Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Trek to Mt. Everest--Highlights




Mt. Everest from Kalapattar



Hi Friends,
I just finished the 26 day trek over the Three Passes near Mt. Everest. I was accompanied by Attila Joo from Germany. It was a strenuous trek and we got snowed on a few times, but still it was enjoyable and challenging.  After the trek I went to the Lawudo Monastery/retreat center high on a mountain near Namche Bazzar for a 10 day personal retreat.
 Here are some photo highlights of the trek.





At the stupa in Bodhnath with Atila and Samrat before flying to Phaplu



Black lines show trekking route to the Everest (Khumbu) region starting from Phaplu airport (circle at bottom)

Attila preparing to board the small aircraft which takes us to Phaplu airstrip


The plane after ours' landing on the gravel airstrip at Phaplu


Ready to hit the trekking trail 

One of many suspension bridges to cross

Spinning the Mani (Om Mani Padme Hum) wheel found at the entrance to many villages

The big Sherpa village of Namche Bazzar--Gateway to Mount Everest

Standing at the Sargarmartha National Park Headquarters with the tip of Mt. Everest showing


Mt. Everest



The Tengboche Monastery at sunrise; Mt.  Amadabalam is at the right


Taking a break at a lodge in Pangboche with our guide, Mingma





 Island Peak from the hill above Dingboche




Yaks carrying essential  goods to Everest Base Camp





Sitting beneath Amadablam

 



Climbing towards KhongmaLa






Campsite at Khongma high camp






Sunrise on Amadablam from Khongma high camp



 
 
 
 
 
Sunrise on Makalu
 
 
 
 



View of Makalu and Island Peak from summit of Khongmala



Pumori and Kalapattar across the Khumbu Glacier


Sunrise between Everest and Nuptse on the climp up Kalapattar
 


View of Everest from Kalapattar (17,500ft.)


Swollen face is effect of High altitude




Other view from Kalapattar with Amadabalam and Khumbu glacier


Contemplating a dead yak on the trail to EBC

 

Expedition tents at Everest base camp


Crossing the glacier at the Cho La



The Gokyo resort; the trail up Gokyo Ri is visible behind the lake at left
 

 At top of Gokyo Ri (17,000ft.) with Everest, Lotse and Makalu



Climbing up Knobby View above the fifth lake 

 

Views from Knobby View


Top of Everest obscured by clouds (in center)

 
View of the great Ngozumpa glacier from Knobbby View
 
 
 
P.S.
A reporter from the Kathmandu Post interviewed me about why I come to Nepal. She titled her article, Monasticism in the Mountains. If you care to read it you can click here: http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2012/05/04/features/conversations--monasticism-in-the-mountains/234513.html