Everest Base Camp. Wed 4/3. Beaten by the snow. Shattered.

6/3/2015

Pictured. The team retreat back down Kalar Pattar after failing to conquer the snow.

We are all shattered!!. We awoke at 6am this morning to a bitterly cold but beautiful Himalayan morning. We set out to commence our climb of Kalar Pattar around 6.45 but straight away knew we were in trouble with how deep the snow was on the climb. We set our porter Kunsar out to cut a track (the snow of the last few days had hidden all routes to the summit) but he was quickly well over his knees with each step!! (KP is hard enough in the dry let alone snow). After 1/2 hr of battling to find a way up, and with all of us struggling behind him, the turning point came when he sunk to his waist..!!! The simple fact is that Kalar Pattar is just not climbable at present, and won't be for at least 4 days, even with sunshine.!! The whole area is just carrying too much snow at the moment. (We saw a huge avalanche on a neighbouring slope this morning)

It's a bitter pill. The sun is beautiful as I write, with not a cloud in the sky. We can see the summit of Everest from Gorak Shep and it has not got a cloud on it. It's the snow that stranded us in Lobouche which has halted us on KP.

And this team, who worked so hard and prepared so well, and who deserved to stand on KPs summit are now all feeling down. Even their effort this morning to get 100mts above GS in deep deep snow was admirable. Several are shattered, with one or two thinking of returning to complete unfinished business.

We are now likely to pack our gear and start our 3 day hike back to Lukla. Will update at Namche tomorrow night.

Beaten by the weather...

39 Comments

Jenny J

4/3/2015 06:52:40 am

To, David, Des and rest of group, sorry to hear about the extreme snow conditons making it that you could not get up to Kalar Pattar, You should all be proud of yourselves, and also your porters for making it to Gorka Shep in those extreme weather conditions . SAFE trekking back to Namche, etc. Thinking of you all Ciao Jenny J

David G

7/3/2015 03:37:19 am

Thanks Jenny

Didi

4/3/2015 07:01:06 am

Stay positive guys and look at every step, (all be it waist deep in snow) as an achievement. Mother Nature at it's best!!!!!

7/3/2015 03:39:08 am

Thanks Didi. They wanted KP so badly, so it's been tough keeping them positive!

Veals

4/3/2015 07:17:52 am

Mighty effort to you all to get as far as you did. 3 nights at around 5,000m is not easy & that in itself is an achievement given the cold and altitiude. Trek safely back to Lukla.

7/3/2015 03:41:47 am

So true Veals. 3 nights at 5000 is not easy, and don't forget to factor in the lodges and toilets!!!

christine

4/3/2015 07:42:18 am

Wow dealing with mother nature. Well done on your efforts everyone; what an achievement in those conditions.

7/3/2015 03:42:58 am

Thanks Christine

Brian@Weeroona

4/3/2015 08:10:52 am

I didn't make it the first either for a different reason, but I did it the second time. It will nag at you until you do go back and then you experience a great sense of satisfaction.
Nonetheless, you did very well to get as far as you did, there's no shame in turning back under those conditions.

7/3/2015 03:47:15 am

So true Brian. I'm hoping they come to realise there is more to the EBC trek than just Kalar Pattar..!

4/3/2015 09:28:37 am

Absolutely the right decision to make. What an amazing and unforgettable adventure - it's been a herculean effort that's for sure. Safe journey back and don't be disappointed.
Well done to all of you!
Jo xxx

7/3/2015 03:53:07 am

Thanks Jo

Nicola

4/3/2015 09:33:39 am

I am gutted for you all but super glad you are safe. I have to confess that I was worrying about avalanches last night after seeing the photos. Keep safe and enjoy the trek back.

7/3/2015 03:55:50 am

All safe.

Maggie

4/3/2015 09:52:33 am

How disappointed all of you must feel. You should be proud that you continued on earlier when others were turning back. This time far better to retreat and perhaps meet the challenge another day. I think you are an amazing group to have achieved trekking as far as you have.

7/3/2015 03:58:56 am

They certainly are Maggie

Ray

4/3/2015 09:56:24 am

Fantastic effort - It makes me appreciate the good luck Team 2013 had, with just a day or so with the snow, but not at the altitude that you guys had to deal with it, or the depth. Really feel for you all, you have achieved so much given the conditions.
Dughla to Pheriche stuck in my head and that's ahead of you, but after what you have done it will seem a breeze, well maybe not a breeze..
Hope you are in the right mood to party in Namche - you deserve it!!
Stay safe!

