Since the last post we have progressed above 4000 metres. A day at Tengboche gave us magnificent views of Everest as well as a chance for people to visit the monastery, which most people did. We also played a makeshift game of cricket which had plenty of people watching and laughing.

We left Tengboche yesterday morning and had a long and gruelling walk to Dingboche. The first half of the day was pleasant enough as we went down into the valley with both Everest and Ama Dablam peering down at us. After lunch however we had a long climb which has taken us to 4410 metres and left everyone fairly exhausted. We had begun at 0830 and finished at 1700 so dinner was followed by an early night.

Today was a rest day, but as is the nature of this trip, the word ‘rest’ is pretty misleading! We had an acclimatization walk up to 4850 metres, which took us higher than any mountain in Europe and higher than ever before for most of us on the trip.  All but one of the group took part, and we’re confident he will be fit to join us tomorrow as we move towards Loboche.

Today is our first birthday of the trip as Kinsey ‘Boom Boom’ Hern turns 28, he has already heard the news that his brother just got engaged which is a great present for him, and hopefully tonight we can keep him entertained in a way that everyone will find amusing!