On April 23, around 9:00am, our small group of seven people under the leadership of Charlie left Base Camp and we hiked up to Intermediate Camp. It took us about five hours, first along the Rombuk Glacier, then up the East Rombuk Glacer. We spent the night there and the next morning we moved up further along the “Miracle Way”, with many wonderful pinnacles. It was a long way up to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) and we arrived there early afternoon. The whole distance was 22km/13,75miles and a difference of altitude of 1,200m/3,960ft, I was glad when we finally arrived in ABC at 6,400m/21,120ft and I was very tired after these two days.
Mount Everest in the background – Becoming taller and taller as closer we care coming…
Als always – The Yaks working hard up the “Miracle Way”…
Yes, there are many miracles along the “Miracle Way”…
The good news was that April 25 was a rest day. It was a good idea because ABC is at a very high altitude at 6,400m/21,120ft and our bodies needed some time to acclimatize. Also, many people have headaches at this altitude, which is kind of normal. The big event on this morning was the “Puja”, the Sherpa ceremony without it no Sherpa would climb the mountain. A Lama from the Rombuk Monastary traveled all the way up here to lead this ceremony. The Sherpas are asking Qomoaongma “Mother Goddess of the World” for forgiveness that they will be able to climb up to this holy side and receive blessings from the Lama which shall bring them good luck and a healthy return. Besides the people, also some of the personal equipment, such as crampons, ice axe, mountaineering boots, etc. got blessed by the Lama. I have participated at several of these ceremonies and I really take them very seriously.
The Lama during the “Puja Ceremony” – The Serpas in the background.
The “lifting” of the Prayer Flags – An important part of the ceremony…
The next day was a more active day. We hiked up a few hundred meters in altitude to the “Crampon Point”, the starting point where you actually put on our crampons for the Everest climb Once we arrived at the point, we made a short break and hiked back to the camp. In the afternoon we did some climbing practicing: climbing up on a fixed rope and belaying. It was a good day and the weather was also better, a little bit warmer and less wind.
It is always good to work on our climbing skills – Especially before climbing Everest…
Mountaineering in the Himalayas – Exciting and never-ending obstacles…
On April 27, most of us participated on the Lapka Ri. cimb. Lapka Ri. is 7,045m/23,248ft mountain. The weather was very cold in the morning and the wind very strong on the way down. This climb was planned for the Lapka Ri. trekking group, but for us Everest climbers it was an excellent acclimatization climb. Also, from Lapka Ri. there is a great view across many great Himalaya peaks including Everest. It was a long and demanding climb, but the wonderful view was really a great reward for everybody. In terms of climbing this 7,000m/23,100ft mountain, I did felt there is still a long way to go…
Moving up to Lakpa Ri summit – A clold and windy day…
Early morning view from Lakpa Ri towards the Everest North Col – Almost romantic… but too cold…
On the summit of Lakpa Ri, 7,045m/23,248ft, a cold and not a safe place to stay for too long…
The next day was a sad day. Our 8 Lapka Ri. trekkers left the camp around 10:00am. I must say I really enjoyed the nice time with all these different people and somehow we were able to discuss many different things, versus only to think about Everest and all the challenges that are ahead of us. We will be a much smaller group from now on. A new phase is in our long journey to the top of the world is starting…