Hiking into snow-sheathed Gorak Shep
Above Lobuche, the world turns to stone and water, more like moon than earth.
Miles of thick ice make up the Khumbu Glacier, and smaller glaciers reach down from 6000…7000…8000 meter peaks all around. A light snow sticks atop rocks, but still allows for easy hiking. A tumult of boulders make up the glacial morraine that we cross into the final outpost of Gorak Shep. The town is coated in sugary snow. Although it was snowing all night and into the morning as we left Lobuche, the weather miraculously clears for afternoon views of Everest. Streams of thin clouds ensconce the mountains, opening and closing like the curtains on a stage. It’s absolutely magical as it continues to clear and the views get better and better.
Looking into Tibet--the black mountain in the background is Tibet.