Today we continued our trek towards Everest Base Camp, with today’s goal being Gorakshep. We had a nice easy trek today, as many people are feeling the altitude. We had to send one trekker back down to Pheriche due to Acute Mountain Sickness. Otherwise, everyone is making reasonable progress. I feel quite well, I am happy to report. We passed the glacier and had great views of Pumori, Lola, and Nuptse along the way. We made Gorakshep (16,900 ft) for lunch, which was more fries and rice. No meat! We then unpacked and prepped for our afternoon hike to Kala Patthar.

The yak, pictured, is very valuable here. They are a source of wool, cheese, fuel (yak dung is burned, you get used to the smell, sort of) and are used to carry loads. We have both yaks and porters carrying the gear for the Wilderness Medical Society team. We are all extremely thankful for the yaks and porters! They are lifesavers!

Our afternoon hike to Kala Patthar was shortened due to weather. Wongchu turned us around at 17,500 ft or so due to winds and hail. As soon as we made it back into the tea house, the snow started. Wongchu is always watching out for us. If the weather agrees, we will try Kala Pathar again in the morning, as the best views of Everest and the surrounding peaks are seen from this peak. Fortunately, the snow stopped and we were able to get a few pictures of Nuptse at sunset. Everest was hiding behind the clouds, but we are hopeful for some good shots tomorrow.

An HRA doctor from Pheriche trekked up today to meet us and gave a hypothermia lecture. She will trek up to base camp with us tomorrow. Tonight, fries and eggs, lemon tea, and bed by 830. Tomorrow, Everest base camp!

Blue Sky Happy Day!