EBC trek: Day 6 - Chhukung

It was quite cloudy this morning, in contrast to the blue skies I have become accustomed to. This made it significantly colder on the way up, but I found this quite refreshing.  We followed streams to Chhukung (4700m), which is on the way towards Island Peak base camp. Island Peak is a popular summit for mountaineers to try as it can be done in a day, is not too difficult, and at $350 the permit is significantly cheaper than the likes of Everest!

I ran out of water on the way up, so we refilled from the crystal-clear stream of melted snow/ice from the mountains. I used iodine of course (as we do with the tap water), but nevertheless the result was very refreshing and cool.

We returned to Dingboche for a second night, where upon we were met by a group of 60 Canadians staying at our lodge! Complete with about 15 yaks (blocking the entrance to our room!), numerous porters, guides, etc, it is hard to think that they really fit the ethos of climbing in the Himalayas. The other guests seemed equally bemused, but their lack of a rest day means they may well loose more than the 3 or so members they have already by the end of tomorrow. Anyway, talking to a few women amongst the group, they seem friendly enough, and each has raised $10,000 towards the Canadian Arthritis Society, which is an admirable feat.