Trip Reports

Everest 3 Peaks 3 Passes - 17 Oct to 10 Nov '15

View looking down the far side of the Renjo La, with Everest in the background

Written by Leader John Armstrong, November 2015

On our return to the Kathmandu oasis which is the Summit Hotel it was quite unusual to meet three other Jagged Globe groups there, logistics usually preclude this. It soon became evident that our team had been most fortunate in being able to complete all three of our peaks and two of our passes. Several of the other teams had endured a tough time with heavy snowfalls.

The team from England, Belgium and the USA met up as planned in Kathmandu before the exciting but straightforward flight to Lukla and trek to Namche. There we left the regular Everest Base Camp trail and headed towards the Tibetan border in the shadow of Cho Oyo. After a few nights in the valley above Thame we ascended t the Renjo La and enjoyed the much acclaimed views of Everest before descending to Gokyo and its famous lake. An ascent of Gokyo Ri followed and then an overnight in Dragnag below the Cho La. That night the weather changed from perfect blue skies to constant snow which unfortunately ruled out our planned crossing of Cho La, the day was spend trekking round via Phortse to Pangkongma and the next day on to Dugla which kept us on schedule to visit EBC and Kala Pattar from our base in Gorak Shep.

The sun came out and the fresh blanket of snow enhanced the stunning scenery especially for our visit to the normally grey moonscape of the Khumbu glacier at EBC. Kala Pattar also delivered some great views and for some of the team they just couldnít get enough of it, with Ian making three separate ascents on consecutive days! The good weather continued as we travelled over Kongma La and down to Chukhung just below Island Peak. This was particularly poignant for Ian and David who had completed a successful trip there some twenty years previously. Our third and final peak Chukhung Ri was completed before trekking down to Pangboche and rejoining the main trail back to Lukla but not before a night in Namche and the dining highlight of Yak sizzler steak, in fact it was so good several of the team finished the first one and reordered the same again!

A straightforward flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in time for breakfast gave us a full day to explore the city and listen to the stories from the other teams of 80cm of snow at Mera La, 38 hrs of snow near Dhaulagiri, ice covered rock climbing on Kyajo Ri, 28hrs bus travel to get back.

Overall it felt our team had an enjoyable and successful time and finally, it would be remiss not to mention our youngest team member, 16 year old Matthew, who completed the trip in commendable style.

John Armstrong
November 2015 « Previous report | Next report »

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