The Cho Oyu 2006 Expedition

Cho Oyu (8.201m)

“It’s 9:30 in the morning, the 9th May 2006, and from a height of 8.201m we have the most wonderful view of sun-drenched Everest…” With these words, Klara became only the second Czech woman in history to conquer the Turquoise Mountain (Cho Oyu), the sixth highest mountain in the World.

Overture: “Having climbed Aconcagua, I decided to make my attempt on Cho Oyu after seeking independent advice from several knowledgeable mountaineers whose opinion I trusted. I outlined my existing experience and surprisingly they didn’t think I had gone totally mad! They agreed that an eight thousand metre peak was the logical next step and that Cho Oyo was at the right technical level for me to progress. Armed with their endorsement, I set about making preparations for my first expedition to the Himalaya and became part of a small expedition of five Englishmen and myself, led by Tashi Tenzing, (the grandson of Tenzing Norgay, who with Sir Edmund Hilary led the first successful attempt on Everest in 1953.)”

Camp

Klára on the way up

Final: “Every step hurts! I’m mechanically pulling up legs, heavy like lead, clambering higher and higher with crampons, and methodically counting down another five steps. Then we take a small break. Breath, then breathe again… This mountain doesn’t seem to have a summit! For the final ascent we seem to be lumbering across a slightly raised plateau with no end in sight. But still there is always the strength and support of the Team, a real advantage especially when the climber accompanying you happens to be the experienced Tashi Tenzing! Finally we’re stopping, we’ve reached the pinnacle …! Despite the arduous trek in the last part of the climb which has necessitated the use of our oxygen supply, I feel absolutely exhilarated and really can’t believe we’ve reached our goal! Tashi gives me a hug and points at one of the sharp summits on the sky-line. Everest (right until the very last moment hidden beyond the horizon) suddenly appears glistening in the sun-drenched vista. But for the moment we are on nature’s Everest “viewing tower” called Cho Oyu….”