Nepal: Everest Basecamp Trek Prayer flags and mountains above Machhermo
Our chopper to Lukla: After 3 days of flight cancellations we abandoned the fixed –wing option from Kathmandu
Lukla airstrip, arguably the most dangerous in the world
View along the Dudh Koshi south of Namche
A waterfall emptying into the Dudh Koshi South of Namche
The Manjo Khola, a tributary of the Dudh Koshi
Recycling Nepalese style
Bridges above the Dudh Koshi just below the Bhote Koshi junction
On the bridge across the Dudh Koshi South of Namche
View of the Bhote Koshi junction with the Dudh Koshi View of the Bhote Koshi junction with the Dudh Koshi. Due to the flight delay, we did not ascend the Bhote Koshi valley.
The Sherpa capital of Namche Bazar in the clouds
Phortse
A Himalayan gentian, common in the subalpine ecosystem
Kyajo Ri from Machhermo
Machhermo with our campsite
Above Machhermo with Cho Oyu (8201m) Above Machhermo with Cho Oyu (8201m). This massif dominates the northern skyline on the way to Gokyo
Yaks and Cholatse (6335m) from above Machhermo
Wild grouse near Gokyo
Morning light across Dudh Pokhari towards the Renjo La (right)
Gokyo and Dudh Pokhari with Cho Oyu
Gokyo and Lakes from Gokyo Ri
On Gokyo Ri (5357m) with Mt Everest backdrop
Everest and prayer flag from Gokyo Ri
The Cho La Pass (5368m) This climb was the crux of our trek
The final ascent up the Cho La
Atop the Cho La
Trekkers traversing the Cho La glacier
View towards Dzonglha with Ama Dablam in the distance
Ama Dablam at sunset with Yak ‘burgers’ drying
Ama Dablam (zoom) at sunset
Lake Chola Tsho
Ama Dablam (near peak) from South of Lobuche
Heading towards Gorak Shep
Phanden, our sirdar, has summited Everest six times
Our group at Everest Basecamp (5364m) with the Khumbu Icefall behind Our group at Everest Basecamp (5364m) with the Khumbu Icefall behind. Everest is not quite visible here.
Nuptse (r, 7861m) with Everest in background (with Lenticulars)
Zoom shot of Everest summit
Kala Patthar (5540m) Remnants of Cyclone Phailin hit before we could climb to this spectacular viewpoint
Some took the quick way out of Gorak Shep as the weather deteriorated...
…while others were heading up
Hiking out near Lobuche in the snow
Our final view of Everest
A waterfall along the Imja Khola
Lukla airstrip in the morning as we await our Twin Otter flight in the departure lounge