Everest South Side Expedition: Everest 50
The fiftieth anniversary expedition. (French)

Dispatch Group Two

Wednesday 3/26/03: Fly from Paris to Katmandu via Doha (Qatar) No feeling that a war happen under the plane. They just not see any light from Istanbul or Thursday 3/27/2003 & Friday 3/28/03

Arrival in Katmandu around 14:00 PM. last shopping, hair cut (traditional for French before a summit), party, 2 bags are missing. One is back on Friday.

Saturday 03/29/03: Fly Katmandu Lukla on Twin Otter, 15 places plane. Everest50 needs 3 of those planes to carry people in Khumbu. It's raining, unusual for the season. Day in Lukla (2840m) to prepare everything to the walk. nearly 50 trekkers and 50 Sherpas to carry bags and luggage. Big caravan.

Sunday 03/30/03: Beginning of the trek, 3 trekking groups are made, short down walk, camping in Phakding (2610 m) at night close to the Dudh Khoshi river. 25 yellow tents, 2 people by tent. Experiment of the hyperbar coffer on a voluntary trekker.

Monday 03/31/03

Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m), the first ascent (600 m), the first difficulties : everybody is OK.

Tuesday 04/01/03

Acclimatation day in Namche. Some of them goes to Everest view Hotel to see Everest for the first time. Bad weather, they learn that there is a lot of snow this year (70 cm in Gokyo 4790 m). Usually the day begins with the sun and finish under the rain.

Wednesday 04/02/03

Namche Bazar - Tengboche (3860 m) On the way to Tengboche it's the first time that Everest 50 can discover the top of Everest behind the Nuptse crest, and Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains of the world. Arrival in the Tengboche Monastery, everybody is OK and ready for the puja where the Lama give summiters neck the red lace for good luck on Everest. The 360° panoramic view is amazing from the field of Tengboche under Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and other 6000m summit.

Thursday 04/03/03

Tengboche - Pheriche (4240 m)

Good stop over at Pheriche. Very good weather, hot temperatures, not as much snow as announced, Everybody is fit with altitude. At night the snow arrive as often in Pheriche and now it's very cold. No more tree, every plants are small in the large ice valley. They are here for 2 days for acclimatation. Tomorrow, they can reach the summit of the Mont Blanc only by climbing the small hills around there. They think to be at the base camp (5300m) on Monday.

Dispatches