For years the two of us have been harboring a dream, to take a year off to travel together with our son, Brook. We're delighted to now be fulfilling that dream. In July 2011 we began the trip of a lifetime, traveling around the world. We are learning from and adventuring amidst other cultures, schooling Brook along the way, and creating fantastic family memories. Please share your comments and questions! - John and Eydie

Monday, October 10, 2011

Closest Settlement to EBC

At bottom, settlement of Gorak Shep
Nearly all Everest Region trekkers find their way to this settlement, Gorak Shep, to get close up views of Everest and/or visit Everest Base Camp (EBC) at the top of the Khumbu Valley. Tanka left very early to get us a room here.  Our room is super cramped, but we're fortunate to have one at all.  Many people have had to sleep in tents or dining rooms or return to Lobuche for the night.

Above us is Kala Pattar, a minor summit on the ridge leading to the spectacular Mount Pumori.  Kala Pattar is considered the best Everest viewpoint in the area so a lot of people climb it from Gorak Shep, typically at sunrise because the sky is more often clear in the morning.  This evening, we hiked about 30 minutes up Kala Pattar to watch the sunset.  The clouds kept moving around but they cleared around Everest for sunset.  Witnessing the pink and orange light on Everest and Nuptse was an amazing treat!

When we got back to the lodge it was a zoo.  The large guided tour groups had reserved all the tables so it was really hard for us to find a place to sit.  We had to wait until all the tour groups had their food before we could order.  This is the first time we have been not just bothered by the crowds, but also negatively impacted by them.

Sun setting on Everest, behind shoulder of Nuptse

Sun setting on Nuptse

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