Martin D Bates:
This is the ornate lily pond in the Kathmandu Guest House. The lilies were close to flowering (in December!) but never did so during my presence.
Martin D Bates:
16th December. We flew from Kathmandu to the infamous Lukla airport that sits at 2,600m. Kathmandu is 1,700m.
Martin D Bates:
On route from Lukla to Phakding. Nikki was busy being sick. We stayed at Phakding that stands at 2,610m.
Martin D Bates:
Toomer on the edge of the abyss on the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar.
Martin D Bates:
The lower valley was criss-crossed by rather hairy "rope" bridges that were, in fact, made of steel.
Martin D Bates:
17th December, Namche Bazaar, 3,443m.
Martin D Bates:
We stayed here two days to acclimatise.
Martin D Bates:
The entrance to Namche from the Thame valley.
Martin D Bates:
This shows Nikki and our guide from the exit heading up towards the Everest View hotel.
Martin D Bates:
The mountains reflected in the terrace windows of the Everest View Hotel.
Martin D Bates:
Mountains do funny things to clouds.
Martin D Bates:
The Stupa at the monestary at Tengboche that sits astride a ridge that one has to ascend to progress further up the valley.
Martin D Bates:
Everest hidden by clouds of its own creation shortly after the earlier fires had been quelled.
Martin D Bates:
We stayed at the "Rivendell Lodge" in Devoche (3,760m) on the 20h December.
Martin D Bates:
The vegetation grew bleak with altitude though this red Berberis-like thing struggled on.
Martin D Bates:
21st December
Martin D Bates:
Frozen white water.
Martin D Bates:
Clouds doing more funny things amongst the peaks.
Martin D Bates:
When you encounter these fellers, you let them have the right of way.
Martin D Bates:
Unknown trekkers looking back down into the valley.
Martin D Bates:
There she is.
Martin D Bates:
This is Kala Patthar above Gorak Shep.
Martin D Bates:
24th December, Christmas Eve.
Martin D Bates:
The Ice Field, this is where the crazy folk who ascent Everest start.
Martin D Bates:
The ubiquitous prayer flags at Kala Patthar summit.
Martin D Bates:
Another large, pointy object. You couldn't move for these things up here.
Martin D Bates:
Nuptse, 7,864m
Martin D Bates:
Idiot, but a nice idiot.
Martin D Bates:
The western approach. I feel cold just looking at this.
Martin D Bates:
I just love the textures. The roof is the most beautiful place.
