Destination, day 2: Namche Bazaar
On our second day in the Khumbu, we trekked to Namche Bazaar, a tough hike with an altitude gain of 2600 feet. In Namche Bazaar, at 11,300 feet, breathing became much more difficult. To help our bodies acclimatize, we spent two nights there.
My altimeter has almost lapped itself!
One of the many bridges we crossed over the Dudh Kosi River. Bridges come in all forms in the Khumbu, from enormous and well-constructed metal suspension to primitive wooden versions. Awareness of yaks and other animals on the bridges is essential, as they require a wide berth.
Yak train
On their way to school, uniformed children pass trekkers Marie and Tom, who were on their honeymoon. The couple, who live in BC, joined us for the first few days of the trek and then traveled a different direction, toward Gokyo. I really enjoyed getting to know them.
A child keeps a watchful eye on trekkers from the safety of his doorstep.
Tom shares a photo with his subjects. The Nepali people I met along the way seemed to really enjoy seeing themselves on my digital camera screen.
After our long day of hiking, a train of yak hybrids greets us on our way into Namche Bazaar.
One of the vendors at the local market in Namche Bazaar.
As camp takes shape, there's always time for play. After helping to set up our campsite, Dipen and Heather start a game of Hacky Sack.
Room with a view! My home sweet home for the night.
One of our guides, Heather, volunteered to help demonstrate the Gamow bag. Luckily, this is the only time we saw this device in use. The Gamow bag is used to treat serious cases of altitude sickness. It is a large, airtight bag, inflated by either foot or hand pump and can effectively reduce altitude by about 5000 feet. (Check out Heather's very cool website)
I would have to be pretty sick to climb inside one of these! My claustrophobia kicked in just watching this demonstration.
On our rest day in Namche Bazaar, part of our group hiked to Everest View Hotel. In addition to helping us acclimatize, we enjoyed our first great views of the giant mountains. After reading about these places all my life, it was surreal to be hiking in the shadows of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and others. To say it was breathtaking is an understatement.
A chorten dedicated to the memory of Tenzing Norgay. Norgay summitted Mount Everest in 1953 with Edmund Hillary. Mount Everest is at the top left of the frame.
During our acclimitization hike to Everest View Hotel, our guide, Danika, an accomplished ice climber among other things, spots climbing guide, Dipen, as he climbs a giant boulder.
A sign along the way. Notice the prices (in Nepali rupees) for food and drinks at the lodge. Currently, there are approximately 77 rupees to 1 US dollar.
Diane and Tracey figure out which peak is Everest.
Mount Everest, at left and Lhotse. Although Lhotse might appear taller than Everest, it is an optical illusion, due to the distance to the peak. The two mountains are connected via the South Col.
The majestic Ama Dablam. Seeing this mountain in person took my breath away. Every angle gives a more interesting view. We enjoyed views of this moutain on most days of our trek. The mountain is 22,349 feet and its name means mother and pearl necklace. (The perennial hanging glacier is thought of as the pearl).
Framed by prayer flags, from left: Tawotse, Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam. What a day!!
Posts
