Satish Lhotse 8516m expedition 2021 - Lukla
April 2021 By Satish Man Pati
Day twenty nine 29 April I left Base camp early in the morning at 3am for Camp one. The first challenge that day was to crossing khumbu ice falls. When I started weather was beautiful no wind but cold. First part of ice fall trail was comfortable and safe not ups n down but second part of ice fall had lots of crevasses ups and downs. This year we do not have lots of ladders so got to witness several types of crevasses. We had to wait in couples of places due to traffic jam. It took us 7 hours to reach Camp 1 6150m and it was snowing and the camp was full of tents. The walk was bit slow because of my new boots. It gave me a bite as I was wearing only 1 pair of socks. For the rest of my trip I should consider wearing 2 pairs. I spent most of the time inside my cozy tent. I had left Basecamp with the sore throat, but arriving at Camp1 I was feeling much better and I ate and slept well.
Day thirty 30 April I started my hike to Camp 2 at 8am. It took me 3 and half hours to reach camp 2. It was a zigzag and beautiful trail. First hour of the trail had ups n down and rest was all gradual ups. It was sunny and hot day. After we reached camp 2 our tents were ready and our kitchen had prepared soup and lunch. From afternoon onwards, it started snowing again and spent most of the time inside our tents as the temperature had dropped. Had dinner with the staff and went off to bed early. Here in camp 2 and even in base camp, most of the staffs were coughing a lot so I was worried and took all the precautions I could. That night I got dry cough myself, so the whole night I was coughing and could not sleep at all. It was a long night.
Day thirty one 1 May I went for a day hike towards Camp 3 just upto crampons point. After about 3 to 4 hours hike, I was back in camp 2. Hike was beautiful slow and steady. Since I did not catch sleep that night, I was a bit tired as well. Although it was sunny and beautiful in the morning, the weather had deteriorated towards the afternoon. The rest of the day took it easy and had a good rest. Although I was still coughing, I could catch some sleep that night.
Day thirty two 2 May we walked all the way to base camp. We started early at 4:30am in the morning. Weather was mostly calm with sporadic gush of cold wind. We took and tea break at Camp 1 and had a chat with Nims dai. We know each other from longtime. On my way back, I spent some time taking pictures at Khumbu glacier
After tea l left for base camp crossing khumbu glacier. I had stopped here to take some pictures and all of a suddenly the glacier below the Football Field collapsed. I was 5 min away from the spot and got scared and excited at the same time. Unfortunately, 2 climbers where injured in this incident and I coordinated rescue for both the wounded climbers. Since the trail had been destroyed, we made our own trailed down to base camp. Felt lucky to be back at base camp in 1 piece. I slept really well that night.
Day thirty three 3 May I woke up at around 9am. I was feeling fresh and my cough was much better. I spent the morning chit chatting with the staffs and resting in my home tent chatching up with friends, families and clients. Since my summit plan was uncertain, I was thinking of heading back to Namche for rest and recovery. Suddenly Santa our cook rushed to my tent to informing me that if I wanted to head to Namche, there is a Helicopter waiting. I got in touch in the radio and they told me to hurry up. I rushed to pack my stuff. I was unprepared and over the radio they kept pushing me. Suddenly I could hear the Helicopter’s engine. Luckily for me the pilot was Cap. Sobit, who was like a little brother to me and he waited until I finished. Something like this Normally does not happen at Base camp.
Since Sobit is also attempting to summit Everest, together we came down to Lukla to rest and recover.
For time being I do not know my plans and schedule. Please wait and let you know soon.... thank you 🙏
