Expedition Stats: Base Camp: 15,600 feet (4754 meters) Chomo Mangyol: Northwest Face circa 19,000 feet (5800 meters) Nakchu: 14,450 feet (4404 meters) Lhasa: 11,975 feet (3650 meters) Dates: October 3 - October 20, 2002

Though the climb is over, the adventure is not. After a night in Camp 1, the team descends to Base Camp for a rest that ultimately lasts for three stormy days. The rest allows the team to regroup and plot a possible ascent of neighboring Lhallum Tamcho (21722 feet/6621 meters) or some ski objectives.

At Camp 1, the weather deteriorates cutting short the team's plan and forcing the break down of Camps 1 and 2. A day in Base Camp leads to clear sunny weather. The team decides to attempt to climb and ski Chomo Mangyal (20459 feet/6236 meters) - known to the local Tibetans as "Sepu's wife". The side trip leads to the closest call of the trip when Carina gets swept up in an avalanche.

The expedition winds down and thoughts turn to the complexities of the return trip. On the expedition's last day at Base Camp, suspended between the trials of the mountains and the long road home, the team enjoys a celebration feast with the locals. Then it's off to Lhasa and back to the States.

continue >