Fellowship Day 14 "High on a Mountain Top"

Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545 m/18192 ft) - Lobuche (4930 m / 6 hours / 16174 ft)

The trail becomes rougher now as it makes steeper ascent when it crosses several side moraines past the Gorakshep. From here onward you will find the trail in constantly changing all the way across the moraine through the snow and glaciers. Route finding techniques here include looking for stone cairns (heaps of stone and rocks) as markers, a sure sign of the correct trail. After rounding a bend, the trail leads to the base of the small peak - Kala Patthar. We start early to climb the viewing peak Kala Patthar to see sunrise over Everest. The ascent is steep, so it is important to take it slow and maintain a steady pace. It takes up to to 2½ hours to reach the summit at 5600 m (18372 ft), the highest point on the trek, and the best vantage point to view Everest. Here the view is outstanding, with 360 degree panorama of the mountains, and emotional experience. We return by the same route down to Gorakshep and then down the valley to Periche. Tonight you should sleep well, benefitting from a significant descent. Walking time: 8½ - 9 hours. Final altitude: 4200 m. (13779 ft)

Classic view from Kala Patthar

Fellowship Day 13 "BASE CAMP"

Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17598 ft) - Gorakshep (5170 m / 7 hours / 16961 ft)

The trail ascends along boulder fields and glacial debris to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier then continue up to Gorakshep 5160 m (16929 ft), nestled below the coned summit of Mt. Pumori 7191 m (23592 ft) and the sheer west face of Nuptse. Excursion to Everest Base Camp if there are any climbers just return from Everest Expedition.

Fellowship Day 12

Dzongiha to Lobuche (4930m/16174ft)

The trail ascends the broad, gently sloping valley from Dzongla. In many places the trail crosses small streams on boulders. You can look back down the deep valley from Phalang Karpo to see how much elevation you have gained. The views of Tawoche and Cholatse are particualarly good from this portion of the trail as it passes through country reported to be the habitat of the snow leopard and yeti. Beyond Phalang Karpo the trail climbs steeply onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier then contours down to a stream, crossing it on a bridge just before the village of Thukiha. The trail climbs up the moraine to a row of stone monuments of dead climbers (thanks, I didn't need to know that), then drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche, a summer village that boasts several well stocked hotels.

Lobuche

Kharkas (stone hut)

Fellowship Day 10 & 11

Day 10

Goykyo to Chhyungima (Dragnag) (4680m/15354ft)

A long day and the most difficult part of this trek. We will cross the southern end of the Ngozumpa Glacier, pass by the stone huts of Thagna Kharka then climb steadily up a narrow and steep valley which opens up to a wide shallow valley leading to our camp at Kharka, Chhyugima 517m/16962ft.

Day 11

Chhyugima to Dzongiha (4845m/15895ft)

You have to descend from the pass, cross a small glacier, negotiate the ice fall at the end of it and descend via Leisyasa to our camp at Dzongiha Kharka 4730m/15518ft, a high altitude summer pasture directly benieath the north wall of Cholatse Peak 6440m/21128ft.

Fellowship Day 9

Rest Day for acclimatization
Trek around Gokyo Ri, the views in the Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view climb to Gokyo Ri, the small peak obove the lake. This peaks of 5318m/17447ft, it's a 2 hour climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Twachee. Those with more time and energy can make a trip up the valley to another lake marked with the name Ngozumpa on the maps or even beyond to a fith lake. There are several small peaks in this region that offer vantage points for the surrounding peaks.

Just one of the amazing views they will be seeing.

Fellowship Day 8

Machhermo to Gokyo (4751m/15587ft)

You will climb a ridge from where the valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyo 8153m dominates the skyline to the north as you can climb the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area past the largest of the lakes Dudh Pokhari to Gokyo at 4750m. Gokyo is a typical Kharka stone houses and stonewalled pastures.

Fellowship Day 7

Dole to Machhermo (4410m/14468ft)
In the morning you will follow a steep but beautiful climb through conifer and rhododendron forests and stands of juniper to Lhabarma 4220m and Luza 4360m. There are Kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. You will continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river to the camp at Machhermo 4410m.