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Tibet team ready for summit bid
The Straits Times - 08 May 2002
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THE Singapore climbers aiming to scale Tibet's highest mountain have completed their weather-plagued acclimatisation climbs. They will make a bid for the 8,027-m Xixabangma summit after resting at advanced base camp for a few days. Expedition leader Robert Goh, 36, and members Mok Ying Jang, 34, and Edwin Siew, 32, aim to be the first South-east Asians to scale the mountain without conventional aids, such as extra oxygen, Sherpa porters, pre-built tents or pre-laid ropes.

The acclimatisation climbs prepare them for the summit attempt, where they will carry their own food, fuel, tent and other gear in rucksacks weighing 35 kg each. Said Dr Goh: 'We need to be far fitter and better adjusted to the altitude than if we were climbing in the conventional way.' Foul weather has delayed the team's acclimatisation climbs twice, with a near-fatal accident more than a week ago when Dr Goh and Dr Mok fell into hidden cracks in the ice during a blizzard.

In the coming summit bid, the climbers will look out for avalanches on the steep mountain slopes, which are more likely now after heavy snowfall in the past few days. Dr Goh said: 'The conditions are not ideal. The weather has not been kind to us. 'But we are still optimistic and morale is high.'