Kangchenjunga 2003: Norbert Joos

The climbing legend, Norbert Joos, is back with a summit of Makalu in 2002 (his summit picture above), and plans for Kangchenjunga in 2003. Norbert Joos summit of Makalu was his 11th 8000 meter peak. Norbert Joos and Erhard Loretan were the first to summit Annapurna via the east ridge.

Update 5/11/2003: Dear EverestNews.com, I turned back from Kangchenjunga yesterday. I hade strong problems of lungs, so I decided to turn back home. I was evacuated by karnali helicopter last Thursday and arrived Switzerland yesterday well back home.

After reached camp II in 7200 m on 27th of April with all team members we were waiting at base camp over 10 days. In the meantime my situation was becoming more and more difficult. So after some bad nights with breathing problems I was thinking to turn back from the mountain and I think I did the right decision.

I will check my body tomorrow by my friend, an high altitude specialist and Everest climber Prof. Doc. Oswald Oelz in his hospital in Zurich tomorrow to get a exact diagnose of my lung problems. 

I just hope, that the rest of my team with Josette Valloton and Kobi Reichen with our two Sherpas Mingma and Gyalzen will have a chance to reach the summit of Kangchenjunga in the next days.

Anyhow I am planning my next expedition for next year on Lhotse and Everest. I don't know when I am returning to Kangchenjunga again. 

many greetings from Switzerland norbert joos