Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 17, 2008 – Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp!

This is Tracy, calling in at the end of a very good day. We spent last night in Gorak Shep, the final outpost on the way to Everest Base Camp. There’s not much here except a few tea houses. We’re at 17,000 feet, though, and it is gorgeous with some of the biggest mountains in the world rising up around us.

Yesterday we climbed Kala Patar and had tremendous views of Mount Everest, Pumori, and the neighboring peaks. When we awoke early this morning we were a bit tired that climb, but eager to head on up the Khumbu to visit Everest Base Camp. As we reached the rocky glacial moraine, we could see all the colorful tents of the expeditions at Base Camp, and that motivated us to make to our goal.

We reached Base Camp after about 2 ½ hours of hiking from Gorak Shep. Our arrival was accompanied by the aroma of fresh bread from the camp bakery. Wally introduced us to many climbers and Sherpas who are long-time friends from his frequent treks and expeditions to the Himalayas, and it was great to meet them and hear some of their stories.

We had brought lunch with us, and as we ate we watched climbers coming very quickly down the Khumbu Icefall, eager to get back to the safety and comfort of Base Camp. As close as we were, we were amazed to see how unbelievably huge the Icefall is. By the time we had taken lots of photographs, we needed to begin our own descent to Gorak Shep.

We’ll be here for the night and then continue our way down the Khumbu. The weather is a little bit cloudy now, but we are hoping it will be clear tomorrow.

Talk to you soon!

– Tracy