In full fanfare, Dykes managed to reach the source of the Yangtze River and was off to a good start for the first week of his journey. However, his support team was too stricken by altitude sickness and had to turn back. The crew was needed mostly for logistics but also for the filming and documentation of the journey. Dykes carried on with just his local guide.

However, next, his local guide, who had significant experience on the Tibetan Plateau at high elevations, also began to experience symptoms of high-altitude sickness such as nose bleeds, lack of oxygen and anxiety. Were Dykes to continue on alone, there were significant dangers ahead including hostile locals who were not accustomed to seeing foreigners. Dykes made the decision to temporarily abandon the journey and escort his guide to lower elevations.

Dykes is now in contact with Chinese media and tour partners with the hopes of getting a new field support team so that he can restart an expedition that was so abruptly interrupted.