Into New Tinggri

We're getting closer and closer to Mount Everest Base Camp - the highlight of the trip. Having left Lhatse, we're on our way to New Tinggri (and yes, there's an Old Tinggri).

Snow peaks are an everyday sight now.

There was a high pass to be conquered today. At 5,220 m. =) And our fearless leader was the only one who'd conquered it. I forgot how long (in distance) the ascent was, but I didn't cycle much. In fact, I decided to dismount and walk instead. (I get a little impatient sometimes, cycling on the low gears.) It was nice and refreshing (and more manageable) for the first 30 min. But the next 30 min were rather horrible. Walking against the whipping cold winds really tired me out, to the point where my companion and I were wondering where in the world our support vehicle was (ahead of course).

At the high pass. All of us arrived in the vehicle and waited for our fearless leader to arrive...on his bike.

Prayer flag galore, which was typical at high passes.

All wrapped up and waiting. (It was cold.)

There he is! We used a prayer flag as the "finishing line" for A.

He passed the finishing line and was crowned the hero of the day.

After the excitement, the descent was relatively uneventful. Some shots of scenery along the way.

Shadows of clouds on the bare mountains.