December 21, 2018

North Ridge of Ama Dablam (Sonam Dorje Sherpa)

An active rest day is important during a trek to Everest Base Camp. Our goal for an active rest day is to continue to acclimatize to the new elevation while still getting out a little bit to check out the scenery. The day ends by staying in the same lodge at the same elevation.

Lhotse in the sun from Dingboche (Sonam Dorje Sherpa)

Our December EBC Team enjoyed a great active rest today in Dingboche (14,469 ft). Tomorrow, the plan for the team is to eat breakfast at 7:00am and trek to Lobuche Village (16,200 ft) by 8:00am.

Having fun above Dingboche (Sonam Dorje Sherpa)

This team is having fun – as is evident by the team photo on the ridge between Pheriche and Dingboche!

Greg Vernovage

December 20, 2018

Trekking in December (Ang Tseri Sherpa)

Another gorgeous day of trekking for our team in the Khumbu Valley! When we put a trip together, this is how we draw it up! The Team was up early for a visit to the Pangboche Monastery before following the trail to Dingboche. This is a gentle day of trekking with only a few hills to climb.

Trekking to Dingboche with Ama Dablam (Ang Tseri Sherpa)

One of the hills has the small village of Shomare on it, where the team stopped for lunch. From Shomare, the team heads uphill and onto an open area where many summer homes are located for grazing yaks. A couple more hours and the team rounds the bend and can see the destination of the day, Dingboche!

Mani Stones below Ama Dablam (Sonam Dorje Sherpa)

From Dingboche, the team can see Lhotse, Island Peak, and the North Ridge of Ama Dablam outside their window. Tomorrow is an acclimatization day for the team. They will have the opportunity to climb the ridge and possibly drop down to Pheriche.

December Team with Dingboche behind (Sonam Dorje Sherpa)

All is well in Dingboche!

Greg Vernovage

December 19, 2018

Our December EBC Trek Team had a beautiful day in the Khumbu Valley! Ang Tseri Sherpa sent in a few photos to share with us from Tengboche.

Trekking to Pangboche (Ang Tseri Sherpa)

Blue skies and great views accompanied the Team on their trek to Pangboche, where they arrived just after 1:00 feeling great!

Tengboche Monastery (Ang Tseri Sherpa)

Tomorrow, the team will visit the Pangboche Monastery before heading up the hill to Dingboche.

All is well in the Khumbu Valley!

Greg Vernovage

December 18, 2018

Tengboche Monastery at night (Tye Chapman)

Our Sherpa Trekking Team was up early for their trek to Tengboche (12,369 ft – 3,770 m). They were welcomed with a light dusting of fresh snow.  The team had a fine trek and as the day continued, the skies cleared up! They made excellent time and everyone is feeling great in Tengboche.

Tengboche with surrounding peaks (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

After a good lunch at the Dudh Koshi River crossing, they made the climb up to the village. The afternoon was spent visiting the monastery and taking in the breathtaking view of Ama Dablam.

All is well in a winter Khumbu Valley!

Greg Vernovage

December 17, 2018

Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest from Namche (Greg Vernovage)

Our Sherpa Trek Team had a nice rest day in Namche. They took a short hike up hill to the museum in Namche where they saw a traditional Sherpa Home and toured what I call the Sherpa Hall of Fame. This museum has beautiful pictures and tells stories about many of the long time Sherpa climbers from the Khumbu Valley.

Everest Basecamp Trek (Greg Vernovage)

After the museum, it was time to rest for the big day to Tengboche tomorrow. A birthday celebration is always welcome during any trek and Abhi along with the trekking team did it right in the Khumbu Lodge.

Happy Birthday Abhi!

Greg Vernovage