On The Road To Namche

 

First, sorry but I couldn’t correct the indentation in blogger again!

It’s quite a hike to get to Namche, its mainly uphill with a total (not net) elevation gain over 1130 metres (3724 feet) over a 12 km distance. That’s not too difficult but it’s a lot harder in altitude when you are taking in 32 percent less oxygen than normal. So you just move a lot slower or you’ll either get a headache or just hyperventilate and tire yourself out. 

This second time in the Everest region was much easier than the first time and I think it’s because I trained differently. Rather than walk here, there and everywhere, I just continuously hiked upwards, 600/700 metres ascent every time I got a chance in altitude and walked normally on a treadmill at full incline when I didn’t. I also did a lot of glute exercises to protect my arthritic knees. I wasn’t tired at the end of the day and my knees were fine. 

It’s a pretty amazing trek when you have clear blue skies. In total, from landing, I passed twelve bridges, some swaying with people and wind and vertiginous drops its unnerving. I don’t mind heights but with the after effects of the facial paralysis I suffered in January, I felt quite out of balance. I just tried to run across so I wouldn’t notice the swaying. 

My Sherpa friend said we must have crossed 20 mountains since we arrived in Lukla and I’m not surprised. The views alone were worth it and I must say, I did quite enjoy the experience again. No surprises now. 

The Everest region has changed dramatically since I was last here. Gone are the dormitory teahouses and in come little family owned ledges/hotel with hot water, and en-suite bathrooms. ATM’s are everywhere, the Sherpa families are now more tourism experienced and English is not a problem with  some speaking multiple languages. Wifi is available everywhere. Bring your own amenities however. I think theyre hard to get delivered this high up. Food is getting more international with some bakeries serving excellent coffees, cakes and pastries. 

And we saw Everest for the first time in the park. It’s always nice to see it with blue skies all around. 

Namche Bazaar too has changed, with more restaurants, famous brands in rented office spaces, more bars, organic food shops, etc. the world is indeed getting smaller everyday. The Himalaya is now much more accessible.