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

October 9, 2018

We received some photos overnight from Eric and the team in Tibet. Communication will be hit and miss from here on out during the trek. They may get a signal where we get comms during the peaks of the trekking.

The Team was up early loading the truck to Yueba Village. At Yueba Village, the team met with the Tibetan locals, who will be assisting with moving gear. Tibetan time is a loose term. The Dzo’s arrived a bit later than expected but it all got worked out. In the mountains, we need patience and flexibility; it all worked out! The Dzo is a pack animal used by locals and are good for lower elevations.

Heading due West up the Kharta Chu River (Eric Simonson)

The team hit the trail and are making camp just before Shao La (Pass) at 14,800 feet. Tomorrow is a big day of trekking. They plan is to cross Shao La (16,000’) and drop back down to Joksum in the Rhododendron forest. The weather is looking good and we are excited to see what is over the next pass!

Greg Vernovage

October 8, 2018

Eric and Anthony at Pang La (Tsering)

IMG Partner, Eric Simonson checked in overnight from Kharta. In Kharta, the team met with longtime IMG Sherpa Guides, Lopsang Sherpa and first class cook Jor Bahador. From here, the team will be doing some trekking!

Eric said the yaks should be arriving in the morning, and they will set out for the start of the trek. Once the team hits the trail, they will head for Shao Tso lake at 14,000 feet.

Pang La (Tsering)

Everest from pang La (Tsering)

This team is enjoying some fantastic weather!

Greg Vernovage