2018-10-8
Sixth day on foot
Weather: moderate snow to sunny to light snow
Itinerary: Erga Camp (4700M) - Baidang (4950) - Tangxiang Camp (4500M)
Ascent height: 500
Walking distance: 12 kilometers
Time spent: 7 hours
It snowed all night. It was very cold at night, and I woke up from the cold in the middle of the night. I put on my fleece jacket and pants and continued to sleep. The alarm clock at five o'clock, I poked my head out of the tent to take a look. It was a vast expanse of whiteness, and it seemed that I couldn't go anywhere, so I had to continue to sleep.
Get up at eight o'clock, the camp is already covered with snow (Figure 1-2). The tents were covered with snow, and the yak workers were lighting yak dung to keep warm (Figure 3). Now it's not a pity that we can't see the snow-capped mountains, but we should worry about what to do if the snow continues to fall and we can't get out. Outdoor activities, safety first. I don't care if I don't see the snow-capped mountains or not, just let it go. Being able to approach the roof of the world, trekking and camping at the foot of Mount Everest for a few days is already a wealth. Breakfast at 9 o'clock, the team leader informed that due to the weather, no matter whether the snow stops or stops today, we will withdraw from camp at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
After 10 o'clock, the scorching sun on the plateau tore a hole in the clouds, gradually revealing a small peak of Maruka Peak (the fifth peak in the world) (Figure 4). The team members began to get excited. They set up tripods, those with cameras, and those with mobile phones, all started to take pictures. Around 11:00, the clouds cleared and the fog cleared, and the main peak and two side peaks of Maruka Peak were gradually exposed (Figure 5). The three peaks of Makalu are like eagles spreading their wings.
After taking pictures of Makalu, some team members set off to Baidang at an altitude of 4950 (Figure 6), because it is the best place to shoot Lhotse and Mount Everest. It is about five kilometers from Erga to Baidang, and the time is about two and a half hours. When we arrived at Baidang, we were immediately stunned by the sight in front of us. Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest lined up (Figure 7-8). To take pictures is to say that it is so beautiful and worth it. Yes, the hardships of the past few days, the psychological loss, and such a reversal result for a matter that has no hope, really surprises people.
Back at the camp, packed and unpacked. Today we need to descend from Ega at 4700 meters to Rega at 4200 meters, and then climb to Tangxiang camp at 4500 meters (Figure 9). In this way, tomorrow's itinerary will not be too hard. Tangxiang is also a natural viewing platform. If the weather is fine tomorrow, you may still be able to see the sunrise of Mount Everest. The pass above the campsite is the mobile station. There is a 2G signal here, and it can even be sent to Moments, but it is very slow and often unsuccessful.
As of today, the six-day trip has been completed on foot, and the last two days are left.
2018-10-9 Seventh day of hiking
sunny
Itinerary: Tangxiang Camp (4500M) - Cuoxuerenma (4950)
Ascent height: 500
Walking distance: 10 kilometers
Time spent: 5 hours
Today is the first cloudless weather since entering Garma Valley. I got up at 7:00 am and climbed up the ridge south of Tangxiang Camp, waiting for the first ray of sunshine. At 8:00, the peaks of Mount Everest and Lhotse in the south began to turn golden (Figure 1), and quickly spread from the peaks to the mountainside. At 8:10, the Makalu Peak on the left also began to be covered with gold (Figure 2). A feast of snow-capped mountains and sunny golden mountains came to an end (Figure 3-5). The team members showed their housekeeping skills and showed their special abilities (Figure 6). Around 8:20, the sun rose completely, and the snow mountain returned to its original appearance. At this time, I noticed that Makalu is so close to us, and Everest, Lhotse, and Everest are lined up, which is so real.
After taking photos, have breakfast, and then start all kinds of drying. Dry tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, clothes... bask in the sun.
Departure at 12 o'clock, today's destination is Cuoxue Renma, which is located at the foot of Tola Gangboche Snow Mountain. There are 5 small alpine lakes in Cuoxeringma, and we will camp by the nearest small lake to the meadow. Cuo Xue Renma is the climax of this itinerary. Not only can you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Everest, and Tola Gangpoche and other snow mountains here, the most important thing is that Cuo Xue Renma is With a mirror, you can see the reflections of these snow-capped mountains at the same time.
The glaciers encountered on the road may not be in the right season. At present, there are rivers and no ice (Figure 7). Along the way, Makalu, Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Everest have been with us all the time. Especially Makalu is so close to us (Figure 8). After climbing a gentle slope, it is not far from the camp. The yaks hadn't come up yet, and the camp was windy, so we could only wait slowly in the low-lying places. This is a good opportunity to shoot clouds. Arrive at the camp around 5:30, find a spot by the lake, and take a look at the place where you can take reflections (Figure 9).
2018-10-10 The eighth day of hiking (out of the mountain)
sunny
Itinerary: Cuoxuerenma (4950M) - 5300M Pass - Youpa Village (3800M)
Rising height: 300M
Drop height: 1150M
Hiking distance: 20 kilometers
Time spent: 7 hours
Getting up early, the photographers in the team climbed to various measures on the mountain to take reflections. It was too cold, several degrees below zero, so I took photos of the golden mountains and their reflections in the nearest place of the camp (Figure 1-3).
We set off from camp at 10:30. Today is a hard day.
After 7 days of camping, coupled with the continuous snowfall, the team members were too physically exhausted, so they discussed with the team leader to adjust the itinerary. Today, I will finish all the rest of the itinerary, stop camping, and rush to Tingri County overnight, take a hot bath, and sleep well.
Today, we have to cross a 5,300-meter pass first, and then go all the way to a gentle slope. Although, climbing from the camp of 4950 meters to 5300 meters, although the ascent height is only 350 meters, it is basically in a state of hypoxia, so the difficulty is relatively large. When climbing to the first step, looking back, you can see three emerald green measures under Makalu, just like a string of emeralds dotted on Makalu's chest (Figure 4-5). The higher the climbing height, the taller and majestic the Makalu (Figure 6). This is a question of physics as well as a question of philosophy.
After crossing the pass, there is a rocky and steep slope. Goodbye to Makalu and goodbye to Mount Everest. Descend to the bottom of the slope and see a barrier lake. This is the last view we can see today - Emerald Lake (Figure 7-8). The lake water is in a semi-frozen state, and it will show emerald color when looking down. Go around the lake and go down a long steep rocky slope to the bottom of the valley. All the way down along the bottom of the valley, not far from the mountain pass. Thanks to the staff for preparing Coke to welcome us at the mountain pass. Although I haven’t drunk Coke for more than 10 years, after today’s long journey, this can of Coke is quite delicious.
In order to take a hot bath, we had to drive overnight to Tingri County. On the way, I stopped for a rest. When I got off the car, I saw the sky full of stars and the Milky Way. Teacher Fan from the same team took a photo. I think it’s good to be able to take such a photo without a tripod, so I borrowed it. (Figure 9).
The eight-day trekking approached Mount Everest and went deep into Karma Valley, which was safe and complete. Every hike is a test of physical strength and perseverance, as well as a life experience and temper. This experience and memory harvested is another precious wealth in life.
Walking in the Karma Valley on the east slope of Mt. Everest: People are too small in front of nature, so don’t try to conquer nature. The harmonious coexistence of man and nature is the most beautiful scenery.
complete