Busy Days In The Khumbu Valley

October 26, 2014

It has been a busy couple of days in the Khumbu Valley.

Ama Dablam Puja (Justin Merle)

The Ama Dablam Team had their Puja ceremony this morning and has begun moving up Ama Dablam.  The first group of climbers moved up to Yak camp today, where they will familiarize themselves with the route and continue to acclimatize higher up.  Our second group will meet them at Yak camp tomorrow.  After a night at Yak Camp, the team will touch and go back down to camp 1.

Up the Valley, the 3 x 3 and Lobuche climbing Team has had a very busy couple of days.  Tye reported from Lobuche Village that it was a long day with slippery conditions on the trail.  “Slippery” is a technical term for us.  There was a little snow encountered on the trail over Khnongma La.  A little education here: “La” means pass, so when you read “La” at the end of the name, it is letting you know that they are passing through a high pass or notch in the mountain range.  The Team worked hard and was on the trail for a while yesterday.  Once again, why hurry, the views in all direction are worthy of a stop and soak in the landscape.  Some Tea and dinner and a good night sleep in Lobuche was well earned.

Not enough they say!  The 3 x 3 and Lobuche Team woke up and had recuperated.  One of the Highlights of the trip was within their reach.  Out the door and up the hill.  The Team headed for Gorakshep.  From there, grab some lunch and visit Everest Base Camp.  Some fresh snow on the ground made for great trekking conditions.

Tomorrow, the team will split. After climbing Kala Pattar, the Lobuche Climbers will head to Base Camp and the 3 x 3 trekkers will continue up to Dzongla.

Greg Vernovage