| Date ... | Saturday, 5 September 2009 |
| Start ... | Pheriche (altitude - 4240 metres) |
| Finish ... | Lobuche (altitude - 4930 metres) |
| Time taken ... | 6 hours 30 mins (including stops) |
The climb from Pheriche to Lobuche was probably the hardest one on the whole trek. The first part of the day was relatively easy, and lovely stroll along the flat river valley to reach the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. We had a long lunch stop at the Duglha lodge before tackling the steep climb up the rocky slopes of the glacier. I found this hard and was glad by the time we reached the memorials to those who have died on Everest. Not only was this a special place to explore, but it also marked the end of the steep climb. all that was left was to traverse across the side of the glacier to the lodge at Lobuche.
Taboche Peak from Pheriche
Looking back along the valley towards Thamserka and Kangtega
Looking along the Lobuche Khola valley, the first part of our route today
Ama Dablam from the village
The memorial to those who have died on Everest, in Pheriche village
A close up on Thamserka and Kangtega
And a close up of Ama Dablam
Another view of Thamserka and Kangtega, I just loved this view!
Hay making Nepalese style, no machines used here
Heading out of the village, with the rocky peaks of Pokalde, high to our right
Yaks grazing in the valley
Looking back at Pheriche, with Ama Dablam towering behind
This part of the walk reminded me of the Scottish Highlands????
Ama Dablam from Phulung Karpo
Duglha lodge, at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier
Crossing the freezing cold Lobuche Khola river on a rather wobbly bridge
Starting the steep climb up onto the glacier
It was hard work, so we had plenty of stops
Looking back down the valley towards Pheriche
More memorials to those who have died on Everest
You couldn't have picked a nicer spot for them
Heading off along the side of the glacier
The landscape was starting to take on a strange look, almost lunar like????
As we approached Lobuche we got a few more glimpses of Everest towering above us