Trip Reports

Khumbu Climber - October 2018

Written by Team Member Alan Ross, November 2018

Wow! how good was that? A splendid month doing the Khumbu Climber. From meeting at Heathrow to leaving Kathmandu everything was absolutely perfect. A great team looking after us, a lovely bunch of likeminded climbers and a super leader all made for a most memorable trip. Perfect weather was with us from the start, so a beautiful flight to Lukla with clear views snow-capped mountains put everyone in high spirits. For the next few weeks we had a regular routine of bed tea, kit pack up, breakfast, little sit around and then hit the trail. It was a great routine and we walked at a pace which meant we could chat, take the mickey and enjoy the scenery. Every campsite was great, in the early days usually beside a tea lodge which was nice at night to sit around a fire and relax after the day. Later on a base camps and high camps felt nice and remote. We always were clearly briefed each night about the following day and what to expect/equipment needed. We always tested our leaders statement "there are no daft questions". Food on the trip was wonderful- the kitchen team did us proud - how happy can a group of climbers get when served a super chicken curry and nann bread. Variety was great and we never went hungry. Each summit was another new experience - early starts (around 1am) - porridge and tea in the tent, gear on, outside the tent with head torches, helmets and harnesses on and ready to go. Always the last checks for glacier glasses and crampons - don't forget them! The mountain weather gods were smiling down on us and we had summit success on Poklade, Island Peak and Lobuje East and even the cheeky fourth summit Gokyo Ri. Summit days were long and tough but the rewards.. A great challenge, lots of fixed ropes, jumaring for ever, long abseils... wonderful, wonderful. Be prepared for a challenge - sometimes you want to give up - the Island Peak Headwall goes on forever but dig deep and you are in for a treat. With the great weather we could use our spare days to do the right thing - eat cake, drink coffee and lie outside tents in the sun - we deserved it. Namche at the end is a great place to rest, shop and just think about what you have achieved. The final walk back to Lukla is beautiful. Plenty of stops for coffee, snacks and group photos. A final party in Lukla with everyone - Sherpas, Porters and Climbing Team should come with a health warning - 2 months without alcohol then the damage begins, ouch but tremendous fun. Just don't let anyone film the action!

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