The winter climbing season has ended and Gelje Sherpa is leaving Base Camp, but five members of his team have agreed to join the eight-man Pioneer group. Together, this strong team will attempt the summit one last time from the Thame (Pioneer) side of Cho Oyu.
“We are doing this for our country and to open a safe and accessible commercial route for all the mountaineering community,” said Gelje.
Last week, both groups attempted the summit via different routes, despite harsh conditions. In the end, both had to turn back from between 7,600 and 7,900m.
On February 28, Gelje Sherpa’s summit bid stalled at 7,900m. Not only was the wind up to 100kph but some climbers had fallen sick.
“There were also some issues with an oxygen mask,” Gelje reported.
These problems, plus the technical difficulty near and on the ridge, prompted them to retreat to Base Camp.
Gelje Sherpa on Cho Oyu. Photo: Gelje Sherpa
The Pioneer climbers are currently recovering from their own attempt. Mingma Dorchi’s team managed to reach 7,650m, but the winds were likewise too strong to continue, especially with a pessimistic weather forecast. So they too decided to go down and wait till next time.
Spring permit needed
Pioneer Adventure climbers during a previous rotation. Photo: Pioneer Adventure
Still in astronomical winter
“No matter what the outcome of this project is, we are certain that our ‘Pioneer route’ can open the chances of climbing Cho Oyu commercially from the Nepal side,” Pioneer Adventure wrote on social media.
Clearly, summiting Cho Oyu in winter is less a priority than the potential new commercial route. It is also apparent that, despite the difficulties of Cho Oyu’s south side, they still hope to bring clients there in the future.
Yet while meteorological winter and the usual winter climbing season ended yesterday, the Sherpas still have 20 days left to complete the climb during astronomical winter.
Photos suggest that they are carving a new route up the previously unclimbed SSW Ridge. It is unclear how difficult that route becomes on the mid and upper sections. But no question, it is a very long way to the top.
A higher camp on Cho Oyu’s potential new route. Photo: Pioneer Adventure
Everest: Until next time
About 20 km east of Cho Oyu, on Everest, Jost Kobusch is trekking back to Kathmandu, with his gear on yak-back. “Everything fit into eight bags,” Kobusch wrote. “It’s really amazing how you can tackle such a project with so little equipment.”
Jost Kobusch silhouetted against Pumori. Photo: @terragraphy
Since the bad weather has not permitted him long stays on Everest, Kobusch has plenty of fuel and supplies remaining. He will store these in Kathmandu until he returns.
