After a fantastic 2 weeks working and learning with Alan, we said our goodbyes at Periche and our small group of 6 left the group and with our porters we walked back up to Chukung where we met up again with Sherpa Tashi and those who needed it hired kit and then shared a beer before a good nights rest.
At this point Roger, one of the group decided his chest infection was too bad for him to continue so we left him there to recover and trekked up to Island Peak base camp , stopping at the Polish memorial to those who have perished on the West face of Lohtse, before getting to our destination, we ate a good meal, and were in our tents very early due to the altitude and the cold.
We had a acclimatization day so we went exploring along the Imja Sho lake and Lhotse Shar glacier.
The next day was ascent day and due to the human waste problem we bypassed the high camp and went straight for the summit. An absolutely fantastic experience.
Once we descended the decision was made to descend directly to Chhukung. Probably the hardest day I've ever had in the hills.
After a good beer and catch up with Roger we got an early night before enjoying a wonderful 2 day trek out, which felt very easy as we lost altitude.
Altogether a very special experience.
