Leeds Metropolitan University

Everest West Ridge 2006

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John O'Hara

Location

Lhasa

Time

17th April 2006

Day 4

Arrival and Acclimatisation at Lhasa

Altitude: 3600m
Barometric Pressure: 646 mbar
Temperature: 22oc

The Everest West Ridge Visiting Team is now ‘hitting’ high altitude following their arrival at Lhasa. As the airplane door opened, the benefit of pre-expedition hypoxic training was tested. Some group members responded better than others with some passengers having to find ‘sick bags’ quickly. Also for our welcome, Chinese security procedures included body temperature checks and an abundance bureaucracy. This was followed by a 90-minute drive to our hotel in the centre of Lhasa. Louise enjoyed the scenery en route whilst others wilted.

Effects of altitude were also immediate in the first ascent of hotel stairs – even for those on the second floor. John Allan had to ‘go the extra mile’ in his climb to the dizzy heights of the fourth floor. Despite our racing heart rates and lower than usual oxygen saturation levels porters carried the baggage with relaxed ease. Hopefully, spending two days at this altitude will enable our bodies to start acclimatisation in preparation for the approaching higher altitudes to be experienced as we approach Everest.

Here, attaining Nick Gilson’s 10,000 steps per day is a little more difficult. Not discouraged however, we engaged in gentle walking exercise whilst gaining insight into the cultural aspects of Tibetan life. Close to our hotel, a circuit of the temple and local Monastery gave an opportunity to see city life at first hand. One feature of the evening’s experience was the interest shown by local children to our presence. This was perhaps not so entertaining for Steve who was seconded by a local child until charity was provided.

Our aim on the second day has been to assist the acclimatisation process. We climbed to Potala Palace; a remarkable wonder of the ancient world built in the 7th Century and expanded in the 17th Century for the 5th Dalai Lama. Standing 116 metres high, this incredible building was the central focus for Buddist political and religious affairs. To assist initial acclimatisation the palace – whilst spectacular – provided an ideal steady climb and walk. All 18 visiting team members enjoyed the historical and religious background explained to us by Sonam, our Tibetan guide.

As our own expedition progresses with developing interaction, it is evident that a diversity of characters and personalities exist within our group. Everyone is describing this occurrence as a positive; while we all share the collective goal of reaching Tillman’s (i.e. advanced base camp), members have expressed a variety of reasons for their participation in the expedition. Besides enjoyment and excitement, members express a want to be part of something special; to achieve something significant within their life; to personally test themselves in adventure and to support friends and professional colleagues in the main expedition. The Leeds Met contingent have similar reasons, but also encompass a desire to continue and maintain applied sport science and research provision. In addition, Leeds Met members discuss how the Everest project can contribute and maximise life at the University. Leeds Met members face quite a challenge in the approaching days, however close support from all expedition members will help in the accomplishment of both personal and generic objectives.

Carnegie Visiting team 26 April

John O'Hara 24 April

John Allan 24 April

David Jackson