The Cho La pass, at 5420m of altitude, is a formidable obstacle and not to be attempted lightly in bad weather or if the rocks are too icy. Thankfully, the blue skies seemed here to stay and other trekkers had confirmed the pass was in good condition, so it was just a matter of climbing up to it, including some fun scrambling in a loose gully, then following a good track on the relatively flat glacier and finally descending all the way down to Dragnak, on the other side. It took us a bit more than 6 hours for the entire thing, taking things pretty easy. The plan for the next day was to cross the very wide glacier to Gokyo in the morning, then climb to the top of Gokyo Ri for sunset, but since I still felt strong and had ambitious plans for daytrips from Gokyo, I went straight to Gokyo with Chongba.

During the day, John had had trouble with a worsening cold, and was walking quite slowly. As I later learned, his condition rapidly deteriorated in Dragnak and he spent a horrible night with breathing troubles caused by what was now a chest infection. A rescue helicopter came for him in the morning, with Torben catching a ride as he was still feeling weak and hadn't really recovered from Pokalde.

The last stars disappear shortly before sunrise above the north face of Cholatse.

Details of the north face of Cholatse at sunrise.

We were already on the way by first light.

Saying good bye to Cholatse, after admiring its north face for days on end.

Continuing the collection of places where I didn't want to be.

Jo and Chris halfway up the Cho La pass.

The hand of one of the porters, who were carrying these short sticks to use as both poles and rests for their loads.

Chyote on the Cho La glacier.

He had no less than four photographers shooting him in this pose. In the back, Cholatse.

Mungo trying to prove he could perform a traditional Scottish dance at 5400m of altitude.

The porters on the Cho La glacier.

Jo and Rachel on the glacier, with Lobuje West in the background.

Norrie and Dave getting close to the high point of the pass.

The view on the other side of the Cho La, with the Gokyo valley and a bunch of new mountains.

Nuptse-Lhotse and Lobuje West from the Cho La.

Chongba, Dave and John on the lengthy descent from the Cho La.

Cholatse showing a new side, almost as beautiful as its north face.

One of our porters shortly before Dragnak, our stop for the night.

Crossing the mile wide Gokyo glacier.

Kongde (?) down the valley, shrouded in afternoon clouds.

A small lake in the middle of the giant glacier. Hidden in the clouds, Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world.

The village of Gokyo, on the west bank of the glacier and base to many formidable daytrips.