Namche Bazaar

Kathmandu
March 29th, 2007

After first 3 days of constant ascent to Labuche (4930m) , I was planning on a 4th day of
EBC and Kala pattar visit with a light day pack. But eventually I ran o9ut of luck and Altitude caught up with me, I had a very bad 3 rd night with constant boughts of short breathing, by morning it was clear proceeding any further is out of reach. Due to lack of time, I decided to turn back and the last 3 days were spent taking a different route , appreciating beauty as much as
I can with AMS.

Sometime I do think about how couple of days would have made all the difference, but I don't have any regrets it was all or nothing kind of attempt so I take as it comes. I will add more updates on my day 2 and day 3 experience with all photos when I reach Pune.

Namche Bazaar
March 23rd, 2007

I am at Namche bazar, Reached lukla at 8am and after some hiccups, started hike with the porter at 10:25 AM.
As the plane landed on a small strip smaller than a football ground,I realized one of my dreams was coming to reality.
Nice easy hike to Phakding with breath taking views of mountain and Dodi kosi river carving the valley.. several foot bridge crossing the river at high altitude gives superb views.
Good to have some company even though we cant talk much but some company is good.
After lunch at Phakding we started a long climb to Namche, the last 400 mts were relentless but fun. Felt fine so far at3440..(11200 ft) just the beginning of high altitude.
Planning to start early at 6am towards Pheriche as planned, hoping to have a fun day tomorrow as well. Looking fwd to it.
Here every thing comes a a cost , cant complain as poor Sherpa want to earn their best during the season.
Next I will be able to email only day after tomorrow
cheers and regards
Anil

And let the drums roll...

Kathmandu March 22 2008 6:00 PM

I am all set to start the trek tomorrow,had a pleasant flight Pune via Delhi to Kathmandu. It was great meeting my cousins and their daughter Shreya en route. As planned, I have booked my tickets to Lukla.

As soon as I finished my work at the airport,couple of guides and taxi drivers jumped to grab a pie of the trekking business. Found a semi free ride to he hotel. On the way a guide joined me as well, he told me about all the different services a guide could provide.Having a very low EQ doesn't help, and having read the low wages of porters in this area,I got brought in by the idea of having a guide. One thing he said really touched my heart he said, "you come here to enjoy the experience in the process you can help someone earn livelihood,that made sense to me.
More over I will have some company on this solo hike and would be safe in this political turmoil that this region is going through. So decided to hire a porter for the first 2 days sharing your loads equally. my plans of the trek remains unchanged though..Interesting thing to note is that the region is filled with all western hiking/climbing brands and also the "made in Nepal" version :)
I am done with all the last min packing, waiting for a dinner with a beer or wine and a good sound sleep..

Hopefully should have time to write from Namche.
Next to Luka,
Anil