Through the Three Passes - An Internal Journey on the Everest Trek (Day 10)

 Day 10 2025/4/25 Gorekshep (5160m) to Dzongla(4750m)

Sunny, windy

The morning was very cold, although I slept warmly with the quilt over my sleeping bag and my head covered. Still, every time I got out of my sleeping bag, I felt the cold. Each time I moved, my heart rate jumped high-after all, I’m at 5,160 meters and suffering from a cold. Despite this, I managed to get some sleep and gradually felt my body recover from yesterday’s exertion.

I packed my things and went to the dining room for breakfast and warmth, where people were already gathered. The room was well-decorated, with walls almost completely covered in flags, banners, photos, signed T-shirts, and even foreign currency from various countries. I imagine some people would return and find the mementos they left behind. I heard people coughing; if you don’t already have a cough here, chances are you’ll catch one, for it’s such a crowded place. 

We retraced our steps from yesterday, encountering fewer people along the way. In less than two hours, we arrived at Lobuche and took a tea break before continuing on. After another half hour, we passed Lobuche Base Camp, where climbers prepare to ascend Lobuche Mountain, a 6,100-meter peak. 

From there, we turned right onto a balcony trail. The path is narrow, mostly allowing only one person at a time, so passing requires care. Once again, it was very quiet, and nobody spoke. A young girl with her guide passed us and quickly disappeared from sight. 

Today,  Jungbu gave me fewer breaks, since this was supposed to be an easy walk, but I didn’t find it very easy. Sometimes I felt hot and would remove a layer, only for the wind to make me cold again. My cold is really getting to me-my nose is chafed from the sun, wind, and constant wiping; my lips are swollen and probably bluish too… a sorry sight, but nobody here looks like they’ve just come from a beauty salon. 

At 12:20 p.m., we arrived at Dzongla, a small village perched halfway up the mountainside. From the lodge, we could see Cholatse and Ama Dablam. It’s a very windy and cold location, but surrounded by beautiful mountains. If an “easy” day feels this tough, I wonder how I’ll handle the challenge of Cho-La Pass tomorrow. I really don’t know. I’ll let tomorrow worry about itself.