Region: China & Tibet

Mick Fowler with Phil Amos, Adam Thomas and Chris Watts (October-November 2005)

Although located in an area of Tibet officially closed to foreigners, in 2004 the leader received a permit for an attempt on Kajaqiao (6447m) in the Nyainqentanghla East Range. However it was 'the wrong sort of permit' and was withdrawn at a late stage. Fortunately a new (correct) permit was issued for 2005, and the team took full advantage. Despite very cold conditions (-15^oC at BC) and 1.5 metres of snow falling while they were on the mountain, Fowler and Watts were successful in making the first ascent of the peak via its W Face and NW Ridge at a grade of Scottish V. They took 6 days to climb and 3 days to descend. Meanwhile, Amos and Thomas concentrated on the area to the south of Kajaqiao, and reached a height of 5880m on the NW Ridge of Manamcho (6240m).