Everest Base Camp to Dingboche

I woke up around 6am to the sound of a drone, but managed to snooze until 8am when I got up properly. I had pee’d a lot through the night into a Nalgene which was full, so had to empty it outside so I could pee again. The altitude significantly increases pee rate.

Breakfast was provided at 8:30am and I ate mine outside due to a coughing and spluttering team mate. I told Dan Mazur, the expedition lead, that I wanted to head back to Dingboche and he supported that. I explained my oxygen levels were low and my body needed rest. He was very supportive of my plan. I packed my bags, and it was a huge effort. I felt quite breathless putting the sleeping bag in the stuff sack. We left at 10:30am and Gelbu walked back with me to Gorakshep (as he had to swap some climbing boots). I then walked alone back to Lobuche, until Dhanu caught up, by which time there was a strong snowy blizzard.

At Lobuche, we stopped for a piece of carrot cake and ginger tea at the “world’s highest bakery”. We then pushed on to Thukla, by which time we were desperate to get out of the cold. My hands were freezing! They were warmed up by a ginger lemon honey tea. After about 20 mins, we pushed on towards Dingboche and after a total of 5hours 50 mins, we reached the familiar village.

I noticed after leaving Thukla that my energy levels were much better, my walking speed had improved, I had started nose breathing again, and I was going much better up hills. The drop of 900-1000m had already made a big difference. I felt much better.

We arrived at the Bright Star lodge to a wonderful welcome from the owners, Karma and Pabhlu and settled into our rooms straight away. The first thing I did was get the devices charged. Then I had a 15 min wonderfully hot shower washing every part of me. We then had a lovely meal and pot of ginger lemon honey tea. Bed time was around 10pm.

Stats:

Weight: 67.40kg

Fat: 12.6%

Muscle: 83.0%

Visceral fat: 2.2

Resting heart rate: 67

Nerve health: 88

SpO2: 80%

Altitude: 4331m

Sleep last night: 8hrs 19

Distance: 10.6 miles / 17km.