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