At Pheriche there was a trekkers' aid post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association with a western physician in attendance during the trekking season. We began encountering monuments to mountaineers who have perished on various expeditions. At Gorakshep, we prepared for our final objective, the summit of Kala Pathar (or black rock). From Kala Pathar, views of Everest and Pumori are unparalleled. We descended to Lobuche the same day.

Another acclimatization day was fitted in the itinerary at Pheriche. From here, we hiked to the Nankartshang Gumba for views of Makalu (8463 m) - the fifth highest mountain in the world. Click Next