Page 27 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 9_2023

From the terrace of the Everest View Hotel, the highest hotel in the world
conditions, to be on time for our
helicopter. By 10am we were on the
helipad at Lobuche, wondering whether
we would be stuck due to the weather
conditions. As the mist cleared later,
helicopters started arriving, each one
blowing up a strong icy wind on landing
and take-off. At last, the ninth helicopter
was ours and the 20 minute flight gave
us amazing views of the mountains,
rivers and paths we had walked over the
past week.
Monestary at Tengboche Back at Lukla, we booked in at a tea
headed out. We were blessed with The next day was an early start house overnight close to the airport,
more stunning views of rivers flowing and tough going to the last village this time with the luxury of our own
from Everest and very good views Gorakshep at 5164m. Our tea house bathroom. For our trip back we flew
of the Amadablum. Heading higher, was very basic and with the higher directly to Kathmandu and soon we
we observed a distinct change in the conditions, no running water was were back at Kathmandu Guest House
landscape and vegetation; there were available. The dining hall was filled with in the Hilary Suite, an upgraded
no more forests and trees, only grass people who were on their way up to large room with the comforts we had
and low shrubs, and we also started to EBC, as well as those who had already missed – a hot shower and a king-
feel the effects of altitude above 4000m returned, most looking very drained. sized bed.
with increased exertion walking uphill. According to guides, it was a season
After the day’s hike of about 10.5km, with record numbers of hikers. Pemba bid us a ceremonious farewell
by bedtime at Chomolungma Hotel in the next day, garlanding us with khata,
st
Dingboche (4410m), we felt tired and Day eight arrived, the 1 of May and traditional Buddhist prayer scarves
cold enough to use our warm down Deelesh’s birthday. We departed as a blessing for a safe trip home. We
sleeping bags in addition to the duvets at 5:30am for Kala Patthar Everest can look back at this trip for special
provided in our rooms. Viewpoint, which is the highest point on memories of the astounding views and
the journey at 5644m. We enjoyed views kind hospitality of the Nepali people,
Day six started with cold and windy of Mount Pumori (located 8km from which made the sometimes tough
weather, and light snow by the time Mount Everest), Pumori Lake, Mount conditions all worthwhile.
we were on the steep uphill stretch of Everest and EBC, the huge settlement
the Thukla/Dughla Pass. Towards the of colourful tents located on a ridge at We recommend undertaking this type
top of the pass, there are memorials to the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. By the of trek with a proper guide. Pemba is a
mountaineers who have lost their lives time we returned to Gorakshep after qualified mountain guide with over 20
on Everest, reinforcing the potential the 4.5 hour hike, we were exhausted years’ experience, who has summitted
danger to mountaineers planning to and the weather had turned colder and Everest six times and led numerous
summit, and who follow this same snowy. We reconsidered our plan to hike climbing expeditions and trekking
route on their way to EBC. We reached further to EBC in the snow, knowing that tours. Throughout the trek, the guide
Lobuche at 4940m by 13:00 and tired the next day we still had walk down to ensures that the trip is safe, interesting
from the effects of altitude, hiking and Lobuche to take our helicopter ride back. and comfortable by leading the way,
the cold, we had an afternoon nap, sharing information on the sights and
woke up for supper and were in bed The next day we hiked down at a culture and making all arrangements for
again afterwards for an early night. rapid pace in cold, snowy and slippery accommodation and meals.
20 DPL issue 6 2023 DPL issue 9 2023 27
26 DPL issue 9 2023
8 DPL issue 4 2023