Debbie told me a useful tips. Although it's damn cold -10°C outside, open the window a little to let air into the room. This makes you sleep better. And I did.
Today is another rest day aka acclimatization day. Most people just hiked Nangkartshang or Nagarjun Hill or whatever its name (cos they have many forms of the same word). Some go to Chukhung village or even further up to Chukhung Ri.
Dinesh asked my preference but I let him decide what's best. He chose Nangkartshang. Perhaps because it's nearer so that we could have more rest time afterwards. The hill is just north, behind the village.
good morning!
Done with breakfast, Dinesh and I were ready to start the climb. Debbie, Ken and Amin were still enjoying theirs so we made our move first. See ya at the top!
Climbing Nangkartshang, you have options. You can go up as much as you can, reaching the vertical prayer flags or all the way to the top of the ridge. The hike was rather difficult due to the thinning air. I was very slow and struggling to move one step forward. Even contemplated to hike only halfway till the vertical prayer flags but Dinesh kept on pushing me to continue.
i'm tireddddddd
Looking up at the hilltop, I could already see a lot of hikers up there. They must started the hike really early to catch the sunrise. The weather was spectacular today. Even from the halfway point, the view was incredible. So yeah.. why do I need to go all the way to the top again?
Dinesh never stopped, he kept going up, so I had no choice but to follow him. Well of course I had a choice cos I hired him so I can decide what I wanna do righttttt?! But I knew this is for my own good. Gonna make the best out of my trip. Gasping for air, I summoned all my strength and climbed on, while chanting 'bistari.. bistari'. Slowly but surely, I would reach the top.
Three hours and a half later, we reached the top of the ridge at 5,060 metres. Woahh.. my first time being over 5,000 metres. Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 metres so it felt good to be reaching this altitude today. I can do this!
Dinesh, my porter
everyone's favorite mountain on the trek, beautiful Ama Dablam
The excitement of making it to the top replenished my energy. Suddenly, I was alive again hahaha. The 360° view, Subhanallah! Thanks Dinesh for not agreeing to stop halfway. Enjoying our snacks and a gazillion photos later, I noticed a single bar (and sometimes double) on the top right of my phone. Heyyy!! There's network coverage! It was weak, but good enough to whatsapp my family, updating my whereabouts and condition. Even managed to do IG story of the amazing view around me. #sempat
Going down was very fast. I was back at the teahouse by 2pm. Found Debbie and Ken lazing around in the common area, both with their kindles. They only went up halfway so they had more time to enjoy the rest day.
macaroni and egg, hot lemon for lunch
I wanted to take a nap after lunch but my eyes were wide open. Why?!? Bored, I went outside for a walk. Gotta enjoy my time here and take nice photos around the village.
sherpas bringing up the construction material
everyday view in Dingboche
creative way to boil water
dried yaks' dung used to fuel the fireplace
badass kitty.. how can you live up here in the cold?
yaks going home cos it's getting dark
Elevation at Dingboche: 4,410 m
Elevation at Nangkartshang: 5,060 m
Day's elevation change: +650 m
Sleeping elevation change: 0 m
Distance: 4 km
Duration: 6 hours
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