Trip Reports

Everest Base Camp Trek - 6 to 23 May '06

Written by Leader Allan Gibbs, May 2006

Jagged Globe Everest Base Camp Trekkers gained their objective on Tuesday 16th May 2006. The whole party, 100%, made it to Base Camp (c 5,300m : 17,388ft) in the late morning. Blue skies and crystal clear conditions accompanied them on their epic trek. Four of the nine had a very good friend attempting the summit of Everest with Jagged Globe. The base camp manager (Mara Larson) managed to set up a radio link and they were able to chat with their friend many thousands of feet above them. Sadly the summit attempt for this individual had to end just 300m below the top due to risk of frostbite. Nevertheless a meal at Base Camp, including freshly cooked chips, sustained the group and eventually they made their way back to Gorak Shep (5,184m : 17,008ft) and their tented camp.

The previous day most of the group had successfully climbed Kala Pattar (5,623m : 18,448ft). This is a small summit on a subsidiary ridge of Pumori. It offers fantastic views of Everest, not to mention the satellite peaks and the Khumba Icefall. Although small by Everest standards, it provides a very significant challenge at these altitudes. The group, however, were a match for Kala Pattar and of the seven who attempted it, all stood on its summit within a few hours. Hands were shaken and many photographs taken.

Some eleven days had led up to these two achievements. Days spent in the idyllic environment of Solo Khumbu. Camping in magnificent scenery and eating excellent food prepared by our Sherpa team. This same team put up our tents, carried our gear and made every effort to look after our group in all respects. We even had tea brought to our tent early each morning. We came to know our Sherpas as friends during the time in the Himalayas. Everest was certainly the highlight of our trip but the many villages, gorges, bridges, forests, flowers and glorious ice peaks framed the achievement. Significantly, too, it was the complete contrast with life in the West and the remarkable Sherpa culture that made such an impact on our group. We finished our trek in Kathmandu, based at the Summit Hotel. This is an oasis of calm in a busy but fascinating city. All the group spent time looking at aspects of this magnificent place and, of course, indulging in some bargain-shopping.

It would be true to say that our team consisted of very different characters and personalities. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, the team gelled very rapidly into a dynamic and determined group. Everest Base Camp is a very high trek with some cold camps near its conclusion. Our team dealt with all these challenges with cheerful fortitude and stepped towards the roof of the world. It was a satisfied and sustained group that eventually parted at London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday.

Allan Gibbs, expedition leader« Previous report | Next report »

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