The last major obstacle on our itinerary was crossing the Cho La, a 5450m high altitude pass. Even though it was only 2 hours away from High Camp and we had an extra day due to not summitting Lobuje East, it was decided for logistic reasons to have a very short day and save the pass for the next day. We walked quickly back to BC and continued on a ridge below the amazing north face of Cholatse before reaching a pleasant grassy spot below the two-lodge village of Dzonghla.

Since the yaks can't cross the Cho La, we had to split our gear and take only the bare minimum with us, while most of the kit would travel back to Lukla via Dingboche, the way we had come. We spent a lazy afternoon repacking and, yes, relaxing. I also finally managed to use my rock climbing shoes for climbing some big boulders near camp. After all, 5000m high in the Himalayas is as good a place as any to start putting up new routes!

A member of the cook team taking a break in High Camp, with a windy Ama Dablam in the background.

Mungo and Mark starting the descent back to Base Camp.

Taboche and Cholatse on the way down from High Camp.

Two porters on the way down to Base Camp.

Jo climbing back up the ridge above Base Camp, with the north face of Cholatse in the background.

A glacial lake below Cholatse. We came a few days earlier from the left side of the image and would cross the Cho La pass, extreme right, the next day.

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Mungo, Jo and John below Cholatse.

The team moving upvalley toward the Cho La pass (visible as the second skyline notch from the right).

A porter relaxing in our new camp.

High winds again on the north face of Cholatse.

Evening mist making yet another appearance.

The tip of Malangphulang showing through the clouds above Taboche.