Today you’ll really get the sense of being among the high mountains. Today's trek will take around four and a half to five and a half hours and will take you up to 4910m.
You climb steeply out from Dingboche, passing the large stupa that you might have walked to the previous day. From here it rises gradually up the valley, parallel to the jagged peaks of Taboche and Cholatse. You’ll pass through a few summer grazing settlements before dropping down to cross the river as it tumbles out from below the snout of the Khumbu glacier.
Here the small settlement of Dughla (also locally referred to as Thokla) is the only place to take lunch; it can be busy with groups heading both up and down the trail.
The next section of the trail is a steep 30–40 minute climb, to the Sherpa memorial area, commemorating the many local people who have died while climbing in the region. There are also several memorial cairns for western climbers. The place has a palpable sense of history and many trekkers take the time to pause for thought, and slowly walk amongst the stones.
The Sherpa Memorial cairns
Beyond this, there is a short but welcome flat section, after which the path drops down to meet the braided Lobuche Khola; and then it climbs again, rising gradually to Lobuche.
It always feels like a long way to Lobuche and you’ll be at 4900 metres, which is pretty high; and you'll probably ready for a good night’s sleep. The village has, in the past, been much criticised for poor sanitation, but in recent years improvements to the water system have made it more hygienic to stay here.
Enjoy your rest, as tomorrow you will be on top of one of the most famous peaks in the Himalaya - Kala Pattar.
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