ACM Major flags Off Cho Oyu Expedition

New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major today flagged off an IAF Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Cho Oyu -- the sixth highest peak in the world -- as part of the major events planned as the Indian Air Force celebrates its Platinum Jubilee.

A team of fifteen Air Warriors shall attempt the 8,201-Metre Mt Cho Oyu from the North-West route in China during April-May. The 'IAF Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Mountaineering Expedition', led by Wg Cdr RC Tripathi, will leave here for the attempt on April 19.

Mt Cho Oyu stands astride the Nepal/Tibet border, barely 48KM west of Mt Everest -- the highest peak in the world. The climb route is from the Tibetan side of the Nangpa La pass which used to be an old trading route to Nepal.

The expedition team will be entering Tibet via Kathmandu and thence proceed to Lhasa. Thereafter, it will drive over the Tibetan Plateau to the North side of the mountain. From the last roadhead, a three days approach march will lead to the Base Camp.

The team will establish three higher camps after the Advance Base Camp before attempting the final summit push sometime by May-end.

Earlier, IAF created history in the mountaineering fraternity by hoisting the tricolour atop the 8,848-Metre Mt Everest on May 30, 2005.

The Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force (including lady officers) have been pursuing mountaineering activity as part of adventure for more than three decades. Today the Indian Air Force has a nucleus of qualified mountaineers ready to take on the challenge of climbing any peak in the world.

UNI