Trek Dispatches
Satellite phone updates from Todd Burleson's Alpine Ascents Khumbu Trek


Janow
The Long Journey Home
Saturday, April 18, 1998 — Kathmandu
Hear Gordon Janow's call from Kathmandu
Click for [RealAudio] or [NetShow]
Satellite phones for Everest cybercasts provided by MVS/USA


Thamel district of Kathmandu
(photo: Potterfield)
Hi, it's Gordon from Alpine Ascents, and we are back in Kathmandu. We had a wonderful last night in the Khumbu. We had a long walk down to Lukla, it took about 6-7 hours, so just when you think it's over, one more corner and one more hill to climb. We all arrived pretty safely but rather exhausted. We pulled it together for the evening time where we all gathered around and drank some of the local brew called chang; learned a couple of Sherpa and Sherpani dances and basically we all partook in some general nourishment, again, sharing some of our culture with the classic Sherpa culture, a lot of dance and songs from both sides. It was quite a good time.

We had an early wake up at 5:30 am when the Russian M-17 helicopters flew in, and we all had to cram on there. It took a couple of flights to get us out. We all flew out to Jiri, there was a bit of difficulty getting flights in and out of Kathmandu, so given the resources that we have, we were able to organize a flight to Jiri. We flew into there which is a wonderful area in the middle of nowhere, but it was great to see green trees and growing fields once again. From Jiri we headed — took about 7-8 hours — to get back to Kathmandu so it was a long bus ride. It was a classic Asian experience for all, finally returning back here to Kathmandu. We are know at the Yak & Yeti remembering what showers and things like that are like.

Overall, it was a pretty long day coming back, but we are glad to be back given the success of all of us making it to Kala Pattar and the experience that we had and going to spend some time at basecamp — pretty overwhelming and wonderful experience. We will probably have the group say final good-byes sometime later today. Todd, I'm sure, will get on and do some sort of wrap up as well. Just wanted to touch base upon our arrival to Kathmandu and forward you a few more cybercasts before this trip concludes. Thanks everybody, bye.

— Gordon Janow, Alpine Ascents International Program Director

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