Day 8 Kongma La (18,155 ft)

Today we crossed the first of the three passes, Kongma La (18,155 ft), the high point for our trip. It was another day of wonder and amazement at the incredible views! It took us 10 hours from start to finish. We moved pretty slow. We ate lunch on the pass, Tibetan bread. What can I say of the views! Spectacular on all sides!

Day 8
We spent 10 hours on the trail to cross the Kongma La, the Khumbu Glacier, and finally arrive in Lobuche.
Frosty Morning
We started at 6:30 from Chhukhung, on the Three Passes of Everest Trek in Nepal, just after sunrise, to give plenty of time to cross Kongma La Pass (18,155 feet). The morning was cold and frosty. This river crossing was icy. Ama Dablam towers above us.
Icy River
Lakpa assists with the icy stream crossing.
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High Camp
This is high camp, on the way to Kongma La. It is 5000m or 16,400 feet.
Yaks in Camp
I was curious to have a look around camp.
Toilet Tent
Wilderness toilets have the best views.
Toilet Tent
Wilderness toilets have the best views.
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Dining Tent
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Cooking Tent
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Cleaning Up
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Mattresses
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Roped Yaks
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High Camp
High camp on the route to cross Kongma La at 18,155 feet. Ama Dablam towers in the distance at 22,349 feet.
High Camp
High camp on the route to cross Kongma La. Ama Dablam towers in the distance.
Trekkers and Ice
The pass is somewhere above us, but not in view yet.
Trekkers
Ama Dablam towers behind, on the way to Kongma La.
Reflecting Back
Lakpa looks back toward the valley below. Wow!
Ridge 5400m
Mike and Israel walk along a ridge with the high peaks. Elevation 17,700 feet.
Perfect Peak
Mike walks a the ridge, overlooking Ama Dablam.
Perfect Peak
Mike walks on the ridge, overlooking Ama Dablam.
Yak Crossing
A yak train is also heading up the trail.
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Party on the Pass
Lots of people are already in the pass. This photo is zoomed.
Frozen Below Pass
This photo is unzoomed. The pass is barely visible near the center of the ridge.
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Kongma La Pass (18,155 feet)
Lakpa and I celebrate reaching the pass! This was the highest elevation of the trek.
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The Other Side
This is the view on the other side of Kongma La.
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Lake in the Glacier
At places lakes formed in glacier. Khumbu Glacier is a HUGE glacier that. leads miles up the valley to Everest Base Camp.
Lobuche (16,110 ft)
The small villafe of Lobuche, on the other side of Khumbu Glacier, was our resting spot for the night.

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