Island Peak Expedition 31st March 2017

Island Peak Expedition, Departed 31st March 2017 

Leader: Ken Applegate

 15th April

The team are now safely back in Kathmandu, having cut their expedition short due to illness. After returning from the mountains, the team made the most of their trip by opting for a rafting trip on the Tharsuli River and a visit to explore Chitwan National Park.

So despite not summiting Island Peak, I don’t think for a moment that the trip could be deemed a failure, far from it. The chances of not summiting a mountain at high altitude are much greater than say the Alps or the Scottish Highlands, and these expeditions are as much about the journey as reaching the summit. For Robert and Matthew, it will unquestionably have been a rich journey and will have broadened their mountaineering experiences for the better.

Also, having set out to trek to Everest Base Camp, Leslie-Ann made it there successfully with her guide Yogi.

9th April

From Chukkung, a short 3 hours’ walk brought the team to Island Peak base camp, which is nestled between Imja Tsho (Island Lake) and the peak itself (Imja Tse). At this point, the team were feeling well so decided to have an afternoon’s wander up to high camp before returning for dinner.

8th April

After a couple of days at Dingboche (4350m), where the team had a short trip up Nangkartshang Peak, the Island Peak team have arrived at Chukkung today. Meanwhile Leslie-Ann and Yogi have forked off to head up towards Everest Base Camp. This afternoon Robert and Ken walked up the nearby Chukkung Ri, which despite standing at 5559m, is impressively dwarfed by the enormous faces of Nuptse and Lhotse immediately to the north.

5th April

The team have had a good couple of days. Yesterday was a steady acclimatisation day from Namche wandering up to the viewpoint for Everest, Lhotse & Ama Dablam, which excited the group,  followed by a stroll over to Thamo. This trail was much quieter, providing a nice contrast to the busy main trail. Lunch was at Theso, followed by a post lunch nap… Today involved the steep hike up to Tengboche, which the group coped well with, before visiting the monastery, just in time to catch the monks praying. Again, a nice, peaceful contrast to the rest of the day. The team are now in Debuche.

3rd April

The team are now in Namche. They had a steady days trek up from Phakding as the jet lag from the international flights had caught up a little bit with people, so the group are looking forward to the rest day in Namche.

2nd April

Storms above Kathmandu caused some delays to flights arriving at the start of the trip, but thankfully did not cause major delays. The team are all fine and have made their onward flight to Lukla, they are now at Phakding with Leslie-Anne who is trekking to Everest base camp.