Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 4, 2012 – Afternoon Naps at Gorak Shep

Min called today from the outpost village of Gorak Shep, at 16,800 feet, just a short distance from Everest Base Camp. Dave and Joanne arrived at Gorak Shep in time for lunch today. It is already cloudy this afternoon and, not surprising for a spot along the glacier at this elevation, it is quite cold this afternoon.

Dave and Joanne are staying in a small private room at the Himalayan Lodge, which has been regular stop for Berg Adventures for many years. You definitely need warm sleeping bags in the rooms at this elevation, but at tea time this afternoon and at dinner time the dining room in the lodge will be warm and cozy. This is because the owner Ang Tsering will build a yak dung fire in the small stove in the center of the dining room.

Outside, the expanse of the Khumbu Glacier and the towering mountains above are spectacular. If the weather is typical the clouds will disperse in the early evening and there will be unbelievably brilliant stars overhead tonight in the clear Himalayan sky. It will be noisy tonight as well! Saying at the Himalayan Lodge one hears the same creaking and crashing of tumbling ice falling from the steep mountain faces above that one hears every night from Everest Base Camp. This area is one of the most awe inspiring places that anyone could ever hope to visit.

Dave and Joanne are staying at Himalayan Lodge, the one on the left in this photo.

The view walking into Gorak Shep. The peak on the left is 7, 100 meter high Pumori.

Adjacent to Gorak Shep is the wild glacial jumble of the Khumbu Glacier. Dave and Joanne walked along this to reach Gorak Shep today and they will continue following it to Base Camp tomorrow.

The peak in the middle is Changtse, the north summit of Mount Everest. Just below and to the left is the location of Everest Base Camp.