Trip Reports

Lhakpa Ri - 21 Aug to 16 Sep '04

Written by Leader John Eames, September 2004

The group led by John Eames returned to Kathmandu this afternoon (14 Sep) after a successful trip to this 7,000m peak close to Everest. The group had flown to Lhasa on 24 Aug and then spent a few days there, starting the long acclimatisation process by doing the tourist sights, including the Potola Palace, before making the 3 day journey across the Tibetan plateau to Everest Base Camp. The land journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu is a great adventure in its own right, the high points being the incredible views of the Himalayas seen across cold plateau and dry mountains from several 5,000m plus road passes on the way.

On arriving at Base Camp, the group spent 4 days of further acclimatisation before beginning the 3 day trek up the Rongbuk Glacier, following the route of Mallory and Irvine, to Advance Base camp at 6,330m. During all this time we were treated to stunning views of Everest and its satellites, though the views were occasionally lost with a daily weather pattern of afternoon showers.

Some of the group struggled a bit with the altitude but in the end, 9 of the group were fit and ready to attempt the summit on Sep 10. Unfortunately it turned out to be the worst weather day of the expedition! However, little or no wind and only intermittent snowfall did not prevent 6 of the group, along with John and the Sherpa climbing team, from reaching the summit after 10 hours of effort in difficult underfoot conditions. Summiteers were Tony Reynolds, Ken Benison, Mike Cullen, Will Thomas, Richard Turner and Benedict Jenks. The snowfall became heavier on the descent making the already difficult conditions worse, and it was an extremely tired team that staggered into camp after almost 14 hours of effort!

The return journey to Kathmandu has been enjoyed by all and shortly we will be meeting up at the well-known Rum Doodle bar for a celebratory drink! Though some are still suffering from the ‘Tibetan disco’ in Nayalam last night!

John Eames, Expedition Leader« Previous report | Next report »

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