Notorious Namche
Mother Nature is definitely flexing her muscles and showing us who is boss around here! Apart from a short break yesterday afternoon, we’ve had steady rain to contend with during the two-day journey from Lukla to Namche. This is approximately nine miles of up and down on a combination of cobblestone and dirt pathways. Our route snakes through villages and eventually follows the Dudh Koshi River. We broke up the journey into two days, staying for one night in the village of Phakding. Nine miles might seem very doable in one day, but the process we follow allows for proper acclimatization. Rushing to a higher altitude without proper acclimatization can overwhelm your body and bring a climbing expedition to a bitter end. We are in it for the long haul, preparing our bodies for the pressures to come: atmospherically, physically, and mentally.
My favorite part of Nepal? Hands down, it’s the loving, compassionate people that inhabit these villages. As you pass the Nepali people working, they greet you with a “Namaste” (hello) and a smile. Many business owners depend on the climbers and trekkers for their livelihoods. They need us here, but even so, they exude genuine compassion that resonates deeply in my soul. I am especially enchanted by the kiddos and canines.
Today we have a day of “active resting” in Namche, a village that is a climbers’ paradise nestled into the mountains with loads of shops overflowing with climbing gear and gadgets. We will have an easy hike gaining 1,500 feet and then eat, eat, and eat some more. It’s all about hydration and constantly fueling our bodies. It’s amazing how I still return from these expeditions slightly smaller than when I departed!
Tomorrow we will brave the elements and head to Pangboche. Our next stop requires nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and the extra challenge of heavy rain will certainly make it interesting. How sweet of Mother Nature to toughen us up, helping prepare for the hard road ahead. Pangboche sits at 13,074 feet.
The dance will continue from higher ground!
