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