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.


Things I learned from backpacking. After 5 days I slowly made adjustments to my backpack. The way I carry my camera and the necessities that I need constantly. I have tissues and anti-bacterial wipes on my pants pockets which I replenish each time before I slug my backpack. It is easier to make a quick run to the toilet so the guide doesn't have to wait long. My camelback hydration pack is of great use. I only carry a liter of water with me. I only need 2-3 snacks daily. This is plenty already.

I hardly use my selfie stick since it requires time to use it and tuck away. I have fears of dropping my camera too or my trekking poles while shooting. All of my shots had to be quick or else I'll be holding up the trekkers behind me.

I am grateful I bought a buff with a UV protector to cover my head and tuck my hair to protect it from dust and wind, and anti-glare sunglasses with UVP. I found using a regular mask for dust makes me hard to breathe from the already thin air so I accidentally used my merino wool buff for my neck to cover my face. This I found allowed me to breathe easily. Definitely, face sunblock.

The weather keeps changing from cold to hot to cold. In my backpack, I carry with me my outer shell jacket and bonnet which I used by the end of the day when it gets cold and windy. Also, I wear my lightweight down jacket often now as we go higher. It is also good when we are at restaurants. The buildings here are not weatherproof. We are sleeping in a plywood box room which is very cold.  It snowed last night right after we arrived at our hotel.

I accidentally left my emergency medkit in Kathmandu. Luckily I don't need them yet (crossing my fingers) however my group mates are willing to share their drug stacks if needed. Our lead guide Deepak is very strict, he is constantly monitoring us. Last night he checked our oxygen level. I'm down to 89% from 91% in Tengboche which is still great. He'll worry if it is below 75%.

Today the helipad is busy, one landed in Tengboche in the morning before we left to pick up someone. Also at Periche, our lunch stop. They are always flying over us carrying people with AMS to lower levels.

My legs get tired more. The two months of endurance training I did help but I could do more training.

At around 4 pm, after crossing a bridge, one of the porter, Iyus was waiting at the top of the ridge. He offered to carry my backpack which was a big relief. I told him to wait for Teresa to carry hers too but she is 15 mins behind me. Teresa declined because of her hydration pack plus I was ahead. The porter caught up with me. I drink water before I tackle a big incline, I observed being hydrated gives me more energy.

We are spending two nights in Dingboche for acclimatization. It snowed overnight. At 9 am we hiked up to Chukung Ri mountain for acclimatization.

Tomorrow we are off to Lobuche (4,928m / 16164 ft)