Today we took advantage of the morning sunshine to tour base camp.  There are about 1000 people here, with 235 registered climbers for Everest or neighboring Lhotse as of the last count.  In 2015 about 360 people were registered to climb either Everest of Lhotse.  Needless to say, base camp is not as busy as typical years, and Everest veterans report that it is much more spread out.  

Khumbu icefall
Photo:  Lisa White

Our tour included a stop at the Himalayan Rescue Association which functions as the Emergency Department for the mountain. Each expedition pays a fee for the support of its international volunteers.  In exchange, consultations are free, and medications are dispensed at cost.  The HRA also provides free medical care to Sherpa.  The medical staff most frequently treats GI and respiratory issues, including the Khumbu cough.  Ankle and wrist injuries are also common as walking on the ice/rock/yak poop terrain around base camp can be challenging.

Inside Himalayan Rescue Association tent
Photo:  Stuart Erskine

This afternoon we will suit up in our climbing gear and venture out onto the ice for a short walk!