October 20, 2008
Kathmandu, Nepal
On October 16th five of us (original team of 7) made it to EBC, elevation 17,400 ft, at about 1pm and stayed until 2pm. At that time of day, it wasn’t 0 degrees as we expected but in the 30s and nice. We saw tents, the Khumbu Icefalls, and the start of the route for those who summit Everest. The next morning however was cold, in the teens, when three of us got up at 5am and climbed Kalapatar, elevation 18,197 ft. That morning I wore my ski suit and stayed warm, but it was a workout.
Kalapatar is popular because it has a better view of Everest for taking pictures. Again, that climb was exhausting because of the cold, high altitude and steep incline, but three of us made it up and got the pictures.
Kathmandu, Nepal
On October 16th five of us (original team of 7) made it to EBC, elevation 17,400 ft, at about 1pm and stayed until 2pm. At that time of day, it wasn’t 0 degrees as we expected but in the 30s and nice. We saw tents, the Khumbu Icefalls, and the start of the route for those who summit Everest. The next morning however was cold, in the teens, when three of us got up at 5am and climbed Kalapatar, elevation 18,197 ft. That morning I wore my ski suit and stayed warm, but it was a workout.
Kalapatar is popular because it has a better view of Everest for taking pictures. Again, that climb was exhausting because of the cold, high altitude and steep incline, but three of us made it up and got the pictures.
Thereafter, we descended Kalapatar, had breakfast, and then begin our return trekking trip. Altogether, we trekked 9 days in the Himalayans. It took us 7 days to ascent from Lukla Airport to EBC, but it only took us 2 days to descend most of the way back to Shyangboche. One, we were going downhill most of the way; and two, the lower altitude provided better oxygen. I heard that at 18,000 ft. we were only breathing 50% oxygen; at EBC, 52%.
Alone the way, we passed through a village named Pangboche on the 17th. They boast a 600 year old Buddhist Monastery. We heard the beating of a drum. The next day, we arrived in Kumgjung and I saw the most beautiful mountain scene of my life. That’s where they’ve built the Everest Hotel at an elevation of about 12,000 ft.
We stayed the night in Shyangboche and left the Himalayans by helicopter back to Kathmandu, about an hour travel. We stayed last night at the Crown Plaza, a 5 star hotel. After over a week of no shower, I immediately headed for the showers and steam room. Afterwards, I had a cheeseburger for lunch and it was like heaven.
We got to eat dinner at a Nepal couple’s home last night, Bishuwa and Remilla. They are friends of Ed Smith whom he met on the last trip here three years ago. They run Sheppard Trekking, the outfit we used to guide us on our trek to EBC.
Today, Monday, we start making our way home to Nashville; flying to Bangkok, then Los Angeles, then back to Nashville on Wednesday. This trip has been successful; however, I eagerly look forward to being on U.S. soil again after visiting a third world country like Nepal.
I’ve concluded this trip that with all its issues, the United States can’t be beat when compared with about any other country in the world.
Mike
Mike
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