everest base camp journal: base camp

"We've already traveled a vertical distance of over 37,000 feet to get here - that's more than one Everest!"


The final approach to Base Camp from Gorak Shep takes you across the constantly moving Khumbu Glacier. You have to walk fast because the avalanche danger is very high.  It is also very important to cross the glacier early in the day when the avalanche risk is lower as opposed to late afternoon when the increased snow melt creates more danger. Even while you walk you can hear the ice cracking and moving all around you and every once in a while you will hear an avalanche in the distance.



Everest Base Camp at 17,000 feet




Alpine Ascents' climbing headquarters at Base Camp



Base Camp itself sits right on the glacier and you can see the Khumbu Ice Fall from the camp. At just over 17,000 feet, Base Camp sits right at the base of Everest so you can't actually see the summit from the camp. When we arrived we were able to see several groups of tents representing climbing teams from different countries all over the world. There was also an Alpine Ascents International climbing team there so we visited their station, met the climbers, and then walked over to the base of the Ice Fall. 


Dad and I celebrating




The 14 members of our trekking team plus 6 guides




The famous Khumbu Ice Fall




Dad and I on our last night at 16,000+ feet


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journal
lukla
phakding
namche bazaar
thame
khunde
tengboche
dingboche
the pyramid
gorak shep
kala pattar
base camp
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