원정 개요

C1 at top of Icefall
C2 in West Cwm
C3 on Lhotse Face.

17th May arrived at C4 at 10:00-11:00 am by Dawa Yangzi and Lhakpa with 4 men: Mingma Dorje (sirdar and guide), Ang Pasang, Ang Phurba and Ang Mingma. Left C4 at 10:30 pm for summit and climbed through night. 18 May at 6:30 am top reached by Lhakpa, Ang Mingma, Ang Pasang and Ang Phurba. Dawa Yangzi turned back at 8500m because she was sick [altitude] and Mingma Dorje went back with her (neighbor in Khumjung). On summit they had tea with Japanese team from north side and stayed 1 hour. Had rainbow at South Summit in ascent and said the weather is "welcoming me" and this was Buddha's birthday. Summiters slept in C2 (had reached by 2:00 pm) one night, then to C2 when stayed 4-5 nights and on BC 22 May afternoon.

There was some estrangement between Lhakpa and the other 4 members from Khumbu; Sherpas of other teams were upset by a summiter woman not from Khumbu [and that she was always far ahead and apart of the rest of the group.]

Lhakpa said on return to BC from top she wanted to traverse from North to South.

Sherpa Summiters (all men)
Ang Pasang, 32, Thami, Everest 20/5/98
Mingma, 31, Yilajung (Thami), Everest 18/5/98
Ang Phurba, 40, Thamo, Cho Oyu 23/9/96