On the morning of April 5, 2002 six climbers from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States will depart Seattle en route for Kathmandu. Their objective is to reach the summit of Manaslu via a route similar to the line pioneered by the Japanese in 1956 – the Japanese reached the summit plateau via an east facing icefall whereas the Americans plan to ascend the somewhat longer yet safer North Ridge. Tom Fitzsimmons of Olympia, Washington serves as expedition leader. 

                The team will begin their trek from the outpost town of Gorkha; from there they will follow the Buri Gandaki valley to the mountain village of Samagaon. Base camp will be established above Samagaon at approximately 15,000 feet. The team will operate in expedition style using fixed line and four established camps.

                Three experienced Sherpa climbers, one of whom has stood atop Manaslu’s 26, 775 foot summit, will accompany Mr. Fitzsimmons, Scott Boettcher, Jerome Delvin, Michael McGuffin, Dan Percival and Brian Sato on the climb.