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Christina Dougall describes the trek from Namche to Pheriche
After leaving Namche Bazaar, the delights of Club Namche where we celebrated Prof. Monty Mythen̢۪s birthday, and after two successful days of EBC investigator team testing, we spent the next two days trekking to Pheriche (4240m) to acclimatise.
The trek to Pheriche involved an overnight stay at Deboche at a slightly lower altitude of 3860m. The sights on the way to Deboche were stunning, with breath taking views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam enjoyed by each member of the team (EBC trek veterans and ‘first-timers’ alike). We briefly stopped off at the famous Tengboche monastery for a quick look around, admiring the beautifully decorated walls and gigantic Buddha in the main prayer room.
After our short stay in Deboche we set off on our trek to Pheriche, not before completing our compulsory daily diary test. The trek involved a steady 400m accent. We all began to feel the affects of altitude, experiencing varying degrees of breathlessness. Entering Pheriche we were presented with a small village of beautifully stone built Nepali Himalayan houses dotting the landscape so wonderfully. We settled into the Himalayan Hotel, which lies between the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) and the poignant stainless steel pyramid memorial naming those who have tragically lost their lives on Everest.
The group spent the rest of the day settling in to the lodge before an early night to rest weary legs and heads. The next day was spent relaxing as advised by our expedition leader, Dr Dan Martin and our Sirdar, Karma; this proved to be perfect as the snow gently fell around us, giving us the perfect excuse to enjoy the warmth of our temporary home. In the afternoon various science meetings took place; a few 24-hour experiments were commenced on various members of the team; and two thirds of the resident medical team (Jim and Sarah) went about setting up their medical room, their clinic for the next two months. After yet another substantial meal the group relaxed with a few competitive card games.
Day two in Pheriche found the team feeling more comfortable at 4240m; after a hearty breakfast we departed for a snowy acclimatisation walk over the hill into the neighbouring valley to enjoy a sunny cup of chai tea in Dingoboche. Upon our return to the lodge, and after an extremely popular lunch of Nepali momo̢۪s we held an EBC science meeting, this really brought home the task ahead of us, leaving the group excited and determined to make the next two months an absolute success, a goal shared by each and every member of Xtreme Everest 2 team. Tomorrow we set off to Lobuche, a 650m ascent.
Christina Dougall (XE2 EBC investigator)
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| By: George Manley | When: 16th Mar 2013 17:20 | Thank you for the your blog certainly gives erveyone a taste of the delights to come and how much amazing and hard work is going into the preperation of Xtrene Everest 2 |
| By: Doug Sheperdigian | When: 14th Mar 2013 13:42 | Thanks - a pleasure to read this. I can taste the momo's. See you soon! |
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