Trip Reports

Cho Oyu 2001

Summit of Cho Oyu, the world\'s 6th highest mountain
Trip Report

Written by Leader Steve Hartland, May 2001

It is good to be back home after what was a difficult trip. From the start the weather proved challenging. We experienced everything from strong winds and heavy snowfall on arrival at base camp reminiscent of a Scottish winter rather than a Himalayan base camp! The sun appeared for short periods and for never more than 24 hours, making for extremely hot temperatures reducing us to windshells even going up to camp 3 prior to our summit bid. Because of the heavy snowfall, conditions above 7,000m were very avalanche prone. All the team coped well at altitude after a steady programme of acclimatisation with days stuck in camp one and two in bad weather. The climbing sherpas were outstanding, fixing and establishing the camps to 7,400m at camp 3. We made a summit bid after 3 days waiting for good weather at ABC, our departure determined by the time we had left on the mountain. Myself and 3 team members made it to camp 3 arriving in hot weather which quickly deteriorated, making for a very uncomfortable night. It was quite clear that the only option was to retreat because of the high avalanche risk. We descended to camp 2 and then quickly to camp 1 for a well earned rest, before making our final descent to BC.

Despite our lack of success, we felt we had achieved all that we could under the circumstances. Beers were welcomed by all on our safe return to Kathmandu.« | »

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