원정 개요

May 20: Figliolini, Pallandre, Zuberer, and four Sherpas left South Col at 22:00 hours; below balcony 8350m there were about 250 people. Storm started, so back to South Col at 01:30 of 21st. Most of the expeditions went further down to lower camps.

Three Sherpas (Irish, Belgium and Nepal Army, all of them climbing instructors) agreed between themselves to open up the way.

May 21: Five Sherpas led the way up. From Balcony Belgium expedition Sherpa Ang Norbu led, behind him was Pemba Rinzi of Army and Palladre till South Summit. Ang Norbu having pain in leg asked Pemba (army) to help lead. From onward the order in line was Pemba, Ang Norbu, Pallandre, Figliolini, Zuberer. All summited at 06:55 hours of 22nd. Spent about 15/20 minutes; there were prayer flags, oxygen bottle (orange colour). Met two Koreans from north side, maybe one Tibetan. While descending the team met army team at Hillary Step. Members came down to C2 where they arrived at 16:30 hours. Ang Norbu to BC at 16:30 hours, next day to Namche.

The Ministry however, did not broadcast the ascent for few days. Expedition liaison officer was not at BC. He was in KTM due to sickness. The expedition ascent news was sent at same time to Pabil Trekking and Ministry. The Ministry announced the Army expedition was the first expedition to ascend on 22nd.

Summiters returned to KTM on 27 and rest on 23rd; leave all together on 30th.

Leader said that the expedition to make 3 documentaries, each of 52 minutes, that will be aired over TV channels on Oct 03.

Note: Michel got fracture leg on 28 April while returning from C3->C2, treated at BC and remained at BC.

De Launoit and Michel returned to KTM on 26th.

Summit Sherpas:
Ang Norbu, 7/7/67, home village, Namche but now lives in Kathmandu
Thile Nurbu, 28, Chaplung, Chaurikharka VDC, Khumbu, 1st 8000er
Pasang Nuru (name as monk - Nawang Lobsang), 34, Thamo, 1st 8000er
Mingma Ongel, 31, Sedua, Makalu VDC, 1st 8000er