Kathmandu - Friday 30th October, Andy.

Had a day of 'tourist' activities in Kathmandu today which I'd like to say was relaxing but in such a manic city that's not possible! It's now 9.50pm and the place is still alive with people in the street and music / live bands from the many bars in the Thamel.
I'm now at the point of looking forward to getting out of here and getting back home so it will probably be from there that I'll update again.

Back in Namche - Monday 26th October

Kieron and I arrived back in Namche mid afternoon after a fast decent (2 days) from base camp. There was no summit success this trip, the team made a high point and camp of approx 6100m on the first part of the ridge. Technical difficulties, poor snow conditions (at least 2 or 3 BIG avalanches from the face per day) and a bit of illness thrown in all hindered progress.
This line was much more technical than the photos would have had us believe and the time scale was probably too short but I guess that's all part of it!
On a plus side, we found out that the Japanese took 3 attempts before they summited so we've still got 2 more goes!!
Heading down to Lukla on Wednesday 28th, then on to Kathmandu for a few days R&R before the flight back.

Namche Bazer (3445m) - Thursday 8th October

It's been a relatively smooth journey to get here. Kathmandu was big, busy and noisy but amazing too. The flight to Lukla on the small plane went smoothly with great views of the mountains including Everest. From Lukla we trekked two days to Namche, arriving on the afternoon of the 6th. Kieron and I had a steady day yesterday, walked up to the Everest View Lodge to find not view of Everest due to the cloud and rain!! Still, it was good to stretch the legs and get a little higher for a few hours.
Today dawned a little brighter but it's raining again. We're starting the trek in to base camp today which will take another 5 days and take us a little over 5000m before dropping back down to Gokyo, the last town before the mountain.
Looking forward to getting to the mountain and seeing how the route looks. This is likely the last post until we get back down, so we'll catch you in 15 / 20 days!

Bags are Packed - Andy

It's Saturday morning, just, and the bags are packed for the trip. The amazing thing is that they're under weight too! Now there's only the drive down to Heathrow in the morning.

Feeling rough still from the chest problem I've had all week but there's another course of antibiotics to come with me so hopefully that should have got rid of it before the walk in, fingers crossed!

Next post will hopefully be from the airport before we board the plane.

Climbing Hardware Items - Kieron & Andy

Thanks to Eddy and Isacco at C.A.M.P. for supplying some of the new hardware items for the trip.

C.A.M.P. Hardware

Cassin Hardware

Outdoor Research Clothing - Andy

Got hold of some Outdoor Research clothing for the trip. Decided on a base layer, soft shell, insulation layering system for the mountain. Will take some hard shell for the trek in and as a back up but I'm hoping not to have to use it! The specialist glove range are the first choice for leading mountaineers and alpinists so I should have warm hands (for a change!).

Looking forward to using this kit in anger as I've been around it in its sample stages for what seems like an eternity. Performance updates when I get back!

The link below gives a bit of an insight into what OR is all about, along with some useful tips too:-

Outdoor Research - Video Links

Check out the OR website for more info on the products available:-

Outdoor Research UK

Mentor Jacket Alibi Jacket Alti Gloves

The trek in to the mountain, Day 1 to 4 - Kieron.

I thought it was worth jotting down a little about the trek in to the mountain for those (Andy included!) who haven't seen or been to this area of the world.

From Katmandu a 50 minute flight on these small, Twin Otter type aircraft, we will arrive at Lukla. The landing strip and Lukla is on a 30 degree angle and makes for a very exciting landing and take-off!! It's here that the journey really begins, with a 2 day trek to Namche Bazaar.

The plane at Lukla.

The second day will see us arrive at Namche Bazaar. To help with acclimatisation, we will spend 2 days here before heading on to Thamu.

View down to Namche Bazaar.

During our rest day in Namche we will plan to visit the settlement of Khumiuna, which is about 1000ft higher and will give us our first view of Ama Dablam, a peak I climbed back in 1996.

The view across to Ama Dablam.

Arriving in Thame, this is where we will spend our fourth night on the trail.

Approaching Thame.