no apple pie at base camp
In the Spring Mt. Everest Base Camp is “party central”.
But I found it almost empty, a bleak, unwelcoming place. Not even the famed mobile bakery was operating.
On the bright side, the weather was surreal. To take off sunglasses was to risk instant snowblindness.
A snow storm “blew itself out” leaving perfect cold, clear skies. The high peaks including Everest did not even have spin drift. That almost never happens.
I’ve resumed my 3 Passes itinerary. Will cross Kongma La tomorrow, hopefully fully acclimatized to altitude.
I’ve about 8 more days in the Everest region. Will depart Nov. 30th for Bangladesh where I’m teaching a gymnastics course starting Dec. 1st.
Trust you are well.
photos of the “best view of Mt Everest”
Everest – change of plans
Poor sleep last night.
At first light I saw white stuff piled up on the Yaks. An early snowfall, not all that unusual in November.
I’ll switch to the standard Everest Base Camp route. Assuming nothing else goes wrong, should get there in the next 3 days. MIGHT backtrack on the high pass I missed.
Today headed for Dughla 4620m.
from the world’s highest internet cafe
4410m
In the serious mountains now. Looking over at Island Peak.
… hands a little frozen on the keyboard.
Will be doing some acclimatization day hikes next couple of days to 5000+m
slowly, slowly to Everest
So far, so good.
Departing Namche. The mantra is “slowly, slowly” to not trigger altitude sickness.
The Three Pass route I’m planning is only moderately difficult, except for altitude. It’s high and high for a long time. I’ll be at least 6 times over 5000m maxing out at 5535m.
Trekking peaks, for which you need a permit, are 6000m+.
I might find internet one more time before Everest Base Camp.
Ama Dablum
from Namche Bazaar
Day 3 of my Everest trek.
I’ve reached Namche, famed Tibetan trading post and high altitude staging centre.
That’s the view outside my window. A little guy, 6187m. … I’d forgotten how HUGE are the Himalayan peaks.
I’ll stay another night here at 3420m to acclimatize. I’m only 10hs walk from a 5535m pass.
Surprisingly, I really like Namche. It’s got character.
The only sour note is the Bazaar. Every Saturday morning everyone from the Khumbu meets here. Tibetan traders dominate the scene. They’re agressive young guys, … chain smoking, talking tough.
Monkey Temple, Kathmandu
My favourite spot in the polluted city is Swayambhunath. I love watching these guys.
… an ancient religious complex atop a hill … It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple …
It’s so ancient that legend tells that the Buddha himself taught here.
Though a Buddhist stupa and monastery, there are just as many Hindu pilgrims.
Each morning most visitors are making religious devotion, the rest are exercising. Only a few Western tourists arrive by dawn.
The early morning light filtered by polluted skies is ideal for photos.
see the rest of my pics from this visit to the Monkey Temple
last meal in Kathmandu
Egg masala dosa, garlic naan and coffee.
The vegetarian restaurant at Pilgrim’s Book House. If you’re into trekking, climbing or spirituality, this is one of the best bookstores in the world.
I picked up a classic, Nepal Himalaya by H.W. Tilman (1952). Some reading to supplement my audio books. I’ll need it during my acclimatization days at altitude.
why 12 different electrical plugs worldwide?
This post for people who travel internationally. …
Gizmodo posted the best explanation I’ve ever seen.
Giz Explains: Why Every Country Has a Different F#$%ing Plug
… Is There Any Hope for the Future?
No. I talked to Gabriela Ehrlich, head of communications for the International Electrotechnical Commission, which is still doing its thing over in Switzerland, and the outlook isn’t great. “There are standards, and there is a plug that has been designed. The problem is, really, everyone’s invested in their own system. It’s difficult to get away from that.” …
Strangely, the article doesn’t address solutions.
Here’s what I’m using.
This adaptor “works” in about 150 countries. Sold by Fujifilm, it’s the main one available (greatly overpriced) in airports right now. Spend the extra couple of bucks for the one with a USB port if you frequently charge an iPod or other USB device.
In North America, I always carry one of these 3 prong to 2 prong adapters on my laptop cord. It’s amazing how many times it’s saved me in older buildings that only have 2 prong outlets.
Slightly dangerous, I understand you can no longer buy these in Canada. But God Bless the U.S.A., you can still get them there.
dental tourism in Nepal
I’ve been hanging out in polluted Kathmandu taking care of a number of errands: plane tickets, gear, internet … and waiting on a dentist appointment.
I’d had a crown come loose and wanted to get it fixed before my upcoming trek.
I posted the details on my hiking blog – dental tourism for hikers
To re-cement a crown, replace a filling and cosmetically fix a small chip … CAD$57. Excellent work. Up-to-date facilities. The doctor speaks perfect English.
… So, if your dentist in Mexico or Eastern Europe is getting too expensive, consider the Nepal alternative.
What I like best about dental tourism is that appointments do not feel as rushed as they do in Canada, the dentist hopping bed-to-bed trying to be 4% more efficient in billing.
The worst thing about dental tourism is that you likely have no recourse if something goes wrong.
