2015 Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Dispatch 3

Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Sichuan, China

October 20 - November 2, 2015


Guide:
Chad Cochran


Climbers: 
Jose Recio
Jean Dominique Perret
Mitchell Dow Williams

The town of Kangding lies in the deep gorges where the Tibetan Plateau drops off into the Sichuan Basin. This lively town straddles the cultural border of China and Tibet with influences from both cultures. Aidan Loehr

Oct 24 (received via phone 5:35pm PST patchy connection)
Calling from Lamoche Base Camp in beautiful weather. Climbed to 15K' and placed a cache .


Oct 26th (8:07PST email from Chad)

Hi everyone,

We're taking a rest day in Kangding. We had to retreat from our main objective on Lamoshe due to the inclement conditions on the approach and lack of good acclimatization. Weather moved in last night with light rain and snow further solidifying our decision. Our interpreter and escort/cook have been great giving lots of encouragement and information about the area and locals. Fred Becky has frequented the area many times and is known well here. He was part of the first ascent team but was not part of the team that summited.

We are looking for appropriate objectives near by and enjoying the mix of Chinese and Tibetan culture found here. I'll keep you updated with our plans for the rest of the week. I hope things are going well back in Washington. The guys send much love to their friends and family at home.

Best
Chad


Learn more about our Lamoche, China Skills Expdition

2015 Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Dispatch 2

Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Sichuan, China

October 20 - November 2, 2015


Guide:
Chad Cochran


Climbers: 
Jose Recio
Jean Dominique Perret
Mitchell Dow Williams

The traditional Tibetan town of Tagong is a short drive from Kangding.

Photo by Colin Overy

Email from Chad received 10/22/2015


Good afternoon

Today we woke up to slightly cloudy skies above Kangding illuminating the fall colors in the mountains here. We enjoyed a small breakfast at our hotel before setting out to travel around town exploring the mix of Chinese and Tibetan culture found in western Sichuan. There are several Buddhist monasteries in town and in the surrounding hill sides. Before we enjoyed some local Tibetan food we visited one of the monasteries right up the street from our hotel. The buildings were brightly painted in a vibrant rainbow of color adorned with gold flashing. This brought life to the otherwise solemn tempo found with in the walls of the place of worship. After lunch we hiked up the hill side above town to gather some amazing views of the river valley below and help with our acclimatization. By this time most of the clouds had cleared and we were able to see some of the larger snow capped peaks and ridges that Kangding lays gateway to.


In the evening we were lead by our escort to a small family restaurant serving traditional Sichuan food. Over our last meal in civilization we were able to discuss our plans for the days to come.


Tomorrow we leave for the Lamoshe, only a 25 km drive from town. The road is a newly winding path that will take us to our base camp near a lake fed by the glaciers on Lamoshe. We will spend several days there ferrying gear and acclimatizing further for our ascent.

Until next time

Chad

Learn more about our Lamoche, China Skills Expdition

2015 Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Dispatch 1

Lamoshe Skills Expedition - Sichuan, China

October 20 - November 2, 2015


Guide:
Chad Cochran


Climbers: 
Jose Recio
Jean Dominique Perret
Mitchell Dow Williams

Lamoshe, on the right, means 'Goddess Peak' and is the highest objective in this sub-range of the Daxue Shan range. 

Photo by Andy Bourne

Email from Chad received 10/21/2015

Good Morning,

Today is day one of our China expedition to Lamoshe. Everyone arrived safely last night to Chengdu. We depart today for Kangding - a village town at the turn off for the road to base camp. It will take us about 8 hours navigating the rural roads of China to reach the mountains. We plan to spend several nights there acclimatizing and taking in some of the sights. We'll be in touch when we reach Kangding. I will also be sending updates via the delorme in reach device.

Best
Chad Cochran

Learn more about our Lamoche, China Skills Expdition