"From the perspective of us as a couple, the climb is not very important. If Carina’s not psyched on the climb it’ll be my obligation to hang with her and let the others do the climb… which would suit me fine. At this point I’m not too motivated for summits alone. I’m far more motivated by the thought of coming home safely."
- Mark Newcomb

The 2002 Sepu Expedition follows a traditional buildup of camps progressing towards the summit. Sections of rope left in place, facilitate easy ascent and retreat on technical sections.

The expedition hopes to follow the path explored by Bonington’s 1998 British attempt. The British established basecamp at 15,600feet (4700meters) - on the shores of the Sam Tso Tsaring lake.

From basecamp, Sepu Kangri rises a dramatic 7000 vertical feet.

The climbing plan is loosely based on the standard 1000 vertical feet of average elevation gain per day. Staged ascent allows the climbers bodies to adjust to the progressively thinner air.

The team hopes to establish a succession of three camps - a similar tactic to the nearly successful 1998 British attempt. The camps are planned at approximately 2000-foot intervals. If the expedition follows the rough projection of camps, the final summit bid should embark from around 21,000 feet and push to the summit at 22821 feet.

The storm swept Sepu Kangri lives up to it’s local moniker, "The Great White Snow God." The mountain’s vast expanses of snow led to the inclusion of a new tool in their climbing arsenal - skis.

The team hopes to use downhill style skis - equipped with lightweight alpine touring bindings - as an efficient form of transport up the mountain and a rapid, exhilarating form of descent.