IMG Mount Everest Expedition 2003
North Side (Tibet) Dispatch Three

Dispatch Three: Monday April 7, 2003: IMG Everest – Tibet 2003 expedition leader Craig John reported that after spending 3 nights in Tingri, the advance team had a successful arrival in Base Camp today, where the Sherpas had things totally dialed-in and ready to go. Sherpas, Craig and the western climbers are doing fine. The only mishap thus far was the news upon their arrival at Base Camp of the unfortunate loss of Phu Nuru Sherpa’s duffel bag sometime while the Sherpa team was en route overland. Apparently the driver was fairly “aggressive” (fairly normal over there) in driving over the bumpy roads and they believe Phu Nuru’s duffle “bounced out” along the way. Between extra gear on hand and provisions to be delivered by the second team, Phu Nuru should have a down suit and gloves by the time he really needs it.

Craig reported that the road from Tingri into Base Camp, while historically a pretty rough ride, was in amazingly good repair this year and only took 4 hours to navigate today! Craig estimates the first yak team and Sherpas will head up from Base Camp on April 11th, with the rest of the team moving up toward ABC on about April 15th. Leaders of the big Chinese expedition (logistics assistance provided by Eric Simonson) paid Craig and team a courtesy call and offered full cooperation and assistance, so international relations are good as well.

Meanwhile, the team of 20 North Col climbers and ABC trekkers traveling with Eric Simonson will fly out of Kathmandu on Tuesday, April 8, and begin their Tibetan journey in Lhasa and then on to Xigatse, Tingri, and then to Base Camp, with a scheduled arrival there on April 16th.  Eric reported in from Kathmandu today and said all was well, his team is ready to head for Tibet in the morning. Everything’s rolling right along … Erin Simonson

The expedition is organized by Eric Simonson IMG Expeditions Dispatches

Eric Simonson, veteran expedition leader, Everest Summiter, author and motivational speaker. To book Eric