Day 12 - Dzonghla to Lobuche

We breakfast in the open at Dzonghla, and it is difficult to imagine anywhere more spectacular. Once we leave camp, we continue to descend down the Chola Khola and soon pass above the Chola Cho lake, appearing milky white due to sediment from the screes coming down the north east side of Cholatse. Shortly after passing above the south east end of the lake we contour around the slopes of Lobuche Peak and join the main valley heading up towards Everest, close to the terminal moraine at the end of the Khumbu Glacier near Dughla.

We are now on the main trekking trail, which is busy compared to the routes we have been on since shortly after leaving Khumjung a week ago, where we have seen almost no one. We continue up the west side of the valley to the village of Lobuche, sitting below the peak of the same name. Lobuche is the biggest village we have visited since leaving Khumjung, with a handful of buildings dotted around. In addition to the buildings there are piles of yak dung drying in the sun. There is no wood for the locals to use at this altitude, so they burn yak dung for fuel.

We have a treat for dinner this evening. One of the few crops that can be grown in this harsh environment is potatoes. They do not grow to be very large, but a plate of small fresh boiled potatoes goes down well.

Elevation Profile

Camp at Dzonghla below Cholatse

Chola Cho lake and Cholatse

Lobuche and Nuptse