The Highest Marathon in the World
The Highest Marathon in the World
Everest Marathon - Nepal
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Arrival & Fun Run  |  Kathmandu Tours  |  Kathmandu to Namche  |  Namche & the Thamo Loop  |  Trek to Gokyo
Trek to Gorak Shep  |  Race Day  |  After the Race  |  People of Nepal  |  Competitors & Helpers

Trek to Gorak Shep

After Gokyo we return to Khumjung before starting the trek up to the race start line at Gorak Shep. During this part of the trek we are following the race route for most of the time. Please click on a photo to see a larger image

After leaving Khumjung we rejoin the race route. This is the biggest bridge on the race itself, crossing the Dudh Kosi river below Tengboche.Tengboche Monastery (3870m). Tengboche is the largest monastery in Khumbu.Gateway to Tengboche Monastery.Statue of Buddha inside the monastery.
Tengboche is the 14 mile aid post on race day. It is positioned at the top of the hill up from Deboche (3757m) with views of Ama Dablam (right) and Everest (left-centre) with its plume of cloud forming.Although meals are normally served in lodge dining rooms, if there is not enough free space then mess tents are used.Crossing the river near Deboche on a new metal-box bridge.Chorten near Pangboche, with Ama Dablam in the background.
Ama Dablam dominates the views on this part of the trek.Looking back to Tengboche Monastery from near Pangboche.Before going to Dingboche competitors get to check out the race route to Pheriche. Here a temporary bridge has been put in place as the old bridge near Pheriche has recently been washed away.Pheriche (4252m) is the 7 mile aid post. A new memorial has been erected here to those westerners who have been killed climbing Everest.
On leaving Pheriche a diversion is made to our overnight camp at Dingboche (4343m). Dingboche is used as although it is off the race route it is a bigger settlement than Pheriche.Sun setting over Ama Dablam.A birthday in the group is celebrated with a cake cooked for us by our sherpas using just an open stove.The sun rises between the twin peaks of Ama Dablam.
Dawn at Dingboche.This is another rest and acclimatisation day so no need to rush in the morning ...... giving everybody a chance to catch up with washing and other chores.Tent can be sorted out on the inside ...
... and on the outside.For those sufficiently acclimatised this is a good day to explore the Chhukhung valley towards Island Peak and Makalu.Before leaving Dingboche the chief medical officer gives everybody a talk about race safety and what to do if you come across somebody with an injury during the race itself. Here some of the 6 doctors who will man the aid stations on race day act out possible scenarios.A large chorten shows the way back over the ridge to Pheriche.
This chorten is a great place for group photographs and to admire the view.Some of our sherpas relaxing whilst we take group photos.From above Pheriche you get a great view of the race route. The buildings of Pheriche can just be seen starting to appear in the bottom left. The race route approaches Pheriche along the broad valley going away to the right in the distance.This is Duglha (4593m), the aid post at the 5 mile mark.
Looking back to Duglha. This part of the course is very rocky where it descends down to the Pheriche valley.Above Duglha, on a ridge near the end of the Khumbu Glacier, is a set of memorials to some of the sherpas who have died whilst working on Everest expeditions.Many of the memorials are covered in prayer flags and have small offerings placed at their foot.The views from the memorials are spectacular, including the first view of Pumori (7145m) we get on the trek. From here on Pumori is an ever present view from its position above the race start line.
Above the memorials the path flattens as it runs along side the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.Dusk settles over Lobouche, lighting up Nuptse (7898m) in the background.Lobouche (4930m) is the final stop before reaching the start line at Gorak Shep. It is also the 3 mile aid post on race day. We spend 2 nights here acclimatising and preparing for the race.Many competitors use this final acclimatisation day to visit the race start at Gorak Shep (5184m). Here the route between Lobouche and Gorak Shep can be seen.
Gorak Shep is a collection of lodges built by a dried out lake bed. Behind the settlement lies the brown dome of Kala Patar (5623m), an optional climb for those who have acclimatised enough. Behind Kala Patar is Pumori.Our start banner has beaten us to it!Climbing Kala Patar with Gorak Shep in the background.Kala Patar offers an excellent view of the summit of Everest, the rocky triangle in the middle of the picture. The white streak of the Khumbu Icefall can be seen on the left side. Everest base camp is to the left of the Icefall.
In a small side valley near Lobouche is an altitude research station built by the Italians. It is a good diversion for those who do not want to spend the day climbing Kala Patar.This is the last night we are all together, as the next day the doctors and marshals move down to their aid posts and the competitors move up to Gorak Shep ready for the race itself. A good excuse for another cake!The morning before the race and fresh snow has fallen ...... but the strong winds quickly blow it all away.
Inside one of the lodges kit checks are carried out on all competitors. Without the minimum kit nobody is issued with their race number.Medicals are also carried out to check competitors heart rate, coordination, etc. for signs of altitude sickness.Moving up to the start line the wind keeps blowing making for a very high wind chill.Race day is nearly upon us.