Everest Base Camp Trek & Lobuche: Team reaches Pheriche
Posted by: Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Elevation: 13,950'
Tashi Delek!
The ordering of everyday life has officially been left behind. We’re in our new routine now, wake up, pack duffels, breakfast, dance break, hit the trail.
Nobody blinked when apple pie appeared on the breakfast table alongside eggs in various configurations. Mostly because last night we realized how good it was and decided why not also have it for breakfast. This is just how life works now. We are different people here — pie for breakfast kind of people.
We woke to clear skies and fresh snow on the ground. A few more inches had fallen overnight. It’s the rhythm of this trip: crisp, exquisite mornings that feel like a gift, then clouds and snow rolling in by afternoon. We’ll take it.
Today’s stretch through Pangboche to Pheriche is many people’s favorite of the whole trek, and it’s easy to see why. Ama Dablam dominated the skyline for most of the day, impossibly photogenic from every angle. Higher up, the jet stream tore visibly off the summits of Everest and Lhotse — a reminder that those peaks operate in a different atmosphere entirely.
We’re sleeping at 14,000 feet tonight, and the mountains still tower above us. The scale simply does not compute.
We also shared the trail with yaks today. Train after train of them, loaded with gear bound for Base Camp, completely unbothered by us and entirely uninterested in moving over. They are majestic and slightly chaotic and have the most curious and intimidating eyes. Love them.
We’re all cozied up for two nights in Pheriche. The snow has predictably arrived and we’re currently in a cloud where we can’t see 3 feet in front of us. But it’s not a problem because the stove is on in the dining room and we’re about to play approximately one million rounds of “22,” our favorite card game at the moment. Dinner and sleep await.
— RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team
Comments (1)
Apple Pie! Wow, I’d say you were in luxury but I know better. The pictures are awesome and love Jess’s commentary. It is so exciting to watch the summit getting closer for you. I hope Tim isn’t beating you at every game. That is his normal. What a great trip to watch. Praying for your safety and continued good weather as you get closer to the summit. Tim, you look good in the pictures:) Can’t wait for the next postings. Everyone here sends their good wishes and continued safe journey. Love Teri
Posted by: Teri on