The Everest Marathon
To Gokyo and Back
Robb Taylor / 30.11.2009
After our trial run on the Thamo loop and lunch in Namche, we set off for Khumjung via the 20 mile post at Chorkhung, following a contour line to Kangjuma and then up some endless stone stairs to a camp of yellow tents at Khumjung, with tea and dinner in a lodge.
<b>Monday 23 November</b>
Another bright, sunny day again. We followed contour lines and stone stair cases to Mong La for a tea break. Then came a tough downhill to the river for lunch in the sun at Phortse Tenga. The afternoon was a climb through frozen rhododendron forest hung with moss and lichen, past frozen waterfalls and many stone stairways to camp at Dole (4050m).
<b>Tuesday 24 November</b>
This was a shorter day and we got to our camp at Machermo by lunchtime. The sky remains a brilliant blue and there are prayer flags on the ridges.
<b>Wednesday 25 November</b>
This is a rest and acclimatisation day and a day for washing in the ice cold river. Some climbed the ridge, some took a yoga class and one participant got another professional hair cut. Two sessions were held at the rescue post discussing altitude sickness and difficulties encountered in a hostile mountain environment.
<b>Thursday 26 November</b>
This was a long up and down with an exciting climb beside a boulder spill and finally past lakes 1, 2 and 3 to Gokyo yersa (pasture). Fields of small piles of stone covered the lake shores and Brahmini ducks swam in the glacial lakes. The sun was gone by 3.30 pm. Some brave souls climbed Gokyo Ri for a look at Everest and the surrounding 8,000m peaks.
<b>Friday 27 November</b>
The group split: some climbed Gokyo Ri while others ascended to lakes 4 and 5 and a view of the Ngozumpo glacier. Then everyone headed for Machermo, a sunny but windy and cool downhill trip. Most arrived by noon, did laundry, rested and read.
<b>Saturday 28 November</b>
A long day. Some ran the first half down to the river where we had had lunch on Monday. It was a steep climb back up to Mong La for tea. Then came an up and down scramble to camp at Kangjuma with a view of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. There is an excellent bakery at one of the lodges!
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