Day 6 16th February 2011

Spending a day at Namche Bazaar to assist acclimitisation.  A visit to Saga Martha National Park headquarters or climbing a trail to get views of Mt Everest.

Well that was the plan!!!

Here is extract from Dave's email received today

"A bit of a delay to our start. airport was closed at Lukla for planes, so we had to charter a helicoptor to get us in. 2/3 of us got there, but the remainder didn't get there till the following day.  We've today caught up on our schedule, we are at Namche Bazar.  We will miss out on the acclimatisation day!!!

It was avery hard walk today, but I made it."

Now the actual details

We set off from Monjo at 2835m about 8 o'clock, the weather forecast was likely rain or snow. It certainly was a hard walk, steep climbs and the affects of altitude were kicking in. Oxygen was in short supply, I was getting breathless and gradually getting to the back of the walking group.

Following the river, late morning the snow begins

The lovely sight of a river crossing on a steel bridge in the snow!

At this stage the snow is coming down strongly but it is still quite wet and not really settling.  However afer a couple of more miles and a few 100 foot rise in altitude, it's a different story.

Coming into Namche Bazar, probably about 6" of snow now.

 I was pleased to see Namche, I ended up last in the group, I was ably assisted and encouraged by 2 sherpas - a very hard walk today.

Typical Lodge scene, lots of tea being drunk, clothes drying

Dawa our Sherpa leader on the left, Nicola - smiling as usual, pensive looking Sue & Steve.

Rest, rehydrate and relax, for the late afternoon and evening. At this stage I'm probably up to 10 cups of tea per day plus the 2 litres of fluid we drink whilst walking - all good to minimise the affects of altitude.  The main room in the lodge is the only one that is heated.  The snow was still continuing at this stage, the temperature in here was probably 7-10 degrees centigrade.  At night in the bedrooms it was probably -10.

The snow eased off after another hour or so, Rich & I then went off to an internet cafe to send off some quick emails, to update the family and friends.