Started off bright and early before the other lodgers to tackle about a 3000+ stair climb and the hardest day of my 5 day trek. Or so I was told. One of the New Zealanders who I met this morning at breakfast said later in the day that it was the hardest hike he’s done in Nepal yet and he’s been here hiking for quite a while now – so I guess it was! There was a lot of climbing but I really didn’t think it was too hard – but it certainly helps to have someone carrying you pack for most of the way.
My guide’s name is Deepak and he’s 21 years younger than me, so I don’t fret too much when I run out of breath and he’s still quietly breathing through his nose. He was born and raised in a small village just like the ones we’ve been walking through so he can explain what life is like for the locals from personal experience. He’s also a registered guide with the Nepalese government and was required to undergo 45 days of training on culture, history, flora, fauna, anthropology, first aid, etc.
It has been an amazing hike so far that gets more and more Spectacular the higher you climb. And colder and colder. We ended the day’s 20km hike at a ridge (at 2760m) staring straight in the face of the world’s 7th and 10th tallest mountains. There is snow around our guesthouse from last week and it was 10C in my room, but I scored a wonderful private bathroom with a great hot shower and I brought plenty of warm gear to put on.
The guest house had a warm cozy ski lodge atmosphere by evening when the lit up a big warm fire in the dining room and served me wonderful hot vegetable curry on rice with Masala tea and hot apple crumble with custard for dessert.
