(Picture: Lihui, Jane and Joanne on summit of Cho Oyu with Everest in background)

The Singapore Women’s Everest Team marked another successful expedition by summiting Cho Oyu (8,201m) on 23rd Sept. Fully acclimatized and using supplementary oxygen, the team set off for the summit at 1.30am on 23rd September from Camp 3 at 7,500m. Team leader, Jane Lee, 23, arrived at the summit at 10.20am, followed by team members Lee Li Hui, 26, Joanne Soo, 37 and co-leader, Sim Yi Hui, 25. The team’s expedition doctor, Dr. Mok Ying Jang, 40, also made the summit shortly after. Team member Lee Peh Gee, 31, arrived at the summit plateau at 8180m, but turned back just before the summit due to dwindling oxygen supply.

Enroute to summit

Team leader, Jane Lee, says, “I am extremely elated that our expedition has turned out so well. Not only has the team summitted, all members are also in good health. The success of this expedition speaks volumes of our months of training and preparation. The team is deeply grateful to all our base camp manager, Mr Lim Kim Boon, 43, as well as to our supporters and well-wishers who have been climbing the mountain with us every step of the way.”

Although the team summitted in perfect weather, the descent turned out to be more challenging as the weather on Cho Oyu proved to be volatile and changed for the worse within a matter of hours. The team braved a descent in visibility of less than five meters and with wind speeds gusting up to 70km/h. Fortunately, all team members made it down the mountain safely, in good health and in high spirits.

Descending in whiteout condition

The triumphant completion of this expedition marks an important phase of the team’s training as Cho Oyu is often climbed in preparation for Everest. During the Cho Oyu climb, teams test out their oxygen systems, communications equipment and assess their physical response to being at high altitude.

This successful expedition would not have been possible without the help and support from our climbing Sherpas, Kami, Mingma Tenzing, Kama Rita, Nima Karma, Jamling and Phinjo Dorje. We would also like to thank all our sponsors and supporters back home for all their encouragement and well wishes.