Everest Trail Race – Stage 3 Jase Bhanjyang to Kharikola

The mist and wind persisted into the night and it was seriously cold! Jase Bhanjyang sitting just below 4000m is renowned for being a cold place and last night it lived up to expectations. Needless to say, kit was tested and those who compromised on weight were left with a really cold and uncomfortable night. Pretty much everyone slept in base layers and down jackets with hoods up and gloves on.

Once again, it would be a split start, 0700 and 0800. Today’s stage had considerably less climbing than stage two, however, it had lots of descending, it may not hurt the lungs as much but it would certainly hurt the legs. Many thought it would be an easier day…

A short climb out of camp the runners would then descend to Jumbesi (CP1) at 2696m. This initial trail would see them running through a dense forest section.

No hiking on the trail for me today, I was helicoptered out to Kharikhola – a beautiful Monastery on top of a mountain (Pema Namding).

Kharikhola is a main trekking route and in addition, it is a main route for supplies. It amazes me to watch children carry baskets literally as big as they are and for sure, probably twice the weight. Donkeys go up and down the trail all day carrying all sorts of supplies, from bottles of gas, water, corn, maize, beer, Coke, cigarettes and so on. You suddenly realize how life moves around in these mountains.

Sherpa’s arrive carrying packs that look as though it will be break their packs, behind them, a string of tourists with small packs and poles.

Back on the trail, not surprisingly, Pasang Sherpa was once again blazing a trail along this tough ETR route, he was looking to make amends for a poor day yesterday. He was pursued by the top-4 runners, Joan Soler, Casey Morgan and Miguel Capo Soler. In the ladies, Andreja Sterle Podobnik took the race to Jennifer Hill today leading by a minute at the top of the first climb.

After CP1 at Jumbesi, the runners crossed the Junbesi Khola river and climbed up to Phurteng at just over 3000m. Descending to CP2 at Lharpa another climb awaited.

The race now had a familiar format; Pasang would lead the men by a considerable margin, followed by Casey and Miguel, Joan was off the pace, today he didn’t feel quite as good!

For the ladies, Andreja like Pasang would lead the lead the way but Jennifer marked the gap.

Today’s finish line at Kharikhola is a special one, it’s one of the best I have witnessed, however, the runners have to work for that finish. Leaving Taksindu La, the final long descent of the day, 3100m to 1500m in 10km. However, at the bottom the sting in the tail, a 4km climb from Jubhing to the Monastery finish.

Pasang and Andreja took out the respective stage wins. Importantly, Pasang dictated a very fast pace today regaining all the time lost yesterday and now providing himself a convincing lead over Miguel and Casey. Although Andreja tried today, Jennifer ran a consistent pace and the time she lost was relatively insignificant to the overall classification.

Stage results:

1. Pasang Lama
2. Casey Morgan
3. Miguel Capo Soler

1. Andrej Sterle Podobnik
2. Jennifer Hill
3. Sarah Davies

General Classification:

1. Pasang Lama
2. Miguel Capo Soler
3. Casey Morgan

1. Jennifer Hill
2. Andrej Sterle Podobonik
3. Sarah Davies

Stage 4 preview: Kharikhola to Llegada 27.5km

Departing the monastery, a small descent awaits the runners of just 4km before a long tough climb to Kari La (CP1) at 2900m. From here the course goes up and down all around 2700/2800m for appx 10km before a very steep descent to CP2 at Surke (2200m). A continual climb to CP3 at Cheplung continues to the arrival at Phakding/ Llegaga.