We have been at Base Camp for a quite a few days now and are getting used to life in a tent on 5300 meter. But living up here is definitely nothing for the faint hearted. At night the temperatures drop to -‐15 Celsius. Every step makes us realize that only 50% of the oxygen at sea level is available. There is a tent shower, but it takes some determination to use it, since only a drizzle of water comes out and the water temperature can change by 20 C within seconds.
ABOUT THE IMAGES :
(Photo 1) Sunrise over the West Shoulder of Everest. It’s a much anticipated moment when the sun reaches Base Camp to chase away the icy air of the night.
(Photo 2) The big day is here! On Friday the 13th of May, the Himex expedition is pushing for the summit. The conditions are critical and there is a lot of tension at BC. Expedition leader Russell Brice follows the attack on the summit with his telescope observed by his sirdar Phurba Tashi.
(Photo 3) It is done! At 8.10 am the first members of the Himex expedition reach the summit of Everest! By 9 am all members have reached the top. They belong to the very first ones to reach the summit after 3 years with no summits.
(Photo 4) There is a celebratory mood at the mess tent after the successful completion of the expedition although the climbers still have to make their way back from Camp 2 to Base Camp the next day.
(Photo 5) Drinking Nepalese milk tea and enjoying a perfect morning at Base Camp. For once we even don’t need the heavy jackets.
