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