11 NOVEMBER 2013 - PHORTSE TENGA

Monday (11th November) – we are up bright and early and head south (+ Ulyana), through the snow and ice to Phortse Thanga (3680m). A long trek which lasts 8 hours but at least we are going downhill (mostly). David finds climbing uphill difficult at altitude (even Steve has his moments of difficulty despite his many years of trekking and climbing at altitude). This season breathing at altitude is so very hard as the snow-chilled air dries out our air tubes and fills the sinuses with a mixture of dust, ice particles and natural liquid. Everyone in the team has the dreaded ‘Khumbu cough’.  The intention is to reach Periche (4340m) tomorrow – another long trek – this time with an uphill flavor. Those climbing Lobuche East (6119m) (Jake, Andrew and Richard + sherpa team) will split off on 13th and head for High Camp. They will start the climb at midnight and hope to reach the summit at dawn (14th). The rest of the team (Steve, Dave and Jon) will continue up the valley and meet the climbing team later. All of us will then head for Everest Base Camp (15th – TBA).

Mountain View on the way down to Phortse Tenga

Having fun during rest time

View of Glacier with Cho Oyu

Kangtega mountain