Mt. Everest 2005: Martin Minarik

Updates

Everything is going well. On March 26, 05 I am here in old Tingri in Tibet,  leaving for Cho Oyu Base Camp tomorrow morning. So far this is my smallest expedition, only Base Camp cook Temba Sherpa and myself. Objectives are outlined. Cho Oyu and then Everest. I would attempt ordinary route up Cho Oyu and leave the decision about which route on Everest for later.

Kathmandu stay and the journey to Kodari went without any problem. People who are canceling the trips because of what newspapers write about Nepal are doing so without a reason. There are actually less soldiers on the streets then in the fall 2004 or any time before. Locals are sick of politics and fighting and they only need us to come to show sympathy and bring money to help them financially. No reason to cancel the expeditions or treks whatsoever !

Groups heading to Tibet might expect some delay, there is lots of snow in the mountains around Shishapangma and the road between Zaghmu and Nyalam is exposed to avalanches. Inaki Ochoa was very lucky. Huge avalanche closed the road only a few miles below Nyalam - a few hours after he passed this place. The road was closed for 24 hours and the avalanche could easily burry several trucks. We had to spend the night in Zaghhmu because of it and it is still snowing in the mountains above Nyalam.

Tingri is dry as usually, no snow only high winds. Mornings are clear, Everest and Cho Oyu clearly visible.

Best of luck to all groups coming this way.

We are heading to Chinese BC tomorrow and I estimate to have ABC established around March 31. More from there.

Martin Minarik

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