Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Ok....just a little farther......and again? Dec. 4

We woke up to another bluebird sky in Dzongla after a much needed rest day. Our plan was to walk to Lobuche (4910m/16,108') and assess how John was feeling. 
Cholatse

This section of the trail takes us from one drainage to another drainage with new mountain views of Nuptse peak (7861m), Lhotse peak (8414m)(and name of my former sweet doggie), and of course, Mt Everest (8848m) the "roof of the world."  
I am pointing to Lhotse. I miss my pooch. Nuptse is to the left of Lhotse. 

We enjoyed our last views of Cholatse and Cho La pass and were welcomed by the Khumbu glacier valley! After a wonderful lunch of Sherpa Stew (noodles and veggies) we decided to push on to the village of Gorak Shep (5140m/16,863'). Walking up the Khumbu valley was like walking on the moon crossing glacial moraines and picking through Boulder fields.
Glacial moraine with Nuptse in the background. 
Khumbu glacier

 We arrived Gorak Shep around 3 PM and decided to try and climb Kala Patthar (550m/16,863') for the infamous sunset views of Lhotse, Nuptse, aaaaaand Everest! We were exhausted and this was definitely a push after the hike from Dzongla but this was our chance at the sunset experience! 
Gorak Shep with the trail going up Kala Patthar in the background. You cannot see the summit of Kala Patthar in the background. 
Everest on left and Nuptse on right. 
Top of Kala Patthar. 
I wish my phone could do this sunset some justice. :(

After the breath taking views and freezing our fanny's off we descended the 1,344 feet back down to Gorak Shep in the dark. The Stars were amazing!  Waiting at the lodge was our pre-ordered meal of potatoes, veggies, egg, and yak cheese AND some other familiar travelers we have been running into periodically throughout the trip. It was awesome to see familiar faces and share stories of the last few days with eachother!

1 comment:

  1. Wow wow wow is all I have to say!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't believe your pictures and adventures!!!! Utterly speechless!!!

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