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
Category: hiking
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.
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.
Rick offline, gone hiking
Nov. 11-28 trekking the Everest region of Nepal.
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.
Nepal cabinet meeting on Mt Everest
November 11th.
How are they going to get up there?
FLY.
Dumb, dumb idea. This will never work.
The meeting will be held later this month, just ahead of December’s Copenhagen climate change summit, at a base camp on the world’s highest mountain.
The Himalayan glaciers – known as the world’s third ice-cap – feed some of the region’s greatest rivers, including the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Brahmaputra. They also irrigate farmland in Tibet, Nepal, Bangladesh and India. …
Nepal’s ministers will now follow the lead of ministers in the Maldives who staged a cabinet meeting under water to highlight the risk of the tropical islands being submerged by rising sea levels. They will meet later this month at a base camp at 5,300 metres where mountaineers begin their final ascent of Everest. …
Update: Nepali cabinet meeting at base camp of Mt. Qomolangma uncertain
♫ … I think I’m going to Kathmandu … ♫
I think I’m going to Katmandu,
That’s really, really where I’m going to.
If i ever get out of here,
That’s what I’m gonna do.
K-k-k-k-k-Katmandu …Bob Seeger – lyrics
People often ask me, “What’s your favourite travel destination?”
Usually I reply, Nepal. As a hiker Nepal is nirvana. And their blend of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Tourism makes a rich Chai.
Downside?
Perhaps 60hrs in transit. IF I’m lucky.
Rick off-line …
I’ll be a couple of days hiking Haleakala National Park, Maui.
Best Island in the World – Maui
For the 15th time in 22 years, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards poll has chosen Maui as the “Best Island in the World.”
But I’ll be the judge of that … hiking Maui for the next 2wks.
I flew out of Vancouver, now my favourite airport in Canada. The new SkyTrain rail service, the Canada Line, whisks you directly downtown, connecting to harbour ferries.
Or, with one bus connection. to the Vancouver Island ferries at Tsawwassen. Superbly convenient!
The line opened August 17, 2009, fifteen weeks ahead of schedule. One of the rare things the B.C. government ever got right. Kudos.
Thanks Les and Tam for the “buddy pass” airline ticket on WestJet, my favourite airline.
Rick McCharles 