After a week in the mountains, it was time to move up and start climbing. Our first objective was 5806m high Pokalde, a fairly easy rock scramble which would serve mostly for acclimatisation and honing our mountaineering technique. The first step, of course, was reaching base camp, just over 5000m on the trail up to the Kongma La pass. It involved a couple of hours of easy walking up the Imja valley then a left turn in a side valley, scaling a big hill until a lovely grassy spot overlooked by the mighty looking north face of Ama Dablam. The sherpas set up fixed lines for us to practice ascending and descending, but for the most part, we just relaxed most of the afternoon, enjoying the stunning scenery!

Dingboche in front of Kongde (?).

A herd of yaks overtook us on the trail to Pokalde BC.

A sightseeing plane flying above Ombigaichan.

The group trekking up the Imja valley, with Taboche in the background.

Mungo walking up the valley, with Island Peak in the background, which we were to climb a few days later.

A flock of birds passing in front of the Nuptse-Lhotse wall.

The yaks carrying our kit bags on the way to Pokalde BC.

Heading back toward Taboche in the final section of the trail.

Rachel on the last few hundred meters before camp, with Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world, in the background.

Karma Sherpa bringing us refreshments after setting camp. We hadn't even arrived there yet!

Trekkers admiring the north face of Ama Dablam.

Two trekkers enjoying the scenery near Pokalde BC.

Karma coiling up rope for the fixed line exercises in Pokalde BC.

Jo practicing fixed line ascension in Pokalde BC.

The summit of Ama Dablam in evening light.

Ama Dablam shrouded in the traditional evening mist.

Lone figure below Ama Dablam engulfed in clouds once again.

Moonlight over Ama Dablam.

Our mess tent in front of Ama Dablam at night.