Climbing southwest from Junbesi. Number Chuli (6,959m), Kathang (6,853m) and Karyolung (6,511m) peak over the hill line behind to the north

A view from about 2,800m, west to Serlo. Beyond lies a saddle leading to Jiri (right). Our route climbed to the left skyline to a pass at 3,800m

A local in Serlo

Approaching Tactor at 2,900m. From here the climb up through forest began in earnest

The ascent began gradually but soon steepened

On the 3,800m pass, looking north to the main Himalaya. The saddle to Jiri is mid-left

A closer look at the big mountains, with Mt Everest peaking from behind the black ridge at far left, with Lhotse and Lhotse Shar just right

Soaking up the views on the pass. Cathy's biggest ever hiking day, about half done after 5 hours to this point. In total we'd ascend 1,640m and descend 540m

Crossing a broad flat area with clear views of Pikey Peak East (4,070m, centre) and Pikey Peak West (4,065m, right of centre - where we'd spend sunrise the following morning)

Beginning our descent to Jase Bhanjyang (3,550m). From there we skirted right, around the base of Pike Peak West and back up to Shangrila Lodge at 3,777m

Approaching Jase Bhanjyang (3,550m)

Inside a cosy lodge with chilling clouds swirling outside

Time to refuel before the next climb

Heading west in the fog around Pikey Peak West

Heading west in the fog around Pikey Peak West

We encountered several frozen waterfalls requiring diversions to get past

As we began our final climb up a long, steep stone staircase sunset caught us - and it was stunning

 

Mt Everest (8,848m) far left, with Lhotse (8,516m), Lhotse Shar (8,393m), Shartse (7,591m) and Thamserku (6,618m)

Mt Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Shartse far left. Makalu is the pink pyramid mid-right

The single most beautiful combination of vista and magic-hour light of our 2023 trip right here …

… and here  > Pikey Peak

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