Waiting for the weather
By the end of the acclimatization period my weight is down about 20 lbs.
This loss cannot be recovered staying in the Base Camp. It is time to
descent do lower elevations and a relative comfort of Sherpas’ lodges. I
decide on a village of Periche located at the junction of two rivers,
Lobuche Khola flowing from Khumbu Glacier and Imja Khola starting at the
bottom of Lhotse South Face. The view of Kangtega (6685m) and Thamserku
(6608 m) from Himalayan Hotel in Periche (4270 m) is truly breathtaking.
Jim Williams (www.exploradus.com)
invites me to a private Puja ceremony for his sirdar Nima Tashi, which
takes place in beautifully situated village of Pangboche (3830 m). In a
small, private gompa attached to his house an old Lama recites the
prayers and asks for blessings.
After
five days of sleeping, eating and reading books, it is time to return to
the Base Camp. Latest weather forecast predicts reasonable weather
around middle of May. On the way to the Base Camp I stop in Gorak Shep,
which located at 5140 m is probably the highest village in the world.
However, it is only occupied during the trekking season. From a little
hill above Gorak Shep I have a chance to see beautiful silhouette of
Pumori (7165 m) and dark pyramid of Kala Patthar (5545 m). Kala Patthar
is the ultimate destination of the trekkers and offers extensive view of
Everest and Nupste.
After a few days, I decide to descent to Lobuche to meet my son Jordan.
Next day we climb back to the Base Camp. Jordan is tired but very
satisfied with his effort. For a first trek in his life, Everest Base
Camp is a very lofty target. I have a chance to show him the dreaded
Icefall and do some filming.
Finally, the weather forecast predicts more favourable conditions. The
team decides to try a summit attack on May 17th.
