Fun But Tiring Day

To Gorakshep, Nepal (5140m) -- 5140m (16,860ft)

Hi, it’s Dexter. Today, I didn’t feel great, but it was our final day up to Gorakshep, the last town in the valley before Everest Base Camp.  We were thinking about going to EBC (Everest Base Camp) this afternoon, but the altitude was killer, not to mention the not-so-great trail.

On the hike, we met up with "San Jose" Jeff again and also the friendly U.K. group, but they were on their way down. We said our goodbyes and headed onward.  Afterwards, there was a steep, hard climb, with an extremely rocky part where you could hardly see the trail. For the first time, Dad had to take Kylie's pack, and Mom had to take my big heavy clothes bag. After some more struggle (with only half the oxygen as sea level) on the hard and hard-to-find trails, we saw Gorakshep. I nearly jogged into town with my excitement and joy.  Woo Hoo!

Kylie, Jeff, and Dex

We got two double rooms at the Himalayan Lodge and did some homework.  Dad went on a hike, and when Kylie and I finished playing on the phone, we found Mom in the lodge with Bec from Sydney, Australia.  We played some Poo Head (or "Super Karma") with her, and before I knew it, Dad was back and dinner was served.  

Us with Bec

Dad showed us pictures of his hike up Kala Patthar (18,200ft), the viewpoint for Everest, and it looked awesome! It’s easy to see how tall Everest is at sunset because it is the last peak with light. Another fun but tiring day.

Pumori and Kala Patthar ridge in below

Everest at sunset

Buddah Lodge with Nuptse behind