gipfeln. Wir duerfen Dank der Organisation von Dan Mazur hier an einer heiligen, tibetischen Zeremonie teilnehmen, man bittet uns um Verstaendnis dass Fotos und laute Unterhaltungen verstaendlicherweise nicht erwuenscht seien. Alsbald verteilt Dan an alle weisse Gebetstuecher und wir betreten still das heilige Innere des von Moenchen verwalteten Gebetshauses. Wir lassen die andaechtige Stimmung auf uns wirken, legen unsere Gebetstuecher am prunkvoll geschmueckten Altar ab und verweilen noch eine Zeit, jeder mit den Gedanken bei sich selbst.
 
Schliesslich verlassen wir den Gebetsraum und danken dem sichtlich bemuehten Moench, der uns diese Einblicke gewaehren liess und uns mit hilfreichen Erklaerungen zur Seite stand.
Ein letzter Blick ueber die unendlich wirkende Weite des Tals und schon sitzen wir wieder im Bus, der uns in zahllosen Serpentinen hoch und hoeher bringt dem LaLung Leh Pass entgegen, den wir schon bald erreichen auf einer Hoehe von 5.226m. Hier oben ist es windig, die Luft trocken und kuehl, auch die Hoehe ist fuer jeden spuerbar. Gebetsfahnen flattern im Wind, ein paar Tibeter verkaufen Schmuckgegenstaende und Relikte. Viel trinken ist neuerlich die Devise, sonst drohen Symptome der Hoehenkrankheit, auf die wir gerne verzichten moegen.

Nach halbstuendiger Pause starten wir wieder und Tingri scheint nicht mehr fern, obgleich es einem so vorkommt, als aendere sich die vorbeiziehende Landschaft kaum.

Nach dem Passieren einiger Checkpoints heisst es gegen spaeten Nachmittag: “Welcome in Tingri”
Wir sind erleichtert, unser Quartier beziehen zu duerfen und sind gleichsam ueberrascht, hier in dieser staubig-windigen Ortschaft mit “Endzeit-Charakter” eine Unterkunft vorzufinden, die einen annehmlichen Komfort bis hin zu einer Dusche mit heissem Wasser verspricht J
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Eine teils schlaflose Nacht liegt vor uns, denn noch benoetigt der Koerper Zeit, sich an diesen neuerlichen Hoehenreiz zu gewoehnen.

Nach dem schon gewohnten Fruehstueck des naechsten Morgens (Kaffee, Tee, Eier u. Teigfladen mit Marmelade) starten wir zu Erkundungstouren ohne Gepaeck in die naehere Umgebung. Nach 15 Minuten Gehzeit erreichen wir einen Aussichtspunkt, wohl eher eine Baustelle, auf der direkt neben einer tibetischen Stupa eine moderne ueberragende, chinesische Variante mit dem zukuenftigen Namen “ Tschomolungma Nature Preserve” entsteht. Back to Top
 
Belohnt werden wir jedoch mit einem ueberwaeltigendem Blick auf das eigentliche Ziel unserer Expedition – der “ Goettin des Tuerkis”, so die freie Uebersetzung des Cho Oyu. Gewaltig thront er in der Ferne und am Gipfel ist eine maechtige Schneefahne erkennbar, die nach links weht.

Wir lassen diesen Moment noch einige Zeit auf uns wirken bevor wir zurueckkehren und den Nachmittag mit kleinen Einkaeufen, Spaziergaengen und einem Besuch im hiesigen “ Coffeeshop” beschliessen. Anmerkung: Statt des Coffees hat uns der stolze Ladenbesitzer reichlich Lhasa-Bier kredenzt, nun…wir haben nicht abgelehnt, ist doch viel Fluessigkeit sehr wichtig fuer die Anpassung in dieser Hoehe J

@ Nicolle von Stefan: Einen lieben Gruss sende ich Dir nach Witzelroda, es geht mir gut - ich trage Dich im Herzen und umarme Dich in Gedanken ! *Kuesschen*

@ Melina & Martin von Stefan: Papa hat Euch lieb, viele Gruesse !!!!

@ Ulrike von Thomas: Schoene Gruesse, die Hoehe ist ok, es geht mir wieder gut, hoffe Euch geht es auch gut, bis bald, BUSSI

@ Katarina von Papa: Alles gute zum Geburtstag mein Schatz

@ Julia von Sebi: Schoene Gruesse

@ Sylvia, Julius & Jonas von Uwe: Ganz liebe Gruesse aus Tingri! 
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Another hiking above Tingri. Foto bz Uwe Werner Acclimatization hike above Nyalam. Foto by Uwe Werner
 
Another hiking above Tingri. Foto bz Uwe Werner. Acclimatization hike above Nyalam. Foto by Uwe Werner.

English version. -

A new, sunny morning is breaking in Nyalam, we are full of optimism, because today we head to Tingri, the last location before we reach Chinese Base Camp. Even the minibuses are ready and off we go through the shimmering, dry heat.

After about one hour’s drive we stopped abruptly in a tiny village and turned off the vehicle. After heading down a number of steps, we were faced with a Tibetan place of worship, surrounded by a fabulous view over the plateau and the distant peaks. We were allowed (thanks to the organization of Dan Mazur) to participate in a holy, Tibetan ceremony. We were asked to understand that pictures and loud conversations are understandably not welcome here. Dan immediately distributed white prayer books to everyone and we entered the holy quiet interior of the monks prayer house. We let the devotional mood affect us, our prayers were left at the sumptuously decorated altar and we lingered for a time, each of us lost with our own thoughts.
 
Finally, we left the prayer room and we thanked the visibly tired Monk , who let us have this valuable insight into the amazing monastery.

One last look over the infinite expanse of the valley and we returned on the bus. Through the Lalung La pass we soon reach a height of 5.226m. Up here it's windy, the air is dry and coolly, and the height is noticeable to everyone. Prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, a few Tibetans sell relics. Drink plenty of fluids is again the motto, otherwise we face threatening symptoms of altitude sickness, which we must do without.

After a break we start out again and Tingri no longer seems remote. After passing some checkpoints in the late afternoon we hear: "Welcome to Tingri"

We are relieved to be allowed to move into our new neighbourhood and are equally surprised to be found here in this dusty, windswept town with accommodation that promises shower with hot water J

A partly sleepless night lay ahead of us, because even the body needs time to get used to this renewed stimulus height.

After breakfast the next morning (coffee, tea, eggs u. Pancake with jam), we start to explore without luggage in the close vicinity. After 15 minutes walk we reach a lookout point, probably more of a construction site, built on the right next to a Tibetan stupa towering over a modern, Chinese variant called "Tschomolungma Nature Preserve".
 
However, we are rewarded with a stunning view of the ultimate goal of our expedition - the "Goddess of Turquoise ', also known as Cho Oyu

We have a moment to take in the scenery before we turn back and spend the afternoon making small purchases, walking and a visit to the local "coffee shop". Note: Instead of Coffees the proud shop owner proffers plenty of Lhasa beer, well ... we have not rejected, as Liquid is very important for the adaptation to this altitude

@ Nicolle Stefan: a love greeting I send to you after Witzelroda, I'm fine - I carry you in my heart and embrace you in mind! * Kuesschen * 
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@ Melina & Martin of Stefan: Papa dear to you, many greetings !!!!

@ Ulrike Thomas: Nice greetings, the height is ok, feeling good again to me, you hope it goes well, soon, BUSSI

@ Katarina Papa: Happy birthday my darling

@ Julia Sebi: Nice greetings

@ Sylvia, Julius & Uwe Jonas: Very best regards from Tingri!

4 September - 

Atli and Villa enjoy a walk above Nyalam. Christoph Forster Photo Kaley and Stu climbing a peak above Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo

Atli and Villa enjoy a walk above Nyalam. Christoph Forster Photo. Kaley and Stu climbing a peak above Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo 

Prayer flags ring Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo Yak grazing in Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo

Prayer flags ring Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo. Yak grazing in Nyalam town. Christoph Forster Photo 

Walking across the Friendship Bridge toward the entry gate into Tibet. Stu Frink Photo Washing clothing in Kodari villlage, on the Nepal Tibet border. Stu Frink Photo

Walking across the Friendship Bridge toward the entry gate into Tibet. Stu Frink Photo. Washing clothing in Kodari villlage, on the Nepal Tibet border. Stu Frink Photo  Back to Top

Trkking route through a massive landslide where 167 people were killed. May they Rest in Peace. Stu Frink Photo Troy, steve, and Kaley surrounded by peaks and prayer flags above Nyalam at 4375 metres - 14, 350 feet. Stu Frink Photo

Trekking route through a massive landslide where 167 people were killed. May they Rest in Peace. Stu Frink Photo.  Troy, steve, and Kaley surrounded by peaks and prayer flags above Nyalam at 4375 metres - 14, 350 feet. Stu Frink Photo. Back to Top

Our Sherpas enjoying Tibetan tea. Stu Frink Photo Team enjoys Tibetan teahouse ambience. Christoph Forster Photo

Our Sherpas enjoying Tibetan tea. Stu Frink Photo.  Team enjoys Tibetan teahouse ambience. Christoph Forster Photo

Flowers bloom along the Bhote Khosi gorge in Tibet. Stu Frink Photo Night time shopping scene in Kathamandu. Stu Frink Photo

Flowers bloom along the Bhote Khosi gorge in Tibet. Stu Frink Photo.  Night time shopping scene in Kathamandu. Stu Frink Photo.

Chicken Chili, a famous dish favoured in Nepal and served in Tibet. Stu Frink photo Cho Oyu team briefing at Shakti Hotel. Stu Frink Photo

Chicken Chili, a famous dish favoured in Nepal and served in Tibet. Stu Frink photo. Cho Oyu team briefing at Shakti Hotel. Stu Frink Photo.

 Friendship bridge spans the border between Nepal and Tibet. Steve Janke Photo

 Friendship bridge spans the border between Nepal and Tibet. Steve Janke Photo Back to Top

Porter carrying loads across the Nepal Tibet border. Stu Frink photo

 Porter carrying loads across the Nepal Tibet border. Stu Frink photo. Porter carrying loads across the Nepal Tibet border.

3 September -

Trekking route through a massive landslide where 167 people were killed. May they Rest in Peace. Deha Photo. Water fall near Kodari Boarder. Photo Deha

Trekking route through a massive landslide where 167 people were killed. May they Rest in Peace. Deha Photo. Water fall near Kodari Boarder. Photo Deha

steve packs medical kits in Kathmandu1. Troy Bacon Photo Mount Dorje Lhakpa 7000 metres seen from the Arniko Highway. Troy Bacon Photo
Packing bags at our Kathmandu in preparation for the trip to Tibet. Troy Bacon Photo. Mount Dorje Lhakpa 7000 metres seen from the Arniko Highway. Troy Bacon Photo

Andre supervising the loading of the bus on the Arniko Highway. Troy Bacon photo Marina, Glenn, Christoph and Steve at breakfast in Nyalam before crossing the border. Stefan Simchen Photo
Andre supervising the loading of the bus on the Arniko Highway. Troy Bacon photo. Marina, Glenn, Christoph and Steve at breakfast in kodari boarder before crossing the border. Stefan Simchen Photo 
 
Motorbiking in the rain in Kodari, near Tibet border. Troy Bacon Photo steve walks through the landslide areas with porters and an excavator. Troy Bacon Photo
 
Motorbiking in the rain in Kodari, near Tibet border. Troy Bacon Photo. steve walks through the landslide areas with porters and an excavator. Troy Bacon Photo. Back to Top
 
Buddha statues near SummitClimb office in Kathmandu. Troy Bacon Photo steve packs medical kits in Kathmandu. Troy Bacon Photo
 
Buddha statues near SummitClimb office in Kathmandu. Troy Bacon Photo. steve packs medical kits in Kathmandu. Troy Bacon Photo.
 
steve packs medical kits in Kathmandu1. Troy Bacon Photo Off loading the loads from Bus to go another point. Photo Deha
 
Steve packs medical kits in Kathmandu1. Troy Bacon Photo. Off loading the loads from Bus to go another point. Photo Deha.
 
 
Team Roster

  • Dan Mazur (Leader), USA/UK       
  • Stefan S. (Leader In Training), Germany       
Full Service Members

  • Andreas A., Netherlands   
  • Alan B., UK       
  • Glenn N., USA       
  • Marina C., UK       
  • Fredrik B., Sweden       
  • Sebastian D., Germany       
  • Uwe W., Germany       
  • Thomas H., Germany       
  • Leo W., China/USA            
Basic plus ABC

  • Steve J., USA       
  • Troy B., USA       
  • Stuart F., USA       
  • Kaley E., USA       
  • Christoph F., Austria       
  • Vilborg G., Iceland       
  • Atli P., Iceland       
Basic

  • Christian M., Germany    

ABC Trekker

  • James B., USA

Climbing Sherpa:

  • Jangbu Sherpa
  • Tenji Sherpa
  • Ang Pasang Sherpa
  • Chhonga Karma Sherpa

Cook:

]