Virtual Everest 2020: Climbing to Camp 1, and 5 Years Later
With an introduction to the Khumbu Icefall completed for our fictional team, now they return for a rotation to Camps 1 and 2 in the Western Cwm. They are treated to magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. It is magical. On a personal note, I (Alan) was at Camp 2 on April 25, 2015, […]
Virtual Everest 2020: Weather Day and Tough Conversations
Our fictional team returned from their first trip to the Khumbu Icefall. Almost everyone did well, but there are signs of problems for a couple of climbers. Today, it snowed heavily at base camp, so it will be quiet but … also a difficult conversation. Virtual Everest 2020 – Support the Climbing Sherpas is a joint […]
Virtual Everest 2020: First Steps in the Khumbu Icefall
The first trip into the Khumbu Icefall can be shocking. It starts steeper than thought, has more ups and downs than advertised and when you see that first ladder, second thoughts are common. Virtual Everest 2020 – Support the Climbing Sherpas is a joint project of Alan Arnette and several global guide companies. Our objective is to entertain […]
Virtual Everest 2020: It Takes a Village
Is mountaineering an individual or a team sport? Can you really climb Everest, “solo?” Why are there 1,000 people at Nepal’s Everest Base Camp? Does it really take that many people when less than 300 foreigners summited? Our fictional team from Mount Everest Guides takes on these questions over dinner after a training day at […]
Virtual Everest 2020: Puja at Base Camp
Before climbing begins, the Sherpas perform a puja ceremony. Usually, a Buddhist Lama treks in from a nearby monastery the night before. If at a big camp like Everest, he will perform several ceremonies during the same day. If the camp is too far away from a monastery, for example, on K2, then one of […]
Virtual Everest 2020: Settling into Base Camp
Arriving at Everest Base Camp, on either side, is exciting. In Tibet, it’s a bit calmer because you drive in. In Nepal, it’s the end of a week-long trek. Either way, it’s a sight not to be believed by our fictional climbers. A small city of over 1,000 people in Nepal, about half that or […]
Virtual Everest 2020: April 18, Honoring the Fallen
The Khumbu Icefall is known as a dangerous place. The 2,000-feet of giant ice blocks can move up to three feet a day. Massive seracs hanging off the walls of Everest’s West Shoulder and Nuptse can release at any time falling onto the Icefall. If there are people there, there is little chance of surviving. […]
Virtual Everest 2020: The Trekker’s Summit
Kala Patar at 18,209-feet serves as the highest point most trekkers will ever reach. Everest Base Camp is about 17,500-feet. So when the team summits Kala Patar, many consider it their “Everest.” Our fictional team arrives at Everest Base Camp tomorrow. Virtual Everest 2020 – Support the Climbing Sherpas is a joint project of Alan […]
Virtual Everest 2020: Remembering
One of the most poignant moments on the trek to Everest Base Camp is at Duhgla Pass in an area known as Chukla Lare. More than 50 rock chortons stand silently honoring those who have lost their lives on Everest, mostly for the Climbing Sherpas. Virtual Everest 2020 – Support the Climbing Sherpas is a […]
Virtual Everest 2020: Leaving the Trees
The fictional team is getting closer to Everest Base Camp. Now on their way from Deboche to Dingboche for two nights, then to Lobuche and Gorak Shep where the trekkers will get their “Everest,” the 18,514-foot peak, Kala Patar. They should be at Everest Base Camp at the end of this week. Virtual Everest 2020 […]