Paul's Cho La Pass Trek-Nov. 2023

It would not be possible to describe how magnificent and how difficult this day was. But, we did it. 11 hours of relentless ascent and descent. We left Dzongla before the sunrise and arrived in Thagnak just before dark. We were blessed with another sparkling clear day and the highlight was climbing the glacier and reaching the summit. Unforgettable. Our group at the top of Chola Pass above the glacier. On our way up at dawn. Hours later. Almost up to the glacier. At the top looking down to the other side Climbing the glacier. Sunset in Dzongla. Enjoying the climb up the glacier. Slow going but so fun!

Today we trekked seven miles in about seven hours and I am safe and sound in Dzongla. Breathtaking views the entire way and another crystal clear day. Never dreamed I would witness these things with my own eyes. Tomorrow is what all the planning and preparation was all about; the crossing of the Cho La Pass. I am admittedly nervous but feeling good and ready. We will ascend to the pass at nearly 18,000 feet and part of the climb is on a glacier. We hope to summit the pass by noon and then descend all the way to Thagnack in the afternoon. The entire trek is expected to take 10 hours. Wish me luck.

Hello all from Dingboche! Today, we “rested” for 6 hours climbing a nearby mountain to prepare our bodies for the next two days. In climbing, the saying is, “Climb high and sleep low.” This is exactly what we did, but the “climb high” was much more than I expected. We left Dingboche at14,400 feet at 8:00 AM. The trail was very steep and long and 4 hours later we found ourselves at 16,670 feet. Gaining this much altitude was a real challenge for our hearts and lungs and a large group celebrated reaching the summit. A few folks were not able to make the climb and turned back. At 16,670, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level and it is very hard to walk. As you can guess, the views were incredible and after about a million pictures we made our way down. The descent took 2 1/2 hours and was punishing on our legs and knees. Nevertheless, I did it and this will prepare us for our push up Chola Pass to 18,000 feet on Saturday. Tomorrow, we’re off to Dzongla. Stay tuned.  About half-wa...

We began our trek today at the Tengboche Monastery at an elevation of 12,700 ft. and arrived 6 hours later in Dingboche at 14,300 ft. We trekked through a spectacular valley with Everest before us and surrounded by many other of the world’s highest peaks. “I can’t believe I’m here” ran constantly through my head. It was another crystal clear day even in the afternoon which is unusual. I continue to feel very healthy and super grateful for my guide Jit and my porter, Junge. We walked through beautiful rhododendron forests along the way, made some friends and met a blind woman who hiked all the way to Everest Base Camp with a British gentleman tethered to her from behind and coaching her every step. I continue to marvel at how that can possibly be accomplished. As we entered Dingboche, I got a look at the mountain we will climb tomorrow to further acclimatize. This climb to 15,700 and our return will prepare us for our ultimate challenge of crossing the Cho La Pass at nearly 18,000 feet ...

Another crystal clear day dawned in Namche at 11,400 ft. We trecked east toward Everest for 2 hours climbing to about 11,900 ft. Much to our chagrin, we then had to descend sharply to the river. We ended that tough slog down with lunch at 10,900 ft. Then the hard work began with a very steep ascent of 2,000 ft. We arrived in Tengboche at 12,900 ft. after 6 1/2 hours of very tough going. Whew! Along the way, the views were incredible and from Tengboche, Everest looks clear and close as do the dramatic peaks that surround it. We ended the day with a visit to the Tengboche Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nepal. It is a stunning and historic place but photos were not allowed. Altogether a very challenging but rewarding day. Tomorrow, we head for Dingboche climbing to 14,469 ft. Now we’re getting up there! We have just left Namche heading east. Everest is in the distance with a beautiful cloud veil over it. This section was a real treat to behold. Also, the distance was Ama Dabl...