After more than
3 weeks, we have finally arrived at Xixa Advanced Base Camp
(ABC). We spent over a week acclimatising at a high pass at
4660m in Nepal before taking an overland journey to the Tibetan
border. From here, we were driven overland in a 4-wheeler
to the Xixa base camp. This is situated on a vast plateau
at 5000m with a magnificent view of Mount Xixabangma. We have
taken photographs here and hope to send you one in the days
ahead.
We sent 6 days at ABC acclimatising to
the altitude and organising transportation of our gear by
yaks. The weather here was wonderful, warm enough on some
mornings to sunbath for an hour or so. But the day we left
for the 2-day trek to ABC, the weather turned bad. We arrived
at the intermediate camp amidst heavy snow and high winds.
We had to stay put for 3 nights here instead of one, and were
able to arrive at ABC only 2 days ago,
On Monday morning, our sherp will be performing
the poojar to appease the mountain gods and on Tuesday, the
guys hope to start the 10 to 12-day acclimatisation climb.
During this time, they will stay up in the mountain as high
as 7300m to get used to the altitude. This is the most important
part of their training.
They will then return to ABC to rest for
4 to 5 days before, weather permitting, they make their summit
bid which will take 6 days.
Cheers!
Lulin Reutens Base Camp Manager
Singapore Xixabangma Expedition 2002 14
April 2002, 6.05 pm
