Where are we?

We realized recently that a map of the Everest region might be helpful for putting our trip and excursions in perspective. Below is a rough map of the area. We are in Pheriche, just right of center in the map. We flew from Kathmandu into Lukla (located center bottom) and trekked north/northeast. We stayed a night in Munjo (not on the map) and two nights in Namche Bazar. We then went north into Khumjung to visit the clinic there and proceeded to Tengboche for a night. From Tengboche we went directly to Pheriche. Pheriche's sister town in Dingboche, which has a French Bakery and many teahouses. We give altitude lectures in Dingboche every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so we visit there quite often - it is about a 30-40 min hike over a high ridge (the photos of the mountain dogs were taken at the top of this ridge). Amadablam is a beautiful mountain that overlooks Digboche and Pheriche and appears in many of our photos. The word amadablam means "mother's necklace" and refers to the bit of mountain separated from and lower than the main peak. The main peak is also flanked by two ridges. The locals view these features as the welcoming arms of a mother with the separated bit like a traditional necklace/pendant worn by sherpa mothers.

Since arriving in Pheriche, Hill and I have spent a couple of nights in Chhukung (center right) and hiked to the base camp of Island Peak (far right, Pareshaya). Chris and Penny have made an excursion to the Everest Base Camp (upper right), spending nights in Lobuche and Gorak Shep, as well as to Kalapathar. Whereas many trekkers and all climbers put great weight on arriving at Everest Base Camp (EBC), the views from EBC are not that impressive. The views from Kalapathar on the other hand (according to Hill) are incredible. Hill and I will be heading there in a couple of weeks when the weather is a warmer and EBC is more busy with climbers preparing for their summit attempts. Whereas the peak trekking season is March - early May, the peak climbing season is from April - early June, so for the first part of our stay in Pheriche EBC was nearly deserted. Climbing groups are arriving nearly daily now, and the party at EBC is getting into full swing.

Also, a link to a google map of the region. Make sure the "terrain" data is shown for the best images.