Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 12, 2008 – Greetings from Thame!

Traveling to Thame has taken us off the usual route to Everest Base Camp, but I’m sure everyone would agree the journey here has been well worth the effort. It has allowed us to visit a more isolated village than those along the busy trail up the Khumbu. More importantly, it has brought us into the company of wonderful friends of Berg Adventures including the Thame Rinpoche and Apa, who has summited Everest a remarkable seventeen times.

The Thame Monastery was founded in 1667 and is now home to 38 monks. The current Rinpoche was enthroned in 1960. He was very gracious in his visit with us, and gave us each a travel blessing to keep us safe as we continue our journey.

Apa welcomed us to his home and was generous with his time and the attention he gave our group. It was great, as always, to be in the presence of such an accomplished Everest mountaineer. As we prepared to leave, he also blessed each member of the team.

Berg Adventures groups coming to Thame always love meeting Ang Pasang Sherpa, too. Even though he lost fingers during a high-altitude climbing expedition, he continues to be an excellent painter of Thankas—beautiful art work based on Buddhist traditions.

We also had a chance to visit the Khunde Hospital. Dr. Martin and Dr. Kami Temba Sherpa enjoyed talking about the history of the hospital and Dr. Kami's current work there of the Sherpa people.

In all, it has been a very fulfilling day with much to fill our eyes, our minds, and our hearts. We expect an equally rewarding day tomorrow.

– Wally