Kangchenjunga 2003 International Team

Dispatch Index

Update 3/17/2003: Most of the team has left for Nepal. The Journey begins..

Update 3/21/2003: Gary is in Katmandu, making all arrangements. The team members should be arriving as they will leave Katmandu early on March 26.

Update 4/6/2003: The team is making it's way to basecamp and all appeared "healthy and cheerful".  They should probably be reaching basecamp any time now.

Update 4/14/2003: Just had a call from Frits. All's just fine, they arrived in Base Camp today. The weather is OK, nice in the mornings and a little snow in the afternoons. Gary's team will go up to 6000 meters the day after tomorrow... Carlos' team went up yesterday. Norbert Joos' team arrived at BC yesterday

Report 4/18/03: Hello Everyone, News from Gary!  Here are some highlights: The walk in was long and expensive primarily due to porter problems. The weather was good and now is excellent.  We got to base camp (at 5400m) about three days ago, rested one day and went up to about 5850m to check out the route on the second day. Check here for the full report.

Report 4/22/2003: More news from Gary.  Here are some highlights: Since the last report, the entire team has done carries and established camp 1 at 6200m, at the top of the hump.  Carlo and Norbert's teams are fixing rope upwards to camp 2 at 7000m.  Four of Gary's team spent the night at camp one and got there just before more wind and snow.  Check here for the full report.

Report: The International team are all happy and in good health, and taking 2-3 days rest in Base Camp. They have established camp1 at 6200 meters and have made a cache at 6800 meters, below camp 2. Norbert Joos' team have been instrumental in fixing the route up to camp 2 (at 7160 meters) and they (or at least Norbert) have slept at C2. Check here for the full report.

Report: Hello Everyone, I received an update on Gary's team.  The lap top they were using is no longer working so reports henceforth may spotty.  Here are the highlights: All team members are in good health and spirits.  They have established camp 1 at 6200m. and have made a cache at 6800m. on the way to camp 2. Most team members have spent a number of nights at camp 1. Norbert Joos' team has been instrumental in fixing the route to camp 2 and members of the other two teams have slept at camp 2. Camp 3 will be at 7900m. Check here for the full report.

Report: Gary, Paul and Frits will head to camp 2 on May 1st to establish a route to camp 3 and formulate plans for a summit attempt.  Check here for the full report.

Report: I just spoke with Gary (he sounded great),  here are the highlights: All teams are presently in base camp as a wind storm came in yesterday. Check here for the full report.