Khumjung to Deboche—April 8

Woke up to another morning of snow, but the sky was crystal clear at 5 AM. I went outside to photograph Ama Dablam and Lhotse. We could even see a little nodule of Island Peak; at only 20,300' it was dwarfed by the surrounding peaks.

Khumjung at daybreak

Some in the group hiked up to Hillary Hospital. Others of us played Rummy 500 and relaxed in the lodge. We set off around 9:00 for a major descent. A bit disconcerting since I realized we'd later have to make up all of those vertical feet. We ate an early lunch by the river, outside in warm sun. After crossing the river, we ascended all the way to Tengboche. At one point, the temperature reached 70 degrees, but then the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up. We visited the Tengboche Monastery and were very entertained by the antics of two young playful dogs.

En masse, we descended upon the Tengboche Bakery, apparently the last good bakery on the route. Apple crumb pie—yum. Then it was a short but muddy downhill stint to our quarters at Rivendell Lodge in Deboche (our third night sleeping around 12,400').