Still acclimatising here at basecamp.
Today we planned a walk to the nearest village, Rhombuk. At around 4800m it is a 8km downhill walk.
On the way we went through another camp that is owned by a guy named Chris, one of Jamies mates.
We had to use his Radio as ours is too close to a hill and doesn’t work yet.
We radioed to the south side (an affiliate expedition over there)
One Sherpa has died on the south side. He had summated 10 times previously but was struck down at basecamp by some sort of twisted intestine (to be confirmed).
Apparently the south side team got up at 1am in the morning to leave basecamp and go up to cross the Ice fall! (they leave early like this because of the traffic as well as it is the coldest time of the day and the ice fall is prone to falling).
The ratio for the south side is 450/450 members to sherpas.
The ratio for our side (north/Tibet) is 100/100 members to sherpas.
I asked Jamie why there was such a discrepancy in the sides? He said it was completely unjustified but the main reasons are:
• The Tibetan visas only opened up on the 29th March. For a big expedition this is too unreliable.
• It is believed that the success rate is better on the south side
• The more technical sections of the mountain are lower in altitude on the south side. High up on the north.
• There is a village which is much closer to the south side (walking distance) sitting at 4300m which is good for recovery (although seldom used)
• South side basecamp is warmer and less windy.
To be honest, I would much prefer not to have a huge line of traffic in the higher sections the mountain (like the chinese ladder) and have to wait 45 mins for a team to go up or down before I can move (I would lose body heat within 30 mins and is very hard to warm back up.
The walk down the hill was fairly uneventfull. Once we got to the village we went to a welcoming monastery. The monastery had an attached nunnery and we saw them eating. We were allowed to take photos of them eating. I don’t know why, I’d be craking it!
Above the monastery was an exclusive room with a giant gold Buddha, definitely a sight to see!
On the 8km walk home I made a video for my cousin Alex wedding tomorrow. All the best for the special day guys!
Tom. I am loving all your blogs. What a fantastic achievement. Stay well and warm. Hoping that crack in the summit will not be too long. Thinking of you everyday. So pleased about that bottle! Good Luck. Stay safe. Well done. It’s all just fantastic!!!
Tom. I am loving all your blogs. What a fantastic achievement. Stay well and warm. Hoping that crack in the summit will not be too long. Thinking of you everyday. So pleased about that bottle! Good Luck. Stay safe. Well done. It’s all just fantastic!!!