Back in Dingboche after completing the treck up to Everest Base Camp and then further up to Kala Pattar - which is about 5600 meters and across the valley from Everest Camp II at the same altitude. I got some stunning views of Everest and the surrounding mountains which - luckily for you - I cannot send because the technology has temporarily failed me.
After a cold night at Gorek Shep - we woke early and cracked the ice on the sleeping bags and headed for the summit of Kala Pattar (a favorite tourist peak and about 1.5 hours walking. WE got back to Gorek Shep for b'fast and then headed doen the hill to Dingboche - about 5 hours walking across the glacier and then down the valley in cold winds and cloud (much like walking in Yorkshire really!)
Arriving back in Dingboche - you realise the power of aclimatisation. The last time I was here I could hardly breath. Now I feel like superman powering past all the newbes on the hills and reveling in the amount of oxygen there is here!
Not for long - however. Tomorrow we head for Island Peak Base Camp at about 5100 meters and then - when the weather is correct - we will try for the summit of Isalnd Peak at 6300 meters and involving technical climbing and ropes.
This afternoon we had our training in prussics and knots. When we get to the base camp we will be trained in the use of the ice axe, crampons and self rescue :)
I will be out of contact for about a week - update you when all of this is done.
:)
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