We arrived in Lhasa on the 2^nd of September and have spent a couple of days here acclimatizing and taking in some of the sights.  Lhasa is at 3500m, and has certainly seen some drastic changes over the years.  We have had the opportunity to visit a few of the monasteries and temples and will head to Potala today, which is where the 5^th to 13^th Dalai Lama’s are entombed.

Yesterday, we were in Jokhang Monestary, and saw a father bring his sick child to the holy place.  Watching him carry his boy whilst seeking a blessing, most likely to stop the pain, was difficult to watch, and deeply moving.  The Tibetan people have a wonderful spirit, and strong belief in Buddhism, and their dedication is inspiring.

The long drive

Tomorrow we head to Shigatse by 4WD, which is about a 8 hour drive.  We have been told there is possible damage on the main highway so we will be taking the old road, which will slow things up.

Allan and I are feeling pretty good, with the occasional stomach upset.  We also have Raul from Sweden, who is an ex-boxer and super fit, and Gary, who is a guide from Wales with us.  Gary is just using the base camp service, and will be attempting the climb alone.

Once again, Sumit has organised a well-planned trip, and we have been eating non-stop.  The biggest challenge has been finding a good cup of coffee, but we think we nailed it last night, and will be eating at Snowland tonight.

Sumit gave us the Everest dates for next year, requiring 67 days on the mountain, but I will just stay focused on Cho Oyu at this stage.  I have some serious work ahead of me, and will need to stay healthy and hope for good weather.  There will be up to 200 climbers on the mountain, so I am looking forward to meeting some interesting people.

I do not know at this stage how communications will go, so I plan to send another dispatch from Chinese Base camp in two days time.

Speak soon

We now have a link to the Cho-Oyu expedition fly-in.  You can check it out at

www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/sumit

Sharon

Trust yourself.  Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life.  Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement. - Foster C McClellan

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