7/3/2015 04:00:59 am

Thanks mate

Wine

4/3/2015 10:39:24 am

So much for global warming. Tony Abbott was correct, it's all rubbish, that's why I voted for him.

Terry Lover

4/3/2015 10:45:27 am

Whoo Whoo Whoo Go Tony!

Michelle

4/3/2015 12:40:26 pm

OMG everyone - sorry to read this news Something we can't beat is Mother Nature I feel for you all Just means that you will all have to return and experience this wonderful adventure again. Brian we are very very proud of your effort and if you want to return I'll return and do it with you Love you M

7/3/2015 04:07:49 am

Hi Michelle. Not sure he's up to another one. I don't think it ticked all his boxes..!! You should still consider doing it. Think you'd love it..!!

Stuart

4/3/2015 01:02:23 pm

Oh no. The Mountains always win. Do you think snow shoes would have helped? I will throw mine in next year.

Stay safe

4/3/2015 02:15:24 pm

He'd have to change the name Stuart

"Snow Shoe Nepal with Me" @ www.wealmostmadeit.com

7/3/2015 05:29:52 am

Oh that web address stings...!!

7/3/2015 05:32:58 am

Stewart, and a toboggan

John G

4/3/2015 02:52:07 pm

You prepare, train, eat, not drink, organise, shop and do all the right things to get to the top, but you can't do stuff all about the weather. Another story to tell. I'm sure everyone fell in love with it enough to return one day to finish. It's never the end.

5/3/2015 03:54:18 am

So true John. Each of the team were strong and healthy, and had all worked so hard with the training. I can't imagine the gut wrenching feeling when the decision was made to turn around.

7/3/2015 05:37:28 am

So true

Wine (the real one) link

5/3/2015 01:46:34 am

Not sure who else is using my pseudonym. Great achievement guys in getting as far as you did. You should feel proud of yourselves. Have a great walk downhill.

6/3/2015 03:34:08 am

..phew, I was worried about you after your imposters post Wine!
100% right - a great achievement by the team to even reach KP in those conditions.

7/3/2015 05:27:36 am

Thanks Wine. In hindsight, I agree that it was a good effort to get where we did.

Phil

5/3/2015 09:18:53 am

Gutted to hear the news,but knowing you both you will have given your all, that's all you can do. Try to enjoy the rest of the time cuz, gotta be a hell of a experience you are still having. Look forward to the pics....

Paulene

5/3/2015 01:19:38 pm

I'm shattered too. But be proud considering the conditions. Can't imagine taking a toilet break why that the first thing I thought.....no squatting for me. But then you could follow the yellow puddle road.

Joe,Pauline and Stirling

7/3/2015 02:57:42 am

Bugger, How Disappointed you all must feel. Still that's the nature of Adventures such as these.That's what makes them such a challenge and ultimately more satisfying. Its not Disneyland, no fixed outcomes, no Guarantees. At least that 's Blair's 41st birthday cellebrations decided." If at first you don't succeed then try and try again!". Top effort everyone! My personnel favorite comment on the blog "Caroline is smashing it" We are so proud. Cheers Stirling

7/3/2015 05:41:08 am

Great response Jo. Just showed Blair and Caroline.

Liz Maggo

7/3/2015 03:51:41 am

Mother Nature!! No doubt it was very difficult to make the decision to turn back but your achievements were incredible under what sounds like appalling weather conditions and several days at that altitude!! I hope, despite the disappointment, it has been an amazing experience and adventure. Enjoy the remainder of the trip.It will prove to be one of the memorable ones that remind us all of the formidable power and majesty of the Himalayas!!

7/3/2015 05:36:02 am

The snow made it tough Liz, but boy did it add to the scenery.

7/3/2015 09:50:21 am

Look forward to seeing the photos! I bet you all have some amazing shots. Hope you get to enjoy a few beers back in Kat - you all deserve to! Cheers Liz

Everest Base Camp. Wed 4/3. Beaten by the snow. Shattered.

Leave a Reply.

www.treknepalwithme.com