At around 0635hrs I woke after a restless nights sleep. Despite the improvement in the mattresses and the warmth compared to Prakding, I had a disturbed sleep due to a mouse infestation. I kept being woken by the scratching and scurrying within the plywood walls and ceiling that formed our room.
To make matters worse, I also had a headache and a sore throat. The thin dry air appeared to be having a negative effect on me. Today is a scheduled ‘Climatization Day’, where we would ascended a further 400m before returning to our lodgings; we were over the 3000m mark, where the thin atmosphere now posed a risk of altitude sickness. Today’s “little” walk was to enable our bodies to adjust to the low Oxygen levels.
Once we devoured breakfast, the group walked around the ridge line above Namche Bazaar to arrive at a visitor centre for a break. It is meant to boast views of Everest and Ama Dablam, however we were out of luck as these giants were hidden behind clouds. From the centre we followed a steep, winding path to a teahouse where we stopped for an hour or so at the elevation of 3800m.
It had been tough going and the lack of Oxygen was noticeable, I was getting very easily out of breath and exhausted. Despite the strenuous walk and the constant nagging headache, it was enjoyable. When we arrived at the teahouse the sun had burnt away the clouds revealing Everest and the unmistakable twin peaks of Ama Dablam.
We posed for photographs, getting our first of the whole group (minus Nick as he took the picture). The clouds had almost completely dissipated uncovering the magical scenery of the Himalayas, leaving us even more breathless! The back drop to our descent back into Namche Bazaar was unforgettable; a world like no other.
In the afternoon Pete and I went to the shops to get some supplies for the coming days. Knowing the prices would increase and items would become more scarce, we thought it prudent to stock up now. I also got myself some more Ibuprofen, popping a couple as we browsed. These seemed to be stronger than the over the counter medication we get back home. My headache cleared in no time!
The last item I got was a map of the region, so I could identify the mountains that would tower over us as we progressed further into the Himalayas. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at our teahouse playing cards and chatting with the group.
Stu's Camino 