Everest Base Camp, Youtube

Day 7 – A Heart-Wrenching Stop at Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial (Part 2)

Day 7 Tombstones at Thukla Pass then to Lobuche

Everest Base Camp (5,600m)

Khumbu Glacier, Nepal
April – May 2016

Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial

Thukla Pass, located in the Himalayas of Nepal, is a challenging and rewarding trekking destination for adventure seekers. The pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to explore the rich culture of the local Sherpa people.

One of the highlights of the Thukla Pass trek is the opportunity to visit several memorial monuments dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the mountains. These monuments serve as a reminder of the dangers and risks associated with mountaineering, and offer a solemn and respectful tribute to those who have passed.

One of the most moving memorials on the Thukla Pass trek is the memorial to the Sherpas who have lost their lives while working as guides on Mount Everest. The Sherpas are an integral part of the climbing community in Nepal and their contribution to the climbing industry should not be underestimated. The memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices they have made and the debt of gratitude that is owed to them.
Namche Bazaar to Syangboche
The entry point in reverse after a long rocky hike.
Photo by John Teh
Other well-known memorials on the Thukla Pass trek is the memorial to Scott Fischer and Anatoli Boukreev, two mountaineers who died during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The memorial features a plaque with their names and a prayer flag that flutters in the wind. It is a sobering reminder of the harsh reality of climbing the world’s highest mountain.
Bukit Tabur East
Several memorial monuments are in view.
Photo by John Teh
Another notable memorial on the Thukla Pass trek is the memorial to Alex Lowe and David Bridges, two American mountaineers who died in an avalanche in 1999. The memorial, which is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, features a stone cairn and a plaque with their names and a prayer flag.
Various viewpoints of other memorial monuments.
Photos by John Teh
The Thukla Pass trek is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers stunning views, a chance to explore the culture of the local Sherpa people, and the opportunity to pay respect to those who have lost their lives in the mountains. The memorials on the trek serve as a reminder of the dangers and risks associated with mountaineering, and offer a solemn tribute to those who have passed.
Namche Bazaar to Syangboche
Scott Fischer’s memorial monument.
Photo by John Teh
Individual snapshots of the memorial monuments.
Photos by John Teh

The Thukla Pass trek is not just a journey through the mountains but also a journey through history. The memorials along the way serve as a reminder of the incredible accomplishments and sacrifices made by climbers before us. It was indeed a humbling experience.

The atmosphere on the Thukla Pass trek is one of awe and reverence. The rugged beauty of the Himalayas is breathtaking, and the constant reminder of the sacrifices made by climbers before us adds a solemnity to the journey. The memorials serve as a reminder to be respectful and cautious in the mountains, and this sense of reverence can be felt throughout the trek.

Each of these monuments on the Thukla Pass trek has its own unique story and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by climbers before us. It’s an emotional but important experience to pay respect and remember these climbers and their families.

Our group taking a short break before continuing our journey to Lobuche.
Photos by John Teh

Onwards to Lobuche

The journey from Thukla Pass to Lobuche is a challenging but rewarding trek that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas. As you leave Thukla Pass, the trail descends into a valley where you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks on all sides. The view from here is truly spectacular, and you’ll be able to see some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Lhotse, in the distance.
Traversing through rocky terrains.
Photos by John Teh
Namche Bazaar to Syangboche
Porters exhibit incredible strength and resilience as they carry heavy loads over rocky terrains.
Photo by John Teh
As you continue on the trail, you’ll pass through a number of small villages where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local Sherpa people and learn about their way of life.

As you reach Lobuche, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Lobuche Peak and the surrounding mountains. The panoramic view from here is truly breathtaking, and you’ll be able to see the entire Khumbu region, including many of the world’s highest peaks.

Overall, the journey from Thukla Pass to Lobuche is a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas.

Our lodging at Lobuche – “Mother Earth House”.
Photos by John Teh
The Mother Earth House is not only a place to sleep, but also a place to learn and understand the local culture and way of life. The lodge is run by local Sherpa people and offers guests a chance to learn about the culture and customs of the Sherpa people. Guests can also learn about sustainable living and environmental conservation from the staff, who are knowledgeable and passionate about preserving the local environment.

The lodge is equipped with solar panels, providing electricity to the entire building and also offer hot water for showers. The lodge also uses a composting toilet and greywater filtration system, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of the lodge.

Overall, The Mother Earth House is a perfect place for those who are looking to experience the local culture, while also enjoying comfortable accommodation in the midst of the beautiful mountains.

Day 7 Part 2 – A Heart-Wrenching Stop at Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial.
Everest Base Camp – Visit my Youtube Channel for more videos.
This post / video is a part of a 21-part series, covering everything from:-
  1. Day 1 (Kathmandu to Lukla)
  2. Day 1 (Lukla to Phakding)
  3. Day 2 (Phakding to Namche Bazaar)
  4. Day 2 (Namche Bazaar)
  5. Day 3 (Syangboche Acclimatization)
  6. Day 3 (Back to Namche Bazaar, dropping by at Sagarmatha National Park)
  7. Day 4 (Namche Bazaar to Tengboche)
  8. Day 5 (Tengboche - Dinboche)
  9. Day 6 (Dingboche & Nangkartshang - Acclimatization)
  10. Day 6 (Getting down from Nangkartshang & Snow)
  11. Day 7 (Dingboche to Lobuche)
  12. Day 7 (A Heart-Wrenching Stop at Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial)
  13. Day 8 (Lobuche to Gorak Shep)
  14. Day 8 (Kalla Phatthar Acclimatization)
  15. Day 9 (Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp)
  16. Day 9, 10 & 11 (Gorak Shep to Pheriche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding)
  17. Day 12 (Phakding to Lukla)
  18. Day 12 (Flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport)
  19. Day 13 (Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Buddhist Temple)
  20. Day 14 (Kathmandu City Adventure)
  21. Journey to the Roof of the World: A Trekker's Final Post and Summary of the Epic Everest Base Camp Trek

Outdoor Videos?

Visit my Youtube channel for outdoor videos and adventures!
Youtube Channel