Posts

Mission Accomplished

Image
​At 4:00 this morning, our team left our hotel, Gokyo Namaste Lodge, in a light snow to climb Gokyo Ri. The weather was not ideal and we were not optimistic that we would see anything but clouds. The climb of 2,000 ft was very steep and slippery in the snow. Also, any climbing at 17,500 feet is very slow and difficult. As we neared the summit, amazingly, the clouds lifted and the sun began to burn through. We reached the top and we were able to admire the breathtaking views, celebrate, display our banner and video some messages in recognition of Fibuspam. Just as suddenly, the clouds closed in and we remarked on how fortunate we were. While we descended, we passed several groups that were certain to see nothing at all. The entire trip took 5 1/2 hours. Reaching the summit in honor of Fibuspam was a very emotional moment for the team. We left many prayer flags at the summit and it gives us joy to know they will fly for some time in honor of Fibuspam. We are grateful for all those who su
Post a Comment
Read more

We Trek To Gokyo

Image
​Our trek to Gokyo was arduous but magnificent. We remarked several times that it seemed like a different world. We got an early start, said our goodbyes to Machhermo and with a steep climb, were soon on our way. We followed a beautiful river valley with magnificent views in all directions. After several hours, we began to climb away from the river toward the Gokyo Lakes. After a quick chocolate bar break, we passed the first and second stunning lakes and then finally the third large lake with the village of Gokyo at the far end. There beside Gokyo was the mountain we will climb tomorrow. While it seemed a bit daunting and certainly gave us pause, we feel healthy, ready and prepared for the climb. Our plan is to leave for the summit at 4:00, enjoy the sunrise from the mountain and take advantage of the crystal clear mornings.  Before dinner, our guide Jit led us on a short 500 foot acclimatization hike in an afternoon snowstorm that took us to 16,000 feet. An early bedtime for us is in
Post a Comment
Read more

Rest Day in Machermo

Image
​As in Namche, it was important for us to acclimatize in Machhermo (Big Yak Butter) before our big push up to Gokyo at 15,583 ft. and the summit of Gokyo Ri at 17,575. We arose to a crystal clear morning with about 5 inches of fresh snow. After a typically great breakfast, we set off on a steep climb up the skirts of Machhermo Peak.Trekking in fresh snow in the bright sun, we were surrounded with magnificent views. Although difficult, it will remain one of our favorite climbs. Despite many days of trekking, it seems that the higher we get, the bigger the mountains get and we continue to stop every few minutes with our mouths agape. We had particularly clear views of Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th highest peak. We gained a new high altitude of 15,500 feet and returned to Machhermo after about 4 hours ready for our push up to Gokyo the next day.
Post a Comment
Read more

We Trek From Dole to Machermo

Image
Today we continued our progress trekking from Dole at 13,200 ft to Machermo at 14,600.      We started in the forest and later reached the tree line. We were chased by threatening rain clouds nearly all the way. We arrived safely in Machhermo followed by heavy snow and hail that accumulated to 5 inches. It was extremely cold and the snow dimmed our hopes for next few days. The lack of internet service was also frustrating but it was clear that things had changed at this altitude. The conditions are much more primitive here. The following day will be our last rest and acclimatization day.     People gathered around a stove in the dining room to keep warm. However, the stoves burn yak dung and the smoke was a bit much. We retired to our rooms, sleeping bags and blankets early to keep warm. Tomorrow will be our last rest and acclimatization day and we woke often concerned about the cold and snow. ​
Post a Comment
Read more

We Trek From Namche to Dole

Image
​Describing our trek from Namche to Dole without using colorful metaphors might be difficult. We arrived safely after a very challenging day. The day began in bright sun in Namche at 11,400 feet. We hiked steadily upward with breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam and Kangteka. After 3 1/2 hours of climbing we reached the village of Mong La at 13,100 feet. We enjoyed a great lunch with beautiful views of the deep valley and river below. As we resumed our trek it became obvious that we had to hike all the way back down to the river, losing 1,000 of the feet we had gained and climb right back up again. But, we didn’t come here because it was easy and we got right to the task. As we regained our altitude we made our way slowly to Dole listening to thunder roll and echo through the huge peaks. We arrived in Dole at 13,200 feet at 3:30, very tired but thrilled by what we accomplished and the things we saw along the way. Tomorrow, we advance to Machermo at 14,600. We continue to feel grea
Post a Comment
Read more

Rest Day in Namche Bazaar

Image
​Today is “Rest Day” but it is really for rest AND acclimatization. Going to high altitudes can be tricky and potentially dangerous so our itinerary is designed in ways to allow our bodies to adjust to less and less oxygen. Part of that process is “climbing high and sleeping low.” This means advancing higher then returning to a lower level before  climbing again.  Thus, our “rest” day began with a 5 hour hike up to 12,700 feet and a return to Namche at 11,400. It was a memorable hike with a visit to the statue of Tanzing Norgay, the first man to summit Everest (with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.) We then hiked up to the famous Everest View Hotel where we got our first spectacular views of Everest and its surrounding peaks. On the way down, we visited the beautiful village of Kumjhung and along the way took scores more photos of the spectacular mountains. Tomorrow begins two very long days as we make our way up to Dole and then Machermo. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Phakding to Iconic Namche Bazaar-Tuesday, April 18th

Image
​We expected this to be a difficult day and it was certainly that. It was also a day of spectacular natural beauty. The day consisted of 7 miles of distance and an elevation gain of 3,000 ft. But the elevation gain we actually hiked was far more because of the constant up and down nature of the path up the river and Khumbu Valley. We crossed the river on suspension bridges 5 times including the final crossing on the spectacular Hillary Bridge. Many donkey and yak trains passed us on the trail. We also entered the actual Sagarmatha (Mt, Everest’s original name) National Park. The combination of altitude over 10,000 ft and a relentless and very steep 2 hour climb made our last push to Namche very challenging. At around 3:30, we finally reached beautiful Namche Bazaar, the Gateway to Everest. We ended the day at 11,500 ft. very tired but happily feeling no effects of the altitude. Our next day will be one of rest and a short hike to help with our acclimatization.
Post a Comment
Read more