September 21, 2015

Phoksundo Lake (Adam Angel)

All is well from Phoksundo Lake.  The Dolpo Team will have a rest day tomorrow to contemplate how a lake can be this blue.

The team trekked uphill through the forest and crossed a few notable lines.  As the trek began, the local people were mostly Nepalese hill folk, predominantly Hindu.  As they move further into the region they have moved into an area peopled by those of Tibetan ancestry.  The name of the river changes too; it is now called the Phoksundo Khola.  They followed this river for two days of trekking, until they reach its source: the large Phoksundo Lake at nearly 12,000 feet in the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Ringmo is the village at the southern shore of Phoksundo Lake. The village is established on the 40,000 year old landslide / natural dam that created the lake. The lake is almost 500’ deep and must be seen in person to appreciate the magnificent color of the water. During their rest day, they will visit the 900 year old Thashung Gompa on the eastern side of the lake.

Greg Vernovage

September 20, 2015

The Dolpo Team was up early to get on the trail.  For those who have not been with us in Nepal, there is a small alarm clock called Jor Bahador.  Jor Bahador is one of our great cooks.  He greets you with a smile and in the morning, wakes you with tea or coffee.  Not a tall man, Jor makes food that leaves you full and scratching your head as to how he made that meal way out here.

 After breakfast, the team began their long 14 mile day, ascending through steep old growth juniper forests to Amchi Hospital. “Amchi” means “science of healing” or “doctor” in classical Tibetan and local dialects. This was a very long day! The team is tired but happy and will spend the night above Amchi in Chunuwar.

 Tomorrow is a shorter day with a beautiful reward with a steep climb to Ringmo at almost 12,000’.  The afternoon will be spent basking in the sun, a little laundry and probably a shave!

Greg Vernovage

September 17, 2015

“It is HOT!” Adam checked in with a warm and happy team from Nepalgunj, down near the Indian border. All the gear made it with the team on the flight and everything is moving smoothly for their flight tomorrow up to Jufal in northwest Nepal.

Adam has one of our long time Sherpa Guides with him right now. Mingma Dorge is in the center of the departure photo. He will be a great addition to the team and will always be one step in front of what is going on. Good to have Mingma on the team. Our trekking Sirdar for Dolpo will be our stalwart Lopsang. He is up in Jufal with the trek staff, awaiting the team’s arrival flight tomorrow morning.

One of the things we have learned through the years with any trek or climb is patience and flexibility. Tomorrow will be another early morning as they move closer to lower Dolpo and the launch point for the trek!

Greg Vernovage

September 16, 2015

Wait a minute!  Where is Dolpo?!?

Adam Angel checked in this morning from KTM with a very excited Dolpo Team.  All duffle bags have arrived with their owner and the trip has begun.  The day was spent sightseeing and repacking for the trek.  The team visited the famous stupa at Baudanath and the old city of Bhaktapur, finishing off the day in Thamel.  For the seasoned IMG client who has visited KTM, you will notice the team photo with the wooden table.  Fire and Ice Pizza is another landmark!  I can taste it.

The team will fly to Nepalgunj tomorrow morning.  To get an idea of just how far out this team is going to go, take a look at the map.  They will be Northwest of KTM on this trek.  It is tough to find a place as remote as Dolpo.  High passes and endless views await our team.

This is our first visit back to Nepal since the earthquake and we are very excited to enjoy this beautiful country!

Greg Vernovage