EBC Day 12

Sorry, I've been a bit behind in my daily updates of the boys' trip. As they are ahead of schedule by a couple of days now, the given plan has gone by the by but as I have nothing else to go on as we haven't spoken, then I will stick with the paper plan.

PLAN: 
- Gorak Shep (5288 metres elevation); walk approximately 3-4 hours.
- Climb Kalapathar (5546 metres); approximately 4 hours.

Today, they are high amongst the glaciers of the world's highest peaks and will trek along the Khumbu glacier. The trail heads towards the high village called Gorak Shep. After a rest, they'll climb Kalapathar, a small, rocky peak on the south-west ridge of Pumori. It won't be an easy climb but it's worth it by all accounts;

"...the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination.'

They may hear the glaciers creaking under pressure (I'd love to hear that!) and the surrounding peaks will be pretty awesome - Pumori, Nuptse, Changste, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kanega and of course Everest.


About 3km east and 200m below the base camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the notorious Khumbu ice fall. Many trekkers find this point at Kalapathar an emotional experience. It's back to Goark Shep for the overnight stay.


After sunset it becomes very cold despite the strength of the sun during the day.

EBC Day 11 + Amendment

Plan: Lobuche (elevation 4630 metres); walk approximately 5-6 hours

The early morning sunshine is welcome after a cold night. They'll wake up to a beautiful panorama of the peaks. They will be walking in the flanks of Awi Peak, above the village of Chola and carry on past Cholatse Lake. Beyond the lake the Chola Glacier flows from the saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Tawache.


The walk will continue to eventually join with the busy trail to Everest Base Camp itself. The slopes will be barren above the tree line and Cholatse, Lobuche and Pumari peaks will be in view. Rock cairns will be seen dedicated to the memory of the climbers who attempted the high mountains at Dugla Ridge.

Walking on to the moraine of Khumbu Glacier (the longest in Nepal) to Lobuche for the overnight camp, they will notice the drop in temperature as they are more exposed.

Amendment: I spoke to Hubby very briefly this afternoon. They are two days ahead of schedule! So this plan and blog are to be read just for interest's sake rather than definitive factual placing of them day to day! That's gone out of the window!

They are extremely tired now, I'm not surprised, it sounds like they've really gone for it. They went to see the actual Base Camp today rather than the planned morning excursion on the 7th May (Saturday). I think they'll have a few extra days back in Namche Bazaar. They had better rest and recuperate before flying back here to be thrown back to reality (well, as far as you can call living in Oman reality! ;-) )