Day 10 (06.11.17) – Gorak Shep early morning 1.2km hike to Kala Pattar (5,550m/18,204ft) Difference in elevation: +390m. Helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
On this very cold morning (-15°C) at 4am, we started the 1.2km hike up to Kala Pattar also known as the Black Hill or Black Rock for the most wonderful sunrise views of the Everest region. Unfortunately two team members, Alan Koh and Simon Loh who got sick this morning and were suffering from AMS did not join in the hike.
It was pitch black 4am when we started and I can see a steady stream of hikers with their headlamps turned on going up the hill. It took about 2 hours to reach the hill top by Abdul Rashid, while the rest; Randy, Ong Teik Hong and Ching Neng Bin could only managed up to ¾ distance of Kala Pattar. Nevertheless, this small hill offered us the best view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. We then hike down to Gorakshep for breakfast and to quickly arrange for helicopter services to take both Alan Koh and Simon Loh back to Kathmandu for medical treatment.
At the lodge our guide had finalised the two helicopter services to bring down Alan Koh first and then Simon Loh which was duly covered by their respective insurance policies. In view that I cannot leave Alan Koh to go alone, I have decided to cut short my trekking and to accompany him down to Kathmandu. Ong Teik Hong had also agreed to break his trip and followed me as he wanted to take the helicopter ride.
After breakfast at 9am, we checked out of our rooms and waited in the hotel patio before heading out to the helipad for our return ride to Kathmandu for medical treatment. Our guide was in contact with the helicopter companies to coordinate the flights.
The one hour helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Kathmandu was my first, and it was hell of an experience of a life time. Definitely no regrets for both Ching and Ong to cut short the return trek.
We did not see the top of Kala Pattar from Gorak Shep, only a false summit which is much lower.
On this very cold morning (-15°C) at 4am, we started the 1.2km hike up to Kala Pattar also known as the Black Hill or Black Rock for the most wonderful sunrise views of the Everest region. Unfortunately two team members, Alan Koh and Simon Loh who got sick this morning and were suffering from AMS did not join in the hike.
It was pitch black 4am when we started and I can see a steady stream of hikers with their headlamps turned on going up the hill. It took about 2 hours to reach the hill top by Abdul Rashid, while the rest; Randy, Ong Teik Hong and Ching Neng Bin could only managed up to ¾ distance of Kala Pattar. Nevertheless, this small hill offered us the best view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. We then hike down to Gorakshep for breakfast and to quickly arrange for helicopter services to take both Alan Koh and Simon Loh back to Kathmandu for medical treatment.
At the lodge our guide had finalised the two helicopter services to bring down Alan Koh first and then Simon Loh which was duly covered by their respective insurance policies. In view that I cannot leave Alan Koh to go alone, I have decided to cut short my trekking and to accompany him down to Kathmandu. Ong Teik Hong had also agreed to break his trip and followed me as he wanted to take the helicopter ride.
After breakfast at 9am, we checked out of our rooms and waited in the hotel patio before heading out to the helipad for our return ride to Kathmandu for medical treatment. Our guide was in contact with the helicopter companies to coordinate the flights.
The one hour helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Kathmandu was my first, and it was hell of an experience of a life time. Definitely no regrets for both Ching and Ong to cut short the return trek.
We did not see the top of Kala Pattar from Gorak Shep, only a false summit which is much lower.
It was a fairly tiring walk up there unless you are well acclimatized. Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
It was a fairly tiring walk up there unless you are well acclimatized. Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
The majestic Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
Ong Teik Hong and Ching Neng Bin - It was pitch black when we started and I can see a steady stream of hikers with their headlamps turned on going up the hill. Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
Mt Pumori (7,161m) as seen from Kala Pattar.
Early morning view of the entire Khumbu Himalayan mountain range.
Looking at the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range.
Looking across the Himalayan mountains at sunrise on the trek to Kala Patthar, with Mt Everest appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall. Lhotse is on to the right.
Looking back towards the small town of Gorak Shep from the Kala Patthar lookout point.
Looking back towards the small town of Gorak Shep from the Kala Patthar lookout point.
What surprises many people is that you cannot see Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp (that's how massive the mountains surrounding Everest are). So the best views of Everest on an EBC trek is on top of Kala Pattar.
Everest is the furthest away and it appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall. Lhotse is on to the right.
Everest is the furthest away and it appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall. Lhotse is on to the right.
Mt. Everest is the 4th peak from left. Everest appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall.
Mt. Everest is the 3rd peak from left and Mt Nuptse on the right. Everest appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall.
Mt. Everest is the 3rd peak from left and Mt Nuptse on the right. Everest appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall.
Mt. Everest is the 3rd peak from left and Mt Nuptse on the right. Everest appears as only a small, black pyramid behind the Nuptse wall.
Mt. Everest is the second peak from left and Mt Nuptse on the right.
Mt. Everest is the second peak from left and Mt Nuptse on the right.
This is Mt Nuptse.
The snow-capped peak of Mount Everest – the world’s highest mountain.
Trail leading to Kala Pattar with Gorakshep in the background.
Trail leading to Kala Pattar with Gorakshep in the background.
Every ten minutes of hiking, I was exhausted and I need to sit down to catch my breath.
Trail leading to Kala Pattar with Gorakshep in the background.
Kala Pattar is a popular destination for trekkers who make it to Gorak Shep.
The descent from Kala Pattar was easy, just a quick straight down walk to Gorak Shep.
The descent from Kala Pattar was easy, just a quick straight down walk to Gorak Shep.
The descent from Kala Pattar was easy, just a quick straight down walk to Gorak Shep.
A very cold morning (-15°C).
This lady might be suffering from hypothermia on the trail.
The descent from Kala Pattar.
The descent from Kala Pattar.
Very very happy that we made it so far on the EBC trail.
The last group photo taken at our lodge at Gorak Shep.
The last group photo taken at our lodge at Gorak Shep. We were all very happy that we made it so far on the EBC trail after 10 days.
We were at the helipad waiting for the rescue helicopters.
Our last look at Gorak Shep and saying goodbye to the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan mountain range.
Our last look at Gorak Shep and saying goodbye to the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan mountain range.
11am - This was the first rescue helicopter arrived to pick up Alan Koh.
Simrik Air, established in 2001, is a leading helicopter company in Nepal with superior track record in high altitude rescue services. Proven as a leading rescue service provider with our trained pilots and rescue specialists from USA and Switzerland.
11am - This was the first rescue helicopter arrived to pick up Alan Koh.
11.30am - This was the second rescue helicopter came to pick up Simon Loh.
Founded in 1997, as Manang Air Private Limited, Manang Air sets a pace for the industry and expands the scope of operating helicopters in commercial air transportation within the Nepalese territory. Manang Air has obtained the certification for commercial helicopter under the Regulation of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Manang Air has major helicopter transportation operations in the whole of Nepal and touches the outskirts of Nepal.
11.30am - This was the second rescue helicopter came to pick up Simon Loh.
Our porter helped to load our bags onto the helicopter.
The friendly rescue helicopter pilot. The Pilot In Command (PIC) is Capt. Prakash Sedhain.
Ching Neng Bin seated in front beside the pilot. The one hour helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Kathmandu was my first, and it was hell of an experience of a life time.
Ong Teik Hong and Simon Loh sat at the back.
Helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Pheriche on 06.11.2017 - part 1
Helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Pheriche on 06.11.2017 - part 1
Helicopter stopped at Pheriche to collect some goods.
Helicopter ride from Pheriche down to Lukla on 06.11.2017 - part 2
We landed at Lukla for fuel. Noticed how it was refueled by just pouring the petrol instead of using a pump.
Ong Teik Hong had a photo taken with the Pilot In Command (PIC) Capt. Prakash Sedhain.
Ching Neng Bin had a photo taken with the Pilot In Command (PIC) Capt. Prakash Sedhain.
A photo for remembrance with the five layers of clothing.
Other rescue helicopter also needed refueling.
Other rescue helicopter also needed refueling.
Helicopter ride from Gorakshep down to Pheriche on 06.11.2017 - part 1
Helicopter stopped at Pheriche to collect some goods.
Helicopter ride from Pheriche down to Lukla on 06.11.2017 - part 2
We landed at Lukla for fuel. Noticed how it was refueled by just pouring the petrol instead of using a pump.
Ong Teik Hong had a photo taken with the Pilot In Command (PIC) Capt. Prakash Sedhain.
Ching Neng Bin had a photo taken with the Pilot In Command (PIC) Capt. Prakash Sedhain.
A photo for remembrance with the five layers of clothing.
Other rescue helicopter also needed refueling.
Other rescue helicopter also needed refueling.
Manang Air rescue helicopter taking off from Lukla on 06.11.2017 - P.3
Manang Air rescue helicopter landing in Kathmandu on 06.11.2017 - P.4
Off we fly toward Kathmandu.
The ambulance waited for us at the airport terminal.
Simon Loh was in good hands taking a nap in the ambulance as it was driven with the siren on through the streets of Kathmandu until we arrived at the hospital.
CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center, also known as CIWEC Hospital, is a specialist in travel related illnesses and has been serving nationals, travelers and the expatriate community since 1982. It is the first travel medicine center situated in Asia.
CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center is one of the most reputable destination travel medicine hospitals in the world. It was established as a clinic in 1982 to meet the need for a western standard clinic to treat foreign diplomats and aid workers in Nepal. During its 30 plus years of journey, it has expanded its services from a small clinic set up in 1982, to a full service clinic cum hospital providing both outpatient and inpatient care.
Our smiling mate, Simon Loh was well treated at Ciwec Hospital and was discharged later that day.
Chaudhary Group one of the prominent Corporate Houses of Nepal, established Norvic International Hospital in 1994. Today, the hospital operates 200 beds and remains a full-service community health-care facility, designated as an International Hospital.
Alan Koh was admitted for two days at Norvic International Hospital for specialist treatment. Alan Koh appeared very cheerful and strong was discharged two days later.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
A very good local beer - Everest Premium Lager Beer.
Off we fly toward Kathmandu.
The ambulance waited for us at the airport terminal.
Simon Loh was in good hands taking a nap in the ambulance as it was driven with the siren on through the streets of Kathmandu until we arrived at the hospital.
CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center, also known as CIWEC Hospital, is a specialist in travel related illnesses and has been serving nationals, travelers and the expatriate community since 1982. It is the first travel medicine center situated in Asia.
CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center is one of the most reputable destination travel medicine hospitals in the world. It was established as a clinic in 1982 to meet the need for a western standard clinic to treat foreign diplomats and aid workers in Nepal. During its 30 plus years of journey, it has expanded its services from a small clinic set up in 1982, to a full service clinic cum hospital providing both outpatient and inpatient care.
Our smiling mate, Simon Loh was well treated at Ciwec Hospital and was discharged later that day.
Chaudhary Group one of the prominent Corporate Houses of Nepal, established Norvic International Hospital in 1994. Today, the hospital operates 200 beds and remains a full-service community health-care facility, designated as an International Hospital.
Alan Koh was admitted for two days at Norvic International Hospital for specialist treatment. Alan Koh appeared very cheerful and strong was discharged two days later.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
Finally after nine days on the EBC trek, the dinner at Thamel Hotel coffeehouse, Kathmandu was the best.
A very good local beer - Everest Premium Lager Beer.
The Complete Everest Base Camp Trek filmed by Robin Wallace.
click below to view:
EBC trek Day 01 (28.10.17) – Kuala Lumpur KLIA to Kathmandu (1,334m/4,375ft)
EBC trek Day 02 (29.10.17) – Kathmandu fly to Lukla (2,865m) and trek 8km to Phakding
EBC trek Day 03 (30.10.17) – Phakding trek 10.4km to Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 04 (31.10.17) - Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 05 (01.11.17) - Namche Bazaar trek 10km to Deboche (3,867m/12,684ft)
EBC trek Day 06 (02.11.17) - Deboche trek 10km to Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 07 (03.11.17) - Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 08 (04.11.17) - Dingboche trek 12km to Lobuche (4,931m/16,174 ft)
EBC trek Day 09 (05.11.17) - Lobuche 8km to Gorakshep trek to EBC (5,364m/17,595ft)
EBC trek Day 10 (06.11.17) - Gorakshep to Kalapattha and fly back to Kathmandu
EBC trek Day 11 (07.11.17) - Kathmandu 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
SJ Echo - the Subang Jaya's FREE community newspaper
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click below to view:
EBC trek Day 01 (28.10.17) – Kuala Lumpur KLIA to Kathmandu (1,334m/4,375ft)
EBC trek Day 02 (29.10.17) – Kathmandu fly to Lukla (2,865m) and trek 8km to Phakding
EBC trek Day 03 (30.10.17) – Phakding trek 10.4km to Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 04 (31.10.17) - Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 05 (01.11.17) - Namche Bazaar trek 10km to Deboche (3,867m/12,684ft)
EBC trek Day 06 (02.11.17) - Deboche trek 10km to Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 07 (03.11.17) - Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 08 (04.11.17) - Dingboche trek 12km to Lobuche (4,931m/16,174 ft)
EBC trek Day 09 (05.11.17) - Lobuche 8km to Gorakshep trek to EBC (5,364m/17,595ft)
EBC trek Day 10 (06.11.17) - Gorakshep to Kalapattha and fly back to Kathmandu
EBC trek Day 11 (07.11.17) - Kathmandu 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
SJ Echo - the Subang Jaya's FREE community newspaper
///
In our 2012 EBC trek,when our flights were canceled twice , we took helicopter down from Lukla to Kathman du. The view from helicopter was beautiful. I did go up Kalapattha as I needed to accompany a friend , suffering from AMS, to go down. He got better as we went down further. Anyway, thanks for sharing the lovely photos and details of the trek.
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