From Phakding to Namche Bazaar

The bite of the cold hit exceptionally hard while filtering the icy water for our day’s travel. Fortunately as the sun rose over head, its glow warmed us considerably.  The beginning of the trek wasn’t challenging at all. While one can not truly adapt overnight, it did feel a lot easier walking along the relative flat terrain, at least at the beginning of the days hike.

Not too far into the trek we officially entered the national park. Seeing the chart of previous visitors we were amazed to realize that in February there were only 10% of the trekkers that would follow in March. Indeed the pleasant emptiness of the trail we were experiencing was not the standard experience.

Breaking for lunch, we relaxed with the sites of Nepallee children and cute puppies playing by the village. This relaxation was short lived, because once we started hiking again we had a rude awaking, the jump from 8,600 feet to almost 11,300 feet all occurred in the latter part of the day’s hike. It would be the single biggest altitude jump in a single day.

My groups pace slowed to a crawl, with the heart rate of one of my posse climbing over 170. Not in a rush, we advanced one step at a time, trying to catch our breath as we continued upwards. The thought of the next day’s acclimatization helped sooth the pain as we marched on.

Eventually we reached Namche Bazaar, the center of commerce and tourism of the region. The cluttered sights of small shops, houses, lodges scattering the landscape were a blessing to our weary eyes. Namche Bazaar had such a variety of facilities that it was hard to believe they weren’t connected via paved roads with trucks brining supplies. While basic lodging was available so were lodges with power, hot showers, and even one or two with a hot tub. In addition, internet access was available.

Items of all kinds were for sale from souvenirs to trekking equipment. However, don’t rush to buy any souvenirs until your return to Namchee Bazaar. Most items are readily available either in Namche or back in Kathmandu .  Hopefully, you’ve planned ahead and do not have to purchase anything. Often the trekking equipment are knock offs and poorly built. What looks good may not hold up to the rigors of the remainder of your climb.

Sleeping at altitude can always be a challenge.  My first night in Namche was tough, waking many times; no one ever said this would be easy.

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