Trekking Summary (Part 2) - From Tengboche and Trek to Dingboche, Everest Base Camp, Gorak Shep, and Pheriche
acclimatization day
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dingboche
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everest base camp
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everest base camp trekking summary
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gorak shep
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kalapattar
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lobuje
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periche
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This is part 2 of my Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary Summary. If you have missed out the part 1, check it out here.
Day 06 (01 April 2015)
Destination: Dingboche (4410 meters)
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
With mountains at its backdrop, the monastery at Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. At this juncture, we can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual starts the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village.
We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam.
In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche.
On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Photo Galleries:
Day 07 (02 April 2015)
Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4410 meters)
We spend our second day of acclimatization at Dingboche. A refreshing breakfast while admiring a looming Ama Dablam (6856m/ 22493 ft) to the south is really fantastic. To better appreciate Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lhotse and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche; we climb the ridge on the north behind the village.
This will be an ideal acclimatizing excursion. Upon this juncture, we can see three of the world's six highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Yu. To the west, loom the towering peaks of Cholatse (6440 m/21,126 ft) and Taboche (6542 m/ 21,463 ft). As we look northwest, we see an array of peaks rising at the head of the Khumbu Khola valley.
The Lobuche West and Lobuche East peaks are most dominant along with Lhotse which stands over 8500 meters (8501m / 27,890 ft). From a vantage point high on the ridge, we can scan the sweeping Imja Khola valley as well as the picturesque fields and pastures of Dingboche.
Again overnight at Dingboche.
Photo Galleries:
Day 08 (03 April 2015)
Destination: Lobuje (4910 meters)
Trekking Duration: 5 hours
Trekking Duration: 5 hours
We start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The walk along the arid terrace is rewarding with awesome views of mountains on all sides. As we come to a yak herder's place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we move on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori disappears from view and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha. We can see the tip of Mt Nuptse from here as well as Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks.
Beyond Duglha, we climb up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views. At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.
As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains elusive. Mt Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we pass along a murmuring stream leaving the Khumbu Glacier behind, we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude.
Day 09 (04 April 2015)
Destination: Everest Base Camp (5364 meters) -> Gorak Shep (5180 meters)
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours
Finally, trekking to Everest base camp (5364 meters) and back to Gorak Shep (5180 meters) with total around 8-9 hours.
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake.
Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here.
Finally after continues endurance we have finally arrived at our ultimate objective of our trip: EVEREST BASE CAMP. Word can’t do justice, but my heart really screaming at joy; all these efforts really worth it! We spent around 30 minutes taking self-photos and as well as group photos.
As getting late, we ‘quickly’ return back to Gorak Shep for overnight at a local lodge.
Photo Galleries:
Day 10 (05 April 2015)
Destination: Kalapattar (5545 meters) -> Pheriche
Trekking Duration: 7 hours
Trekking Duration: 7 hours
We are supposed to visit Kala Patthar in the next morning as per our itinerary, however due to un-bearable tiredness; we have decided to skip Kala Patthar, instead precede trek down to Pheriche.
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