Hi,
I just arrived back in Kathmandu after 30 days of trekking. The first trek was 13 days in the Annapurna region, followed by 17 days in the Everest region. I enjoyed some stunning scenery, mostly blue sky weather, interesting villages, and very friendly people. I found the climbing at altitudes up to 5400 meters very hard, but slow and steady seemed to work. Sometimes it was 3 slow steps, then rest for 10 seconds, and then repeat. I didn't get altitude sickness, but saw many who did. There were constant helicopter rescues for people who had not acclimatized properly. The temperatures in the Everest region where colder than I expected. The temperature in my room in Lobuche(5000m) was -13c in the morning with frost on the paper thin walls. Generally nights dropped to -5c or so in the rooms, but at 5000m it felt like -15c. Trekking in the sunshine was nice and warm, but at altitude there was about a 10c degree difference between being in the sun vs. being in the shadow.
It was great to have a porter, and I enjoyed carrying just a light day-pack. Not sure I could have carried a heavy pack at 5000 meters.
The Guesthouses and food where usually pretty good, but I still lost a fair bit of weight. I hear this is pretty common when trekking high up. I'm heading out for a steak dinner in a few minutes to put on some pounds.
On Nov. 17, I fly to Varanasi, India, and am looking forward to some heat. It should be interesting, and a challenge to my travel skills.
I've posted another photo album for the Everest Trek and a few more Kathmandu photos.
All for now,
Dave
No comments:
Post a Comment