Everest Base Camp to Namche
In the past two days we hiked over 15 hours descending over 6,000' from Everest base camp. The first day we hiked down to Pheriche and passed houses made of stone. The wind created a very cold walk. Imagine living in one of these houses made of stone at 14,000'. Most likely a yak dung stove creates great heat, but that is not on 24 hours per day. These local people are tough. Again, I am reminded to be quite thankful of our living conditions at home.
By they way, a female Yak is called a Nak. So Yak cheese is actually Nak cheese, a little known fact.
We are now a small team of trekkers. It was difficult saying goodbye to our team of climbers and especially to Phil. As we are now in the low lands (in fact we saw trees today) while they are climbing Lobuche peak (over 20,000') to further acclimatize. They should reach the summit today and will then return to Everest base.
I have enjoyed leading the trekkers down valley. I am in the front and Chuldim Sherpa is in the back, but he tells me which trail to take if I screw up. It took 12 days to hike into base camp and three days down. Just like climbing Everest, it took us two months to the top and 2.5 days down. One more day and we will reach the airstrip in Lukla where we will fly back to Kathmandu.
During our last night in Everest base camp the night was filled with thunder, lightning and then snow which all stopped around midnight. I crawled out of the tent around 2 a.m. and turned off my headlamp and looked up. Everything was silent and I could not believe my eyes. The black sky was filled with millions of stars, almost more white than black. Honestly, it took my breath away. I may never be back to Everest and now I feel satisfied saying goodbye because I had the opportunity to once again experience one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Susan Ershler
International Speaker
Ershler International
425-889-2333
