Samuli Mansikka (28) and Jere Pettersson (25) had their first close-encounter with a Himalayan Giant when they attempted 8201 m high Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world in autumn 2006. The eventful journey to thin air was about to fail due to delays caused by heavy snowfalls. The health risks which are not uncommon in high-altitude mountaineering became literally painfully familiar when prolonged cough eventually caused Jere's rib to crack. Before that he made two crucial carries to camp I at 6400 meters.

Samuli reached the highest point of Cho Oyu on October 2nd at 8.30 a.m. Unlike most of the climbers on Cho Oyu he did not use supplementary oxygen at any part of the climb or the descent.

Samuli and Jere attempted the normal route from Tibet. The three high camps were established at 6400 m., 7150 m., and 7560 m. The Advanced Base Camp which served as the main base was established at 5600 m. Two nights were spent at Chinese Base Camp at 4700 meters and one night at Interim Camp at 5100 meters.

The expedition was organized by Dan Mazur (USA), Phil Crampton (USA/GB) and Murari Sharma (NEP).
The expedition is deeply grateful for their co-operating partners Area Travel Agency and Peak Performance.