Page 25 - Kyalami Issue 3_2023

From Everest View Hotel
of the pass, there are memorials to helicopter. By 10am we were on the
mountaineers who have lost their lives helipad at Lobuche, wondering whether
on Everest, reinforcing the potential we would be stuck due to the weather
danger to mountaineers planning to conditions. As the mist cleared later,
summit, and who follow this same helicopters started arriving, each
route on their way to EBC. We reached one blowing up a strong icy wind on
Lobuche at 4940m by 13:00 and tired landing and take-off. At last, the ninth
from the effects of altitude, hiking and helicopter was ours and the 20 minute
the cold, we had an afternoon nap, flight gave us amazing views of the
woke up for supper and were in bed mountains, rivers and paths we had
again afterwards for an early night. walked over the past week.

The next day was an early start Back at Lukla, we booked in at a
Monestary at Tengboche and tough going to the last village tea house overnight close to the
many mountaineers pray there for Gorakshep at 5164m. Our tea house airport, this time with the luxury of
successful climbing expeditions. By was very basic and with the higher our own bathroom. For our trip back
the time we settled into our room at conditions, no running water was we flew directly to Kathmandu and
Tashi Delek Lodge in the afternoon, available. The dining hall was filled soon we were back at Kathmandu
the weather was colder and a rain with people who were on their way Guest House in the Hilary Suite,
shower turned to snowfall which up to EBC, as well as those who had an upgraded large room with the
continued through the night. already returned, most looking very comforts we had missed – a hot
drained. According to guides, it was a shower and a king- sized bed.
The next day we were relieved that season with record numbers of hikers.
the weather had cleared by the time Pemba bid us a ceremonious farewell
we headed out. We were blessed with Day eight arrived, the 1 of May and the next day, garlanding us with khata,
st
more stunning views of rivers flowing Deelesh’s birthday. We departed traditional Buddhist prayer scarves
from Everest and very good views at 5:30am for Kala Patthar Everest as a blessing for a safe trip home. We
of the Amadablum. Heading higher, Viewpoint, which is the highest point can look back at this trip for special
we observed a distinct change in on the journey at 5644m. We enjoyed memories of the astounding views and
the landscape and vegetation; there views of Mount Pumori (located 8km kind hospitality of the Nepali people,
were no more forests and trees, only from Mount Everest), Pumori Lake, which made the sometimes tough
grass and low shrubs, and we also Mount Everest and EBC, the huge conditions all worthwhile.
started to feel the effects of altitude settlement of colourful tents located
above 4000m with increased exertion on a ridge at the foot of the Khumbu We recommend undertaking this type
walking uphill. After the day’s hike Glacier. By the time we returned to of trek with a proper guide. Pemba
of about 10.5km, by bedtime at Gorakshep after the 4.5 hour hike, is a qualified mountain guide with
Chomolungma Hotel in Dingboche we were exhausted and the weather over 20 years’ experience, who has
(4410m), we felt tired and cold enough had turned colder and snowy. We summitted Everest six times and led
to use our warm down sleeping bags reconsidered our plan to hike further to numerous climbing expeditions and
in addition to the duvets provided in EBC in the snow, knowing that the next trekking tours. Throughout the trek,
our rooms. day we still had walk down to Lobuche the guide ensures that the trip is safe,
to take our helicopter ride back. interesting and comfortable by leading
Day six started with cold and windy the way, sharing information on the
weather, and light snow by the time we The next day we hiked down at a sights and culture and making all
were on the steep uphill stretch of the rapid pace in cold, snowy and slippery arrangements for accommodation and
Thukla/Dughla Pass. Towards the top conditions, to be on time for our meals.

12 DPL issue 9 2022 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3 • 2023 23