We’ve left the busier trails behind and and are now at Machermo which is on the Gokyo lakes trail. It seems most groups are going up to EBC and then to Gokyo via the Cho Lha.
On the way to Mong Lha and Dole we took the locals steep trail which goes up through a narrow cleft in the rock via old stairs and inspiring rock faces
Mong Lha sits at 3950m and gives impressive views of AMA Dhablam and Thamserku – the weather played ball and the recent thick mid layer cloud cleared to give us some amazing lunch views!
A slow afternoon took the team to Dole and a good nights sleep and with an early start we reached Machermo yesterday at 11am which gave everybody the chance to res, drink plenty of tea, visit the Poter protection association where an informative lecture on altitude illness was given and enjoy the warmth in Lobsang Sherpa’s Machermo Tea House
Today is a full rest an acclimatisation day – which means a sleep in to 8 am, followed by a walk up above Machermo for a few hours before returning to rest, read, drink tea and get ready for our approach to Basecamp
The weather today is amazing – classic post monsoon clear blue skies and fantastic views of the surrounding hills – including the top 1/3 of the SW Ridge of Cholatse!
The SW Ridge appearing from the cloud on the right side of shot ( between sun and shadow )
Kyajo Ri – early morning cold shot from Machermo Lodge