20 MARCH, 2013 - TOP OF KALAPATTHAR

Climbing to the top of Kalapatthar 5545m !!!

Top of the Kalapatthar – The best place to view the Panorama of Everest including many mountain in Khumbu Region

A 5 am start.  Cam is in shock.  Clothes are quickly donned and extra warm accessories packed.  With headlamps on we begin the climb to Kala Patter.  At a three quarter mark up this peak we see the sunrise, blazing between Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Everest.  It is stunning.  Fingers are beginning to tingle with the cold.  I am thankful for purchasing a set of down mitts in Namche Bazaar several days ago which now are put into service.

Climbing up to Kalapatthar (5545M.)

Attribute it to special silk scarves from Tengboche, gods smiling favourably upon 2 fifty year old fools or simply English determination to get the job done … we make it to the PEAK OF KALA PATTAR (5545m)!!!   I had no notion that this was a mere 350 meters shy of Mt Kili.  I am so proud of our efforts and of my brother, who without complaint has steadily plodded on. Thank you Tendi for the fabulous work of guiding.

Off the peak and back to Gorak Shep lodge for our breakfast and pack up. Since the Chola Pass is closed owing to thick snow our itinerary is needing to be altered. Tendi determines that we will return to Lobuche for lunch and then push on to Pheriche ( 4240m). Ultimately the elevation change for us today will be 1305 meters!

Sunrise View of Everest

Alison and Cameron enjoying panoramic view of the himalaya

Sunrise from top of the Mt. Everest

Heading down to Gorakshep

What previously had the appearance of dueling escalators on the trail down from Lobuche is, this afternoon relatively quiet,almost sinister in its silence.  Poor weather has curtailed flights from Lukla over the past 2 days and the absence of trekkers is already noticeable.

Dragging our sorry tails into Pheriche 12 hours post the start of today, we are thrilled for the heat of the lodge and the chance of a hot shower.

What a day of adventure and achievement.

a.c. xx