The slow approach to Island Peak ( Imje Se) continues. Yesterday we had another acclimation day at Dingboche where we got our climbing equipment ready – putting together the fixed line systems and doing a series of exercises to get the team ready to use the fixed lines and abseiled on Island peak.
There are a few good rock walls above the town of Dingboche that gave us some good training opportunities. Dingboche is also a perfect place for a rest day as it hits right in the middle of a ‘typical’ acclimatisation program
It’s really important to have a ‘rest’ day every 1000m of ascent gained. A few of the team were also feeling the effects of altitude on our first day at Dingbiche but the rest day saw them come right
This morning we made the short easy walk to Chukung but walking from 4400m to 4750m meant we took a very slow approach with a lazy start (9am) from Dingboche.
Chukung is a dusty and windy place but with outstanding views of the south faces of Nuptse and Lhotse along with the Northface of Ama Dhablam and an oblique view of Island Peak
Tomorrow we will climb upto 5200m or so on Chukung Ri to give us more acclimation before we head to Island Peak Basecamp in 2 days.
Will try to post a few images tomorrow