Everest base camp, day 5: Namche Bazaar to Debuche

posted in: Uncategorized | 5
October 2014
It would be one more gruelling day for us. The elevation plot
below shows that the net altitude gain between Namche Bazaar and Debuche was
about 1,100 feet but for that we had to lose 3068 feet and climb back