From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 8: Part 2 (Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pangboche)

Previously, I hiked up Kala Patthar at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/09/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-8.html

22 May 2018, Monday

Gorak Shep (5180m) - Kala Patthar (5455m) - Pangboche (3800m)

Trek time: 
- 3.5 hours round-trip to Kala Patthar at 4am (extremely tough hike for me)
- 2.5 hours to Lobuche
- 1.5 hours to Tukla
- 4 hours to Pangboche

In Day 8 Part 1, I was able to drag myself up and down Kala Patthar, before taking breakfast at around 8am

~~~

As the team set-off the long journey downhill, I took my time to settle all my chores, which include having my customary toilet break, brushing my braces-wearing teeth (with minimal water), packing my bags...

From then on, there were no more urgency or expectations. As far as I was concern, I achieved my objectives in Nepal, the holy grail of an armature hiker. I departed Gorak Shep around at around 9am with Henry (our guide), and took my time to trek, savouring the landscape and scenery. I enjoyed the Himalayan skyline. 

This wasn't a good thing, as complacent crept-in. Being impatient of waiting for the yak-train, I made a few jumps on the rocks too many. I was actually trying to follow Henry's speed, being the last member of the team. A particular jump-landing with full body weight on my right leg would cause a bad strain on my right heel the next day. 

You could hire a donkey if you can't move

For most of the hike, I was alone, and was wondering where the rest were. Dinesh was leading the front pack. reached Lobuche at around 11.30am.

Was extremely glad to see Lobuche, after trekking alone for more than an hour

I headed straight into our lodge expecting to find familiar faces - without success

I was somewhat confident to trek alone because I had a Nepali sim-card, with the phone numbers of my guides and the tour company office in Kathmandu. Fortunately, Henry suddenly appeared at the guesthouse, saying that I had somehow overtook him, as he was waiting for me. Luckily, he spotted me on the horizon, and hurried to the guesthouse.

After a breather at the guesthouse, refilling drinking water and retrieving Ryan's lost sunglasses, we pushed on, and reach Tukla Tea House at around 1pm. It was only at Tukla that I met half of my teammates. The 'rocket team' of Dave, Ryan and Pat were long gone.

Packed my egg sandwich (which wasn't the best) from Tukla, and pushed for Pangboche

The trek to Pangboche was serene

Trekking with my teammates, whom we became quite close was enjoyable. We spoke a lot as we trekked. It was really nice. I made great friends in Neil, Reena, Praksha, Shiva and of course Dinesh, our guide.

It did felt like a never ending journey

Even after 3.5 hours of hiking and in the late afternoon, Pangboche was still super far away 

Nevertheless, we all reach Pangboche at around 5.30pm. I felt great at 3800m. Oxygen felt plentiful. Statistically, I have walked for 13 hours, having started the day at 4am!

No hot shower available though

The only thing I want, was a hot shower the next day at Namche Bazaar.

Up next:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-9.html

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 8: Part 1 (Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pangboche)

Previously:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-7.html

22 May 2018, Monday

Gorak Shep (5180m) - Kala Patthar (5455m) - Pangboche (3800m)

Trek time: 
- 4 hours round-trip to Kala Patthar (extremely tough hike for me)
- 2.5 hours to Lobuche
- 1.5 hours to Tukla
- 4 hours to Pangboche

If I had to choose one of the longest and physically challenging days of my life, it'll be this day.

I seem to be the only one in the team that was motivated for Kala Patthar, and I woke up at quarter to 4, promptly. Had to wake my roommate - Dave up, and credits to him, he was up for it. We knocked the doors of our fellow teammates (Ryan / Pat), but no one could wake up. 

Undeterred, we headed downstairs and found a few hikers near the door of the lodge. There was no sign of our guides. We decided to tag along with other hikers, as we half-suspect that our guides wouldn't turn up.  

It was 4am, dark and cold outside.

We were told that it takes around 2 hours to the peak, and were promised the sunrise view of Everest. The words and reminder of the Canadian guide I met at the airport when I touched down (which was now more than a week ago) still rang strongly. 

And boy it was a tough hike, at least for me. Dawn broke around 5.30am, where the first rays of light projected through the skyline. 

It was a vertical ascend of around 350m (Mt. Pumori peak at the rear end)

If you look carefully, you could see the town of Gorak Shep (almost center of this photo)

Dave, after a slow start, become his usual self, and without much fuss, disappeared. The more I climbed the slower I got. Hikers overtook me, as I took breaks, and photos. A mistake I made though, was that I didn't take breakfast. (Who takes breakfast at 3.45am?) A cup of milo probably would have helped. 

Everest hides behind the mountain range

It took me an excruciating 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Kala Patthar. While on the way up, I saw Dave, who was already heading back for breakfast, citing the crowd and cold at the summit. In a way, by taking my own sweet time, I reached the summit pretty empty.

View of Kala Patthar - Sunny, but I was in my down-jacket all the time (Mt. Pumori peak at the rear end)

Tips for Chevening Scholarship Application

What are your dreams in life?

What about taking a break from work, and head back to university for a Masters degree (uni and subject of your choice), on a full scholarship?

Have you ever thought of embarking on a once in a life time adventure in the UK, a gateway to Europe?

The UK Chevening Scholarship presents an opportunity, and I was a fortunate recipient in 2016-17.

Receiving award certificate from High Commissioner (Malaysia) - HE Vicki Treadell (July 2016)

You can read more info at their website: www.chevening.org (open for applications from 6 August)

Every year, 1800 scholars from around the world are chosen to embark on a year's adventure in the UK. In Malaysia, there are around 40 recipients each year. The per-capita ratio for Malaysia is one of the highest. 

This year, another 45 Malaysians are heading to the UK: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/399803/45-chevening-scholars-set-pursue-postgraduate-studies-uk

Read about Diana Shakira's account: https://www.nst.com.my/education/2018/08/403976/uk-bound-postgrad-studies

From my observation, Cheveners come from a mixture of professional backgrounds, from lawyers, doctors, scientists, environmentalist, government officers, engineers, journalists, social activists and the list goes on. One thing is for sure, these people are no fluke. All are experts, leaders and high-achievers in their fields. Initially, I did feel a lack of confidence, or slightly inferior, like a small prawn in a huge lake. 

Anyway, this should not stop you from TRYING and APPLYING for the scholarship. You stand a chance only if you apply. In fact, a friend made the cut only after 3 years or applications. 

So credits to my Chevening 2016-17 friends for indirectly contributing to this post.

Malaysian Cheveners 2016-17