Gokyo to Machermo to Phortse

After the excitement of climbing Gokyo Ri, we had breakfast and headed down to Machermo on a long cold walk in driving snow. We were all exhausted and spent the night cosy and trying our best to sleep. Then today down to Phortse Thanga for lunch, and finally up to Phortse, at a mere 3800m. It is great to be in amongst vegetation again, and so far no snow. The picture shows the real heroes of the trek, our 4 trusty yaks who have carried our big bags up and down behind us.