2005 Shishapangma expedition dispatches

Lhasa

First we have to get to the mountain, the most pleasant way is via Lhasa.
Seven of the team came thru Lhasa while two climbers came in with the sherpas via Zhangmu.

Kathmandu

FUN. Sam's bar, New Orleans plus some great dinners. Everyone's photos are still in Kathmandu hence the lack of pictures.

Warwick managed to get sick from the best place, Dwarika's, and spent a couple of days in Lhasa recovering. We think it may be the E Coli 'superbug', luckily he started drugs early - a lesson learnt from the last expedition.

3 Sept: fly Kathmandu to Lhasa

We shared the flight with Project Himalaya Tibet tour group. We were very lucky to be allowed into Lhasa as all tourists had to leave Lhasa before the 40th anniversary celebrations for the setting up of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), equivalent to a state.

Warwick arrived in Lhasa with torrential diarrhea and spent 36 hours in bed, rather similar to last year, unfortunately, but recovered well.

Mike Teger's classic shot from the Kathmandu-Lhasa flight.
From the left: Lhotse #4, Everest #1, Cho Oyu #6-Gyachung Kang #15
and in the distance Shishapangma #14.

3-6 Sept: Lhasa

We had three and a half days to explore this fascinating city. We went sightseeing around the Jokhang, the holiest place in Lhasa, naturally toured the eighth wonder Potala Palace and several monasteries.

Spinning prayer wheels - Mike Teger

Mike Teger's fisheye view of in the assembly hall of Drepung Monastery

Also in Drepung - Mike Teger

butter candles - Mike Teger

Circling the Bharkor around the holiest place in Tibet, the Jokhang,
increases your merit - Mike Teger

Butter lamps in front of the Jokhang - Mike Teger

Bob B had an interesting time at the Shangri-La restaurant with an affectionate yak.

For a bit of Chinese-English hilarity take a look here.