September 7, 2016

The IMG Teams had a great day in Tingri.  They took an acclimatization hike just outside of town where they got views of Everest and Cho Oyu.  Mike said the Team is feeling great and looking forward to getting up early and heading to Base Camp.  Regardless of the year, it is always a good feeling to be getting close to “home.”  The Cho Oyu Base Camp is one of those places that makes you feel like you are getting closer to your destination

Phunuru and the Sherpa Team are ready for everyone to come on in!  Base Camp is all set up and looks fantastic.  When you have been to Cho Oyu as many times as Phunuru has (16 expeditions) he gets an idea of where and how to set up camp.  The camp is situated on level ground where the sun will hit the tents in the morning for a little warmth.

Time to settle in!

Greg Vernovage

September 6, 2016

The Cho Oyu and Tibet Trekking Team are on the move again today.  Mike and Jangbu report that the team covered some ground today and have made it to Tingri.  The morning started with good weather and then clouds came in leading to eventual rain.  The drive takes the team over Gyatso la (17,250’) and past the Everest Viewpoint.  Mount Everest hid in the clouds today but the Team will have more opportunities to see her.  Across the Tibetan Plateau and onto the Tingri Plain, the team will take a couple days to stretch their legs and get more acclimatized.

 I heard from Phunuru over the weekend also.  He and the Sherpa Team drove towards Cho Oyu and are getting Base Camp set up.  Other teams are beginning to pull into Base Camp as well.  Everyone is doing great in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

September 5, 2016

The Cho Oyu and Tibetan trekking teams continue to acclimatize and take in the sights in Tibet.  I spoke to Jangbu briefly and he said the team is doing great, “Very nice people.”  The rain clouds have been threatening each day but the team continues to get their hiking in and are staying strong.

Tomorrow the climbing and trekking team will head for Tingri.  Phunuru and the Sherpa team are heading towards Base Camp with all of the supplies.  Phunuru and the guys will be setting up Base Camp for our team as well as organizing the transport of all the gear further up valley.

Greg Vernovage

September 4, 2016

Mike Hamill checked in today:

“We had a great drive from Lhasa to Shigatse today past Yamdrok lake. The clients were quite impressed by the lake and the Tibetan Mastiffs posing for photos in route. Before leaving Lhasa, the Secretary General of the CTMA (China Tibet Mountaineering Association) stopped by to wish us well on our expedition. We plan to get a hike tomorrow morning and tour the Tashilumpo Monastery in the afternoon. All’s well here.”

The Sherpa plan to head in to base camp tomorrow after a day of shopping in Tingri.

Greg Vernovage

September 3, 2016

The Tibet Trek and Cho Oyu Climbers continue to enjoy Lhasa.  Ang Jangbu is joining the Team into ABC this season and when he is around, we always stay flexible with our itinerary.  Jangbu said  “We had a great day today. After learning the Shoton Festival was happening at Norbulingka (Summer Palace) we decided to take the team there instead of going to Drepung Monastery.  We got a tour of the summer palace, and saw a Tibetan opera and locals picnicking in the park.  After lunch we went to Sera Monastery to watch the Monks debate.”

From Mike Hamill, “Everyone is doing well and we are headed to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse tomorrow. Heading out the door 9AM Beijing time.  We have 7 brand new land cruisers to travel in.”

Further up the Tibetan Plateau, Phunuru and the Sherpa Team have arrived in Tingri.  They had a good drive around Shishapangma and will be in Tingri for a couple days.  They will acclimatize and pick up additional supplies before heading to Cho Oyu Base Camp where they will be getting it set up ahead of the team’s arrival.

Greg Vernovage

September 1, 2016

Hurry up and wait.

Just off the phone with Mike and Jangbu in Lhasa.  There are many things that we prepare for on big expeditions, but one thing that you can’t prepare for, but will definitely encounter on every expedition, is the fact that at some point you’re going to have to hurry up… and then wait. There is just no way around it!  This was clearly illustrated by a 3 hour weather delay at the KTM airport.  The good news is that in the end they made it to Lhasa!  Jangbu reported that they had a great dinner and are in a new hotel.  Tomorrow is the city tour of Lhasa.  It will be great for acclimatizing!

More great news came from our climbing Sirdar Phunuru.  Phunuru informed that all Sherpas and the truck with gear have arrived to the Nepal border, Timure.  They are going to spend the night in Timure and cross the border tomorrow morning.

Greg Vernovage

August 31, 2016

Mike and Jangbu have checked in and are happy to report good news.  Mike and Dallas have all clients in Kathmandu with all their gear.  The gear has been checked and Base Camp duffels have been loaded onto the truck.

The Team has also been issued their China-Tibet Visa!  Great news!  They have what they need and will be leaving the hotel at 9am tomorrow morning to catch their flight to Lhasa.

And just as I type this blog, Ang Karma, Chewang Lendu and Pasang Ngima called from close to Dunche, Nepal.  They left early with gear to take advantage of the roads while they are open.  Great progress by the Sherpa Team.  The rest of the Sherpa Team will leave in the morning with more gear.

All wheels are turning for Cho Oyu!

Greg Vernovage