We had come to Nepal Himalaya to climb Naya Kanga (5844m) - "New Mountain" in Tibetan language - in the Jugal Himal (Range) which straddles south of Langtang Valley. Three other minor peaks - Kyangjin Ri (4773m), Tsergo Ri (4910m) and Yala Peak (5500m) - were chosen as our objectives for climbing practice and progressive acclimatisation.

Our team of eleven was a mix of experienced climbers and first-timers. We were supported by three climbing Sherpas: Assim our sirdar, his brother Tashi and climbing veteran Dolpa. Together with Dawa our cook, seven kitchen boys and an army of 30 porters, we were easily the largest entourage in Langtang Valley then.