...Kilimanjaro Starts Today...
Our October Kilimanjaro Expedition starts today!
The team has arrived in Arusha, Tanzania and are all set to hit the trail. They did gear checks yesterday and will make the drive to the Kilimanjaro gate today where they will check in an begin their climb.
It is a relatively short day of climbing to Machame Camp, the team's first camp. They will ascend from the plains below Kilimanjaro up through lush forest en route to their high point.
We will keep you posted on the teams progress as they gain altitude on the Machame route! Our amazing Kilimanjaro lead guide Sasha will be checking in with us every day or so.
Cheers,
-CTSS Team
...Cho Oyu Team back in Kathmandu...
Our Cho Oyu team arrived safely back in Kathmandu and will head their separate ways over the next few days. No doubt they are enjoying some simple comforts that you don't find in the mountains like a comfortable bed and hot pizza and beer.
We would just like to say huge congrats again to the entire team. They worked together as a team and supported each other throughout the expedition. They climbed strong and climbed safe. It is a great feeling to see them realize their dreams.
With that our 2018 Cho Oyu coverage comes to a close and we look forward to many more great expeditions around the world this coming year and another great Cho Oyu expedition in 2019.
Cheers,
-CTSS Team
...Safe at Advanced Base Camp...
We just received word that the Cho Oyu team has descended safely to Advanced Base Camp. There they will rest and pack up while the Sherpa finish clearing gear off the mountain. Once base camp is packed up they will drive to the Nepalese border in jeeps. They'll spend a night in the border town of Kriyong before driving back to Kathmandu along bumpy dirt roads the following day (Sept 30).
It must be said that the team has had and incredible season so far and are perhaps a week ahead of the usual return date to Kathmandu! Their training and strength allowed them to climb strong and stay on schedule. The fine weather and route conditions were favorable and didn't cause any delays for the team. It seems that the stars have aligned for their success this season and it's great to have them down safe and headed back to Kathmandu early this year.
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...Cho Oyu Team Safe at Camp 2...
After an amazing effort and an incredible day, all of the team are now safely resting up at Camp 2 after their successful summit of Cho Oyu.
Tomorrow they will make their final descent to Advanced Base Camp before starting the journey home. They had great weather and will be coming home with memories that will last a lifetime from one of the world's tallest peaks.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Live Cho Oyu Summit!!...
...Live update...
We are thrilled to announce the entire CTSS team is currently standing on the summit of Cho Oyu in perfect weather.
We'll update you on further when the team are safe and sound in lower camps.
Cheers CTSS Team
...Up to Camp 2 on the Summit Push...
A quick update from us, the Cho Oyu team are well on their way toward the Summit, having passed through Camp 1, they are their way to Camp 2 today.
We will keep you updated as they progress.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Cho Oyu Summit Rotation...
Cho Oyu Summit Rotation
The team is acclimatized, rested, and ready for their summit bid on Cho Oyu.
They are putting the final touches on their preparations and packing before heading up the mountain for the final time. If all goes well they will be standing on top of the world's 6th tallest peak and looking over at Mt Everest in a few days. So far they have been performing great in the rarified air and are climbing really well.
Their plan is to head up to Camp 1 today and on to Camp 2 tomorrow. We are looking at an excellent weather window coming our way with low winds and dry conditions. We will keep watching the forecast like hawks as they make their way up the mountain but so far, so good.
Everything is in place for the team: tents, oxygen, and cooking supplies. They will need to dig deep and climb smart but the summit is within reach.
Let's wish them luck on their Cho Oyu summit bid!
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...Readying for the Summit Push...
The team has returned safely from their second and final acclimatization rotation up the mountain. Everyone did incredibly well to make it to Camp 2 and spend a night there. Camp 2 sits at roughly 7,000m/23,000ft which makes for uncomfortable sleeping to say the least! There were certainly some small headaches and some tossing and turning but overall the team felt good.
We always say that to have the best shot at summiting Cho Oyu one needs to have slept at Camp 2. Having done that, the team are now in position for their summit bid. They will spend several days resting at ABC, eating Kumar's famous cooking, taking hot showers and prepping for the summit climb ahead. It sounds like there is some bad weather on the way so they will stay put to let that pass before heading up to the summit.
The next rotation will be the real test. The team is ready and couldn't be in a better position to be successful. Wish them luck and we will keep you posted on their progress!
Cheers,
-CTSS Team
...Cho Oyu Camp 2 Rotation...
The team is on the move again! After a bit of rest at Advanced Base Camp the Cho Oyu team headed up to Camp 1 yesterday and will try to move up for a nights sleep at Camp 2 today. The climb from 1 to 2 makes for a long day at altitude and it will be the first significant test for the crew. Camp 2 sits at 7,000m/23,000ft.
There is a bit of snow forecasted beginning in the next few days so hopefully the team can sneak in the trip to Camp 2 before the weather starts to deteriorate and then will be able to rest at ABC during the inclement weather.
The climbers are doing well, making solid progress, and are right on schedule so far.
Cheers,
CTSS Team
...Cho Oyu Team Settled at Camp 1...
The team are settled in at Camp 1 and if the route is in good condition will be heading toward Camp 2 tomorrow for an acclimatization rotation before returning back to Camp 1 for another night.
It's mainly a scree climb up to Camp 1 which is at the start of the snow, from here they'll be on the snow right up to the summit. The route to Camp 2 follows the ridgeline to the ice cliff and then traverses various snow slopes into Camp 2 (which is at approximately 22,500ft)
The team is doing great, feeling strong and acclimatizing well
Cheers
CTSS Team,
