Everest

We left Shigatse on October 21st and headed to Xegar which would be our base for our visit to Everest.  Along the way we made our first stop and took a hike up to 15,030 feet which gave us a panoramic view over the tops of the treeless mountains of Tibet as we are above the tree line.  Along the way we pass through many small villages and lots of pastures full of hundreds of sheep, cows, and yaks being attended to by the shepherds.  A hard life.  Every once and awhile seemingly out in the middle of nowhere you pass through areas where there is all kinds of building going on, most of it empty all in an attempt to encourage movement from China.  Our lunch stop was a very picturesque area along a riverbank with yaks grazing across the way.  Two young children watched as we ate and all the leftovers were given to the local family.  I would think this was prearranged.  Driving further along up Lakota La Pass we stopped for our challenge of the day which was a hike to 17,121 feet for a possible glimpse of Everest.  Going up hill my lungs were on fire and the wind was absolutely howling. It was incredibly hard but I was determined. Many turned back.  Almost at the top there was a rather steep incline and I collapsed there and told Eric to go on. I really felt I was going to get blown off the mountain.  The wind eased and Kerrin and I heard those at the top with a flag and with her encouragement we decided to go for it.  Best decision ever because the sense of accomplishment I felt when I stood at that peak with Eric is something I will carry with me forever.  Also special to share that moment with Peter Hilary, one of the worlds great mountaineers.

We then drove to Xegar which is at 14,268 feet.  We checked into the Qomolagma Hotel which we had been repeatedly warned by our guides was at the bottom of the star list but was the best for our visit to Everest.  When Eric and I checked into our room we discovered it was the one in the hotel without any heat and was below zero.  Tried toughing it out but couldn’t do it. Fortunately we did get moved but won’t be on our return list but I know the next two days will more than make up for the discomfort. First time I’ve ever gone into a dining room dressed like I’m going out in the snow.

Villages nestled at the base of mountains 

Feeling like we were on top of the world 

We keep getting higher but this hike was easy compared to the next one

Life is good 

Judy bargaining for some yak wool

Herds of yak

We were watched over by local children while we ate lunch 

Interesting farm vehicles 

This lady is collecting yak dung

A boy and his cow

Sheep, ice and a snow peak of the Himalayas showing through 

Climbing up to 17,121 feet. The last bit was a real scramble 

It was tough but felt great to make it to the top

A little rest was in order after that exertion 

Looking down,  way way down

Eric and Peter making their way down from the peak in the background 

Tiny village along the way

A hotel that other than location would never get stayed at.  Owned by the Chinese government and suffice it to say they do not care about service in any way shape or form.