Trip Reports

Xtreme Everest - 14 Apr to 6 May '07

Written by Leader Tom Parkin, June 2007

At the Pre Expedition weekend I was fortunate enough to meet most of the members of Xtreme Everest’s Trek E and felt that most had every chance of making it. Fortunately everyone did, through a combination of stubborn determination, team spirit and good humour. At the time that we left Everest Base Camp we were the most tested of any of the previous groups. Only Talana had been unable to complete the CPX bike test, and then only because she had withstood a chest infection for several days already.

Most of us gathered Heathrow and Qatar Airlines saw the group safe and well all the way to Kathmandu. On arrival at the resplendent Summit Hotel we met up with the last two of our number and were treated to a formal Buddhist welcome. After our first night at the hotel the day was a mixture of kit checks, exercise routines, formal testing and some sightseeing.

A very early start the following morning saw us on the flight to Lukla, where we met our Sirdar and porters. From here we hiked for two days up to the Sherpa crossroads that is the town of Namche Bazar. This was the last chance for emails, cappuccinos, and copies of favourite outdoor brands. The Medical team treated us to a display of Ceroc dancing that evening and this was followed by two days of testing.

From Namche we spent another two days walking beneath the flanks of huge mountains. In our case views of Ama Dablam were a constant, and awe inspiring, theme. In addition we passed out of the pinewoods and rhododendron forest and in to the more barren landscape of high alpine desert and glaciers.

At Pheriche we again paused for two days, whilst the various tests were conducted. The team took the well-earned opportunity for rest and recovery, as acclimatisation was now a priority. The walk to Lobuche was hard, given the illnesses that one or two had and the fact that it came on to snow before we reached our lodge for the night. Fortunately the walk to Gorak Shep and Base Camp were merely tiring, as we had already gained most of the height to get there.

Base Camp was extensive, and it even had a Bakery with “apfel strudel to die for!” Here was the final bout of real tests, so much more demanding at altitude. Nearly everyone completed them, a testimony to many peoples’ fortitude and sense of commitment to the research. The weather was generally kind, though cold at night, and magnificent views were to be had of the Khumbu icefall and all the surrounding mountains. After two days in camp it was time for the Medics party, to celebrate our participation, before the long day down to Dingboche.

A few of us left even earlier in the morning in order to ascend to Pumo Ri Base Camp. Having checked it out the previous day it appeared to afford a decent view of Everest, the South Col and the Lhotse Face. Unfortunately, the views were masked by a watery -sun but it led to some atmospheric photography and made the ascent seem worthwhile. Two easier days hiking saw us back into Namche to sing our rendition of “CPX killed the Team E Trekkers” along with an awards ceremony and a great night of dancing.

The final day’s hiking was equally tough, generally downhill, but with enough uphill to make it telling in the sultry heat. Showers and good food, at the Paradise Lodge, were the order of the day, before an early night. We were ready to fly out early the next day but were held up by poor weather. Fortunately it cleared by lunchtime and we made it back to Kathmandu in time to sightsee and party the night away.

Every one of the team, at some time or other, faced the choice of whether to continue or not. Each one looked deep inside themselves and none were found wanting. This team, more than any other I’ve had the privilege to lead, showed genuine determination and wholehearted commitment to the medical research.

Tom Parkin
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