Imja Tse

Photo By Rick D.

Nepal has been on my mind in a big way lately. As I type this there are two friends (Marko and Tim) who are in the Himalayas climbing frozen waterfalls; no summits or permits to worry about, just technical ice and cultural immersion.

Many years ago Rick Dvorak, Peter Shelley, and I made a trip to the Khumbu region of Nepal for a treking/climbing trip, and (for me anyway) to personally see the Himalayan Mountains. It was a perfect trip that blew my mind in so many ways.

Rick Dvorak and I thought of the idea of going to Nepal on a failed winter attempt at climbing the Bears tooth. Snow shoeing up the trail (this was before we had A/T skis)we got to talking about how cool it would be to set foot in the highest peaks on Earth, purely based on that fact. We knew Pete Shelley, a local mountain guide who made yearly trips to Nepal, and soon we were buying plane tickets and getting shots (Contact Pete at: himalx (AT) yahoo.com; Rick and I would have not survived if it wasn't for Pete, the logistics are staggering!). We ended up climbing the peak we wanted to [Imja Tse (Island peak) 20,306'] but what I ended up taking back with me from Nepal was a deep sence of respect for the robust and kind Sherpas, a different world view, and a life times worth of memories derived from being in one of the most powerful mountain environments imaginable.

Until I can make it back to Nepal (soon) I'll have to live vicariously through Marko and Tim's trip, and through the deeply implanted memories that this region has left on me.


Here are some pictures from Pete, Rick, and I's trip a few years ago.


Kathmandu


Bazzar in Lukla, Photo by Peter Shelley


The Khumbu Himal


Pete and Rick


Sherpani women near Thame


If you're in the area you must visit Toshi and Lopka at the Ama Dablam Lodge!


Pete brought tooth brushes to the school children at Periche.


View of Ama Dablam from Nangkar Tshang (16,760')


Near Chomolungma (Everest) base camp, Pumori in the background, photo by Pete Shelley


Myself, Pete, and Uttra on Kala Patar (18,400'), Chomolungma (Everest) and Nuptse in the background. Photo by Rick D.


Imja Tse (Island Peak), photo by Rick D.


View of Ama Dablam from Imja Tse, photo by Pete Shelley


Pete, Rick, and Uttra near the summit of Imja Tse


Pete taking a well needed shower


Lhotse, Photo By Pete Shelley

Cheers, Loren