JOÃO GARCIA SETS OFF TO CONQUER MT. MAKALU

Portuguese moutaineer João Garcia will leave Tuesday, March 25, on yet another high-altitude expedition as part of his “Conquering the Peaks of the World” project, supported by Portugal’s largest listed bank, Millennium bcp.

This time the goal is Mount Makalu.  At 8,463 meters, it’s the fifth-highest mountain in the world, located just 22 kilometers east of Mt Everest on the China-Nepal border. Makalu is considered one of the world’s most difficult peaks to climb, given its steep faces and rugged terrain.

João Garcia is expected to complete the climb and return by early June. Makalu will be the fourth mountain he climbs as part of the “Peaks of the World” project, to complete his goal of conquering all 14 of the mountains that are 8,000 meters or more in height, without using bottled oxygen.  

As with his earlier expeditions, João Garcia will collaborate on scientific/humanitarian projects. During this trip, known as “Portuguese International Makalu Spring 2008”, a study will be carried out to research the eating habits and nutritional behavior of the climbers. This study will be run by the Lisbon Institute for Health Technology’s Applied Research Division. 

With its support for João Garcia’s “Peaks of the World” project, Millennium bcp continues its focus on innovative, international efforts that help project Portugal and its entrepreneurs all over the world. 
The mountains that comprise the “Peaks of the World” project are:
1. Kangchenjunga, India/Nepal: 8,586m – Climbed by João Garcia
2. Shisha Pangma, Tibet: 8,046m – Climbed by João Garcia
3. K2, Pakistan/China: 8,611m – Climbed by João Garcia
4. Makalu, Nepal/Tibet: 8,463m – Spring 2008
5. Manaslu, Nepal: 8,163m – Fall 2008
6. Annapurna, Nepal: 8,091m – Spring 2009
7. Broad Peak, Pakistan/China: 8,047m – Summer 2009
8. Nanga Parbat, Pakistan: 8,125m - Summer 2010

João Garcia climbed Mt. Everest in 1999, and has climbed Gasherbrum I and II, Cho Oyo, Lhotse and Dhaluagiri on his quest to reach the peaks of the 14 highest mountains without artificial oxygen.  

João Garcia’s progress can be tracked via Millennium bcp’s portal site: www.millenniumbcp.pt.