From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 5 - Deboche to Dingboche

This post is a continuation from:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/07/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-4.html


19 May 2018, Friday

Deboche (3820m) - Dingboche (4260m) - Acclimatization hike to 4650m - Dingboche (4260m)

Trek time: 5 hours (average) & 2 hours acclimatization hike (challenging)

I woke up after a pretty good sleep. I am fortunate to have the 'ability' to sleep anywhere. We left the lodge at around 8am, and after the first corner, we (finally) had the first glimpse of Everest.  

Quickly take a group photo before it disappears

Dave and I led the pack, and were at least an hour ahead. We maintained our pace, and hoped to catch more of Everest, which became a motivation.

There you go

The trek today was scenic and near perfect.

Weather was good

Ama Dablam, a peak of 6812m was constantly towering above us 

The fittest hiker in the group, at 22 - Dave is a swimmer who, most probably is the only one who has a realistic chance climbing the peak of Everest 

I started to appreciate stupa even more

The increase in altitude brought higher UV rays and glaring sunlight. Not the biggest fan of sunblock, I would cover myself in long sleeves, and most importantly, my face with a 'bandana' (only learned this word recently). A balaclava sounds cool, but as pointed out by Shiva, one of my teammate, it was a bit too hot and inconvenient.

100% protection from UV rays (Don't forget the gloves though)

We had an early lunch at Somar, and continued our trek at 12pm. Meals are typical along the trek. I would normally have fried noodles or Dal Bhat. I felt the other options of pizza or spaghetti weren't sufficient.

Attracted by the mural

The weather did change drastically as the day passed - Clouds would hover and block Everest

We were told by our guide Henry to wait for the rest before reaching Dingboche. Dave and I reached the entry point of Dingboche, and chilled there while waiting for the rest. The view was spectacular. As we chilled, I counted my blessings. This was an adventure of a life time.

Dingboche on the horizon, the magnificent Everest range in the background

We would reach the village of Dingboche at around 2pm. While waiting for the rest in the guesthouse, I sat down and watch the porters and guides play cards. The movie 'Everest', depicting the legendary Rob Hall was on TV, fueling the adventure theme and spirit. Nepal was a destination for adventurers, with Everest the ultimate prize.

The card game being played by the porters/guides was one of the simplest, yet the winner was always the same person. 4 players, each showing out a card per round. The one who has the 'largest card' takes the other 3, and keeps them aside. The player who accumulates the most cards when all cards are exhausted is the winner.

In the original trekking itinerary, we are supposed to spend 2 days at Dingboche. However, due to the 24-hour delay of getting into Lukla, we would sacrifice the acclimatization day at Dingboche (tomorrow) and head straight to Lobuche (4900m). As a result, after taking a quick breather, we prepped ourselves and started an acclimatization hike up the hill opposite the village of Dingboche, at around 2.30pm. 

View of Dingboche

From Dingboche (4200m), we hike up to around 4620m. This altitude was the highest I've been in my life. Annapurna Base Camp, which I attempted back in 2013 was 4130m. It was quite a challenging hike, as the hill was sandy and slippery. It took us nearly 2 hours to reach our targeted altitude, and another hour to return the lodge (at 5.30pm).

Unfortunately, the promised views of the Everest range wasn't available.

Clouds and fog blocked everything 

Had the most loyal companion all the way up

A much needed rest at 4650m

The Tibetan prayer flags had now become the mainstay everywhere we go regardless of the altitude (It is also on the peak of Everest)

Acclimatization is always vital and essential. I have read and heard of stories of how serious altitude sickness can be. It's important to follow your guide's advice. When we got back down Dingboche, bar Dave, Pat and I, everyone was totally knackered. I have full respect for everyone though, especially the girls. The acclimatization hike, though painstaking, prepared our bodies for EBC. 

I slept well that night. My best sleep was between 8-9pm and 12am-4am. I would constantly drink water during the night and have inevitable toilet runs. 


The altitude and stakes are higher now, as we prepare for EBC (5400m) in 2 days time. 


Up next:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-6.html