On top of it all

Photo provided to China Daily

After their overnight break in Moshi, the Chinese climbers began their assault on the mountain, passing through Marangu Gate.

"The Marangu route is the most frequently chosen route," says Dong. However, it is also the most difficult route for many because there is nowhere to stop and adjust to the altitude, so altitude sickness can be a major problem.

After passing through Marangu Gate, the team headed for Mandara Hut, 2,700 meters above sea level.

This area is a tropical rainforest and the team slowed its progress to enjoy a familiar feeling.

"It felt like walking through Wuhan Forest Park," says Chen Gang, a professor at China University of Geosciences.

But an hour after the team entered the rainforest, it began to rain.

Dechen Ngodrup took out an umbrella.

"That was the first time I've ever needed to use an umbrella on a climb," Dechen says.

Soon after, a storm hit the area and hail started pelting down. The storm lasted two days and the climbers' boots and clothes were soaked through. Chen had two pairs of boots and both were soaked. At night, he wrapped them in his sleeping bag, hoping his body heat would dry them.