D10 Gorakshep

 D10 Louboche (16,153ft) - Gorakshep(16,629ft) - Base camp(17,593ft) - Gorakshep(16,629ft)

Fingers crossed to accomplish our feat today! All of us were braced to face the day with all grit and determination despite many odds. Gorak Shep or Gorakshep (Nepali: गोरकशेप) is a small settlement that sits on the edge of a frozen lakebed covered with sand in Nepal with the same name. Gorak Shep means "dead ravens," because of the complete lack of any kind of vegetation in this place.

Experienced vagaries of weather conditions right from the beginning. Cold morning turned into a sunny day in no time, I just felt like ripping off all my clothes. We got amazing views of Nuptse and Luptse en route Gorakshep. All of us enjoyed the stretch until we reached the moraines, where there was no path but just huge boulders and we had to negotiate our way crossing those one at a time. The constant sound of ice breaking off into the glacial lakes kept us on our toes.

 An absolutely undulating terrain which could turn fatal with a tumble. Nature's bounty comes with risks and dangers. Risk edukarthellaam engaluku rusk sapdramathiri - naan sollaley!  The unpredictable weather added spice to today's trek.

It began to rain and was followed by a gentle snowfall as we neared Gorakshep for lunch. After a quick lunch and we set out to the Base Camp around 1:30pm. It was roughly 2 hr trek to the Base camp. We continued to trek in the snowfall. The terrain only worsened! What else could you expect when you are getting closer to Her? Smooth, shiny roads ?? With prayers On, we just continued our ridge walk until we spotted the Base camp rock that appeared close but not that easy to reach. Up and downs, highs and lows of thoughts running high, some of us reached the Base Camp. Hurray! Was it the moment to rejoice! Had to pinch hard twice! The clouds continued to play games and She decided to remain hidden. It was an amalgamation of emotions.  I didn't feel happy as my roomie was still struggling her way up due to sickness, which was slowing her down. 

Alas, all of them made it! Felt relieved to see everyone at the Base Camp.Photoshoooootttttttt! Different poses, different backgrounds...same person ...lol !! Kudos to Prem who kept his promise and went shirtless - the Iron man of our gang!

We had to hurry our way back as the darkness was setting in. In no time, the Sun had set and we fumbled. It was so stupid of us to forget our headlamps and torches. Though we managed with a few mobiles, most of them soon ran out of batteries. We inched our way forward guiding each other. The scenic landscape no longer looked enticing. It felt too eerie and I just hoped to reach the tea house safely.

Lots of hugs and wishes ensued.The twenty-two tenacious troopers were on cloud nine.  Exhausted and famished, the theplas helped us regain our composure. What an adventurous day! Was it the end of the adventure or was it the beginning?

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