Trip Reports

Khumbu Climber, October 2024

Khumbu Climber October 2024 team
Trip Report

Written by Team Member Patrick Lindley Hickie (Patrick), November 2024

Khumbu Climber 2024 got off to a rather inauspicious start - but such is the nature of adventure tourism. Everyone knows how fragile the air link between Lukla and the lowlands can be, but this was brought into stark reality as we stood on the tarmac waiting to board. Our bags were already loaded on the aircraft and we walked cheerily towards the aircraft steps - only to be told that all flights were now cancelled.

Three nights in Ramechaap followed, before we then embarked on a further 12 hour bus ride and then a full day’s jeep journey. By the time we arrived in Namche Bazaar we were a full week behind our planned itinerary. After some quick re-prioritisation and planning, we had a new itinerary that suited everyone.

A few days later we were poised on the first icy pitch of the head-wall of Island Peak, where 7 out of 8 of our team summited. (Mike had opted to return to High Camp after just 20 minutes when he realised that his breathing wasn’t quite right for the ascent.)

After very little respite, a few more days on saw us at Lobuje Peak, where this time everyone stood on top to celebrate.

The itinerary continued with the crossing of the Cho La pass and descent towards the Gokyo Lakes, from where the group made an easy ascent of Gokyo Ri. For one pair this was perhaps the highlight of the trip, as Mike ‘popped the question’ to Joanna with a ring he had been carrying on the journey so far.

Not long afterwards we were back down at Lukla where our attempts at flying were a bit more successful. Another long bus journey through valleys devastated by recent floods finally saw us back in Kathmandu.

« | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.

Categories
Archives
 
Follow Us:
1