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

October 11, 2018

Eric Simonson checked in from Pethang after a great day of trekking. From Joksum (or Shalung), the ridge over the valley can be reached in half hour. From here there are clear views right up the Khangsung valley. The views of Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Phetangtse, Chomolonzo and Makalu and myriad other peaks are great.

Turning West towards Langma La (Eric Simonson)

From this ridge, the trail descends rather steeply down into the Kama River coming down from the Langma La pass. After wading across the river (the bridge has been swept away by the monsoon floods), the trail enters the Khangsung Valley. A wide valley drained by the Khangsung stream that the receding glacier has left behind with wide undulating hillocks now covered by a thick growth of willow, rhododendron, juniper and other shrubs.

Camp is made at the meadow called Pethang (14,200 ft) about an hour’s walk (gently uphill) from the stream crossing.

Greg Vernovage