Returning From EBC to Lukla - Day 9 to 11

EBC Trek Day 9 - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

After the EBC assault yesterday (Apr 17th), I decided not to climb Khala Patthar peak at 4:00 am. Kala Patthar, meaning 'black rock' is located on the south ridge of Pumori above Gorak Shep where we stayed the night. Kala Patthar peak gives a beautiful clear view of Mt. Everest at sunrise. It is also higher than EBC.

To climb it and back to Gorak Shep will probably take 4 hours or so then will still have to trek straight back down to Dingboche passing by Lobuche. A very long day trek down on rocks. To do this will kill me with exhaustion (no kidding). So all of us declined on doing the excursion to Kala Phattar. I realized our classic route is too tasking. There's no rest in between.

The trek back is as hard as going up for me. Hard on my 53 year old knees. We are now trekking down twice as long per day for 3 days, at least 22-27 km per day.

Trek to EBC - Day 8 The Final Push

EBC Day 8 - The Final Push to Mt Everest Base Camp
April 17, 2017 (5,420 masl)
I may not have been the fastest, the strongest, or the fittest trekker, but I have done it. I reached the foot of Mount Everest after walking eight days. It is tough but I have the most wonderful companions to thank for, for making the journey less difficult with their friendship and the endless laughs we shared. It is even more enjoyable and exciting because I did it with my twin sister. She and I collected a handful of memories together on this trip.
The trek from Lobuche to EBC follows along the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and most parts are climbing up some steep sections of rocks and gravels. We reached Gorak Shep at noon.
Gorak Shep is a tiny village at 5,200m (17,060f) and is the last stop before Everest Base Camp. It was the original base camp for climbers in the 1950's. This village is basically just a few teahouses built on top of the moraine that makes its way off of Mount Everest and Mount Kala Patthar. Underneath all the rock and rubble is the Khumbu glacier

Trek to EBC - Day 5&6 Dingboche

EBC Trek Day 5  April 15, 2017
Trek to Dingboche (4,358m /14,295 ft.).

Today we trekked for 10 hours with an hour lunch break. On our regular schedule, we left Tengboche at 8:00 am. Every day before we leave, we take group pictures for the organizer to post on his FB page,  then we pray led by our priest, who is traveling with us. The first half-hour, we hiked down through a lush forest and crossed a river. Then we took a gradual climb up to the valley's highest year-round settlement of Pengboche (3,860m/ 12,664ft). We climbed on a narrow zigzag stony ridge to the top then the rest of the narrow path was a gradual incline with the mountain view on the left and the river flowing down below on the right.

Our pace is slow especially when we are climbing steps. This is where I would catch my breath. Imagine if you are walking in the park and talking with someone... that kind of slowness... and we are only gaining 400m elevation. Two hours away from Dingboche, we continue ascending in the afternoon through alpine meadows and yak herds.

Trek to EBC Day 4 - Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

EBC Trek Day 4 April 13, 2017

Tengboche is home to the largest Gompa (Buddhist Monastery) in the Khumbu region. At 3,867m (12,687 ft) above sea level, Tengboche is surrounded by spectacular peaks and has a striking view of Tawache, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Amadablam.

The hardest part of this trek is leading out of Namche Bazaar about  30 minutes of stair climbing and the 2-3 hours ascend to Tengboche. From Namche to Tengboche should only take a 5-6 hours walk but we trekked slowly keeping in mind the high altitude elevation.

Teresa and I arrived at Tengboche (3867masl) at 4:20 pm healthy and safe. The trek is a gradual climb and has the best view of the towering mountains. However, it is very dusty. The trail is very busy with trekkers, transporters, yaks, and horses. The trail is narrow going around the mountains.

Trek to EBC Day 2&3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

EBC Trek Day 2 - April 10, 2017

We survived day 2 of our trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar. We trekked for 10 hours including breaks. This day, we passed several hanging bridges connecting several mountains. The last one before the ascent to Namche Bazaar is the Hilary bridge - the highest bridge in the Khumbu Region in the Himalayas. From here, we had about 3.5 hours of a grueling climb to Namche Bazaar at 3,450 meters asl.

I was totally spent when we reached Namche Checkpoint and my legs were very weak as we tackled the final steps of the stair leading to our lodge. Namche is situated on a hill and is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region. It is also the last place to pick up any missing necessities and or change the currency at a bank.

We stayed in Namche for two nights for altitude acclimatization. They call it a rest day but actually we didn't rest. We had to hike to the highest point of Namche on our second day and back to condition our body for the next day trek to Tengboche - the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal, situated at 3,867 meters.

Trek to EBC Day 1 - Terrifying Flight To Lukla

EBC Trek Day 1 - April 10, 2017

Hair-Raising Landing at Lukla Airport in Nepal... I've just experienced the world's most dangerous airport landings, Nepalese Airport, and the incredible and wonderful feeling of seeing the highest point on earth and the world's highest mountains while on air.

The landing and take-off strips here are very short. The airport operates at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438m) and has virtually no modern air traffic control features. Not even lights, and very little electric power at all.

We've walked up on a stony paved road that is part of the EBC Trekking Route beside the bob wires that separates us from the airport landing. From above the road, we had a full view of the aircraft landings. Then as we go down the airport road is the Nest Lodge where we had our breakfast while the porters were sorting our bags. They also gave us our trekking permit card with our photo attached to the card like a passport.

Watch the video above to see the rest of the trek.

Chaotic street of Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu April 8 - 9, 2017

The first morning after I arrived in Kathmandu, just after early breakfast, I roamed the vicinity. The streets were alive with the sounds of automobiles honking excessively. It's chaotic.  Pedestrians, cars, and motorbikes are racing to move forward just inches from each other. I got honked a few times as I hesitated to get by, hopping to where I can stand safely. Meanwhile, I watched the locals walking like they are in the park ... they are moving harmoniously with the traffic.

I met a local guy while I was walking in the street and he readily gave me a free walking tour hoping I hire him as a guide. So I hired him to guide me in the afternoon to the monkey temple up on a hill which is 25 km from the town center. Meanwhile, I continued checking out the area and went back to the hotel because I booked a massage at 11 am. A boy came to pick me up and led me to a labyrinth street to the sauna parlour. The owner of the place looks like a yogi master with his long hair. After discussing what type of massage and for how long, I went for an hour regular massage and sauna for $25.

My Journey to EBC begins

It may just be an ordinary plane ride like any other trip I had but this time to an extraordinary destination and how pleasant and smooth the travel is to Kathmandu - the gateway to EBC.

Below is a video to show my journey to Kathmandu or go to this link.

 I left Toronto early on Thursday, April 7th at 1:30 am and I slept on the plane all the way to Guangzhou China. I flew China Southern Airlines which is new to me.  I chose them as it has the most direct route to Nepal but I have to pay more on the fares. I am only mentioning it because there are alternative cheaper flights but with longer travel time. Think about jet lag and the fact that I only have two days to recover before my trek begins. So far I liked their service waaay better than my frequent flyer airline... can't mention the names than it's bad mouthing...... okaaay! I also found out that if your layover is more than 8 hours, they provide you with a hotel for FREE. 

Exploring Cusco Peru on foot in my last day.

After properly acclimatized, it is easier to walk around Cusco like normal without the shortness of breath due to high altitude. I already did the four days hike of the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, a day in Aquas Calientes toured the Sacred Valley, and traveled for three days to Puno and Lake Titikaka. Now I am spending my remaining days in Cusco chilling, window shopping, visiting several plazas and churches. There's a lot to see in Peru, and I wish someday to go back again.

To see more of Cusco, check my previous video before our Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. We spent three days acclimatizing to the high altitude which kind of slowed us down at first.

https://youtu.be/_-lAAL1aL4s

Post Inca Trail Day 5 - Exploring Aquas Calientes

After four days of hiking, we finally made it to the Sun Gate where we waited for the sun to rise and the clouds to clear to see the beauty of Machu Picchu. Then in Aquas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, we all gathered in the restaurant for our last meal together as a group. Edwin, our guide distributed the certificate that says "We Survived The Inca Trail".

My friend and I stayed in Aquas Calientes for one night while most of our group boarded the 6:20 pm train back to Cusco. Originally I planned to go back to Machu Picchu to do more exploring in the morning but after four days of rigid hiking up in the Andes and explored many ruins along the way, we decided to just stay in the town below Machu Picchu, called Aquas Calientes which means Hot Springs in English.

Aguas Calientes is a town in the Urubamba River Valley. It’s known for its thermal baths and as a gateway to the nearby Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The town center is full of eateries and shops, anchored by the central Mercado Artesanal, a craft market.

The town is just small surrounded by towering hills, rivers and many train tracks. It is the base before going up to Machu Picchu ruins. There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu. You can go there by bus from Aquas Calientes, by hiking from Aquas Calientes or via several Inca Trails. For us, we joined organized four days treks starting from KM 82. It is a very challenging trek going through two high mountain passes where the air is thin which made it harder to hike.

The Inca Trail Day 4 - Machu Picchu Ruins

Day 04: Winawayna to Machu Picchu (5km)
We set out really early before dawn to reach the Sun Gate. From the Sun Gate, we can see Machu Picchu in all its glory when the clouds lift. It was very epic and my most proud accomplishment. My first ever hike and highest mountain. At 50 plus, it is no feat but I made it. Thank God for looking over me and my group. A few suffered minor altitude sickness but we arrived healthy and in high spirit.