October 16, 2018

Eric Simonson checked in overnight with some great photos! The team has been waking up early to see the sunrise everyday of the trek. This morning, they were rewarded with great views of the Himalaya.

The MONEY SHOT! Tsering and Lopsang climbing Longma La with Makalu, Lhotse and Everest (Eric Simonson)

Tsho Tshurigma over Langma La (17,300 ft) to Troshay meadow camp (14,000 ft). The trail to the Langma La pass from campsite near the first small lake at Tsho Tshurigrna passes another bigger clear aquamarine lake to climb steeply over rocky ground to reach the pass in just over two hours. The view of Makalu becomes more and more impressive as we climb upwards. Everest and all the other attendant peaks are also visible all the way to the pass. Once at the Langma La we will bid our farewell to the Khangsung valley and the impressive panorama of some of the highest mountains in the world and plunge steeply down rock moraines and glaciated valleys.

After about 2 hours, we reach the trail junction from where many days ago we climbed to the Shao La. After crossing the river below Yulba Village we will soon reach our riverside campsite from where we started our trek to the Khangsung glacier. The circuit of this fascinating trek will thus be complete. Overnight camp at Kharta.

Greg Vernovage

October 14, 2018

Eric Simonson checked in from Raabka Chu overnight. The Team headed out from Pethang Ringmo (16,000+ ft) to Raabka Chu (stream crossing) camp (13,500 ft). Today we retrace our steps down valley back along the Khangshung glacier, the rockslide opposite the Chomolonzo glacier, and Pethang (where we camped on the way up) to the stream crossing called Raabka Chu meadow river. The camp on the grassy meadow across the river is a very pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

Anthony climbing out of the Kangshung Valley (Eric Simonson)

Another way to this campsite from Pethang Ringmo is to take a side trip to Guru Rimpoche’s cave at Tse Chu lake. Guru Rimpoche brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. The trail climbs high above Opka meadows, crosses Lamtsho (16,200 ft) then descends steeply to the lake. Here visit the cave temple of Guru Rimpoche.

The way out descends steeply to the Pethang camp site from where we retrace our steps to the Kama river camp.

Greg Vernovage

October 13, 2018

Eric checked in from Tibet with a few great photos. Today, the team took a day-hike up the Khangshung Valley alongside the glacier to the base camp (17,000+ ft) for expeditions attempting the east Everest route. The gradual hike along the plateau formed by the lateral moraine takes about four hours, and the views from this amphitheater formed by some of the highest mountains on earth are amazing.

Beautiful day looking towards Everest and the Kangshung Glacier (Eric Simonson)

At the head of the valley blocking the skyline is the massif formed by Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and their attendant smaller peaks. Across the glacier from the trails are Chomolonzo, Makalu, Pethangse and many other lesser peaks, truly one of the Grandest mountain views on earth. Herds of Bluesheep can sometimes be seen on these hillsides.

Greg Vernovage

October 12, 2018

Eric Simonson checked in overnight to let us know the team is doing well, and they may have caught a glimpse this afternoon of something BIG! This must be the Kangshung Face of Mount Everest! The Team crossed Rakba Chu and were accompanied by a light mix of snow and rain. Not the best conditions but something to keep them cool during the crossing.

From Pethang the trail to Pethang Ringmo goes to the end of the meadows and then climbs steeply up on to the large landslide coming from the north. Eric noted how hard the Dzo’s worked through the steep rocky section. This is not the easiest trail section of the trip, but the rewards should be amazing. Views towards Makalu and the incredible upheaval caused by the Chomo Lonzo glaciers are amazing. After the rockslide, the trail traverses around the mountainside to reach a beautiful glade locally called Okpa in less than an hour. It then continues up the meadows of lateral moraine, with Everest and Lhotse in view, to reach camp on the grassy rolls of Pethang Ringmo in another hour and half. Altitude 16,000ft.

The Kharta region of TIbet (map by Thincat)

The Team has decided to camp at Woebka (Okpa) at 15,300’. The decision to camp at this elevation is mainly for the Dzo. The meadows in the valley are good for grazing and the Dzo (pack animals) have earned a couple days of good grazing. Tomorrow, the team will trek higher to Pethang Ringmo where they will enjoy incredible views.

Greg Vernovage