Looks like Cho Oyu is being nice this season with over 30 climbers already on the summit and down safely. IMG reports their team put 7 climbers and 5 Sherpa on top yesterday and Jagged Globe has 12 members on top with Sherpa support. Also a Maltese team had 3 summits. I am especially proud for my friend, Jim Davidson, here with this being his first 8000m climb. You can read the details on Jim’s blog.
More summits are expected from Adventure Consultants, Alpine Ascents, Amical, Mountain Madness and Summit Climb over the next few days. The weather looks good through the 27th.
However, not everything is good news. The Chinese have closed the Tibetan borders from September 24th to October 8th due the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Republic. This will prevent some teams from climbing Cho Oyu this Fall suggests Simon Moro’s North Face Trilogy team according to his blog.
Andrew Locke, looking to be the first Australian to climb all 14 8,000m mountains, is making good progress on Shishapangma – that will be his final 8000m. Several other teams are there as well including Nick Rice who reports a window opening for summits over the next week.
Over on Manaslu, teams contnue to make progress. Alttiude Junkies has a camp established at 6500 meters. Himex is also there.
And the Basque team climbing the Hornbein Couloir is looking at a Sunday summit. No word on the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s attempt to ski from Everest’s summit.
Meanwhile look for more action in the Himalaya with teams on Ama Dablam, Peak Freaks on Pumori and Jamie Clark testing gear over on Pumori.
Safe climbing to all.
Climb On!
Alan
