December 04, 2001

KATHMANDU: Six teams have arrived in the capital to launch winter climbs of five Himalayan peaks this winter from December to mid-February after receiving permission from the Ministry of Tourism, an announcement said.

A seven-member Japanese expedition led by Osamu Tanabe will attempt the 8561 meters high Lhotse through the difficult south face; Lhotse is the only 8000 meter peak being climbed in the season.

A Japanese and a British team will attempt the 6812 meters high Ama Dablam through the normal south west ridge, the Ministry of Tourism said. Susumu Nakamura leads the four-member Yukihyou Club team while William Mackay leads the eight-member Jagged Globe expedition.

Another 10-member Japanese team of the Den Den Kyushu Alpine Club led by Masato Chuma will attempt the 7126 meters high Himlung through the east ridge. A three-member French team led by Christophe Profit will attempt the 6771 meters high Kantega through the north face.

A seven-member joint Korean Nepali team led by Song Jong Gil will attempt the 6891 meters high Gurkapo Ri through the normal route, the  Ministry of Tourism said. Peaks in the Khumbu region continue to attract climbers despite the deaths of at least 250 Maoists in the resurgence a of a bloody communist rebellion last month.