October 28, 2013
Phil & team checked in over the weekend to report that all is well and everyone is happy! The weekend kicked off with an early Saturday morning hike to catch another stunning sunrise on Kangchenjunga and neighboring peaks in Sikkim. Weather was still and clear. After a four hour climb to Goecha La (4800m) on Sunday, the team was rewarded with a new view of the east face of Kangchenjunga at a distance of less than 4 miles. They spun a 180 and headed downhill, dipping down to camp at 13,000 ft – all tired but happy. The fresh clean snow left by the recent cyclone not only enhanced the surrounding scenery, but made for good travel as the snow was quite firm.
Today was a long 7 hour walk through the rhododendron and magnolia forests down to the tiny settlement of Tsokha just below 9,000 ft. They made it to camp as the rain began to fall. Tomorrow will be another 5 hours down to the village of Yuksom, which will complete the trekking portion of the trip. They’ll enjoy warm beds and hotel amenities tomorrow night.
Becky Kjorvestad