After a cold night it was a relief to get going – an assault on our final challenge – the rocky buttress of Pumori – Kala Pattar. The ascent was steep and rocky but relatively short – a few hours. The Sherpas and guides from World Expeditions (http://www.worldexpeditions.com/) were fantastic as ever and they encouraged us up all the way. Views from the summit were spectacular – Everest, our closest and most complete sighting yet now loomed majestically above its neighbours – a challenge for the brave and fitter. Nuptse alluring from this angle tried to steal the show above the Khumbu Glacier, ice fall and the pin pricks of colour denoting tents at the capital of the Khumbu – Base Camp. To the left Everest’s West buttress shielded part of our view, left of that Changste, Everest’s North Peak waned for attention and a large snow cornice balanced precariously over the Lo Lah Pass. Right of Nuptse, Ama Dablam again put on an impressive show, chased by Khantega, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, Lobuche East and West – another picture book panorama - 360° round to Pumori and Lingtren. We spent 45 minutes at the summit; we could have stayed there forever. I can only equate it with meeting a VIP of which you are in awe – there is a special chemistry, excitement, marvel. You have to pinch yourself - is this really real? I tried to examine every rock, snow flake and ice crack thru my binoculars, but still it wouldn’t sink in.
There is a magic here and I can just about touch it, we're definitely going back here, Nepal that is. We loved it here, the mountains, the people, the flight into Lukla (a little bit scary) and the excitement in Kathmandu before the trip starts, its all magical!
