himalaya

Himalayan Trip, 2001.

These are some pictures from a trip in April 2001 to the Nepalese Himalaya. A three week trek up the Gokyo valley culminating in the ascent of Gokyo Ri 5360 Metres. Then on to Everest base camp and the ascent of Kala Patar (5634 Metres).

Bribery!, chocolate in exchange for photo shoot. The child on the right thinks it is for rubbing on rather than eating.

Namche Bazaar (3460 Metres), considered to be the capital of Sherpa land, sits in a natural rock amphitheatre. Almost all treks in this part of the Himalayas pass through this town.

Early morning camp at Dole (4040 Metres).

Dole. The two mountains in the background are: Left, Kangtega (6685 Metres) and right, Thamserku (6808 Metres).

Looking south from the flanks of Gokyo Ri across the three Gokyo lakes.

17 April, 2001. On the summit of Gokyo Ri (5369 Metres). Looking eastward across the Ngozumba glacier. Central background is Mount Everest (8848 Metres), Lhotse (8501 Metres-4th highest mountain in the world), and the Nupste ridge just before sunrise. Right background is Makalu (8463 Metres-5th highest mountain in the world).

Looking across the Ngozumba glacier from Gokyo Ri. Left the Chola la pass (5420 Metres). The two mountains are: left, Cholatse (6640 Metres) and right, Tawoche (6542 Metres).

Looking north from the summit of Gokyo Ri. The mountain ridge in the background forms a natural frontier between Nepal and Tibet. The mountain to the left of the range is Cho-oyo (8153 Metres, 6th highest mountain in the world). The mountain to the right of the range is Gyachang Kang (7922 Metres). In front of the ridge is the Lungsamba glacier, which feeds directly into the Ngozumba glacier.

Looking down the valley from Phortse (3840 Metres).

Ama Dablam (6856 Metres).

Yak train. Yaks are used to carry luggage, tents and kitchen equipment above an altitude of 3000 Metres. Below this porters are used. Apparently Yaks (Female yak=Nak) die if they descend below 3000 metres. I can't think of a physiological reason why that should be, but I am told they succumb to parasitic disease when they descend to a warmer climate at lower altitude. If anybody knows of any other reason please email me mail@cliveansell.co.uk.

Heading towards Lobuche, Everest base camp and Kala Patar. The two mountains in the fore ground are: Lingbren (6697 Metres) and Khumbutse (6640 Metres).

Looking north from the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, on the approach to Everest base camp.

Pumori (7145 Metres) and Kala Patar (5634 Metres) from our highest camp at Gorak Shep (5288 Metres). Kala Patar is deceivingly small in this picture. Pumori was named by Sir Edmond Hilary, and locally means "the daughter of Everest".

From the left: Pumori (7145 Metres), Lingtren (6697 Metres), and Khumbutse (6640 Metres).

Mount Everest (8848 Metres). The south col is just visible to the right of the summit.

Everest Base Camp. Just a pile of tents on rubble really. There are twenty one separate expeditions attempting the summit this year. Contrary to popular belief Everest base camp is clean and tidy, there is no rubbish or waste left lying around at all.

South towards Ama Dablam on the descent from base camp.

Looking up the valley of the Lobuche khola. The moraine of the Chola glacier can be seen butting out from the left. The large mountain is Cholatse (6440 Metres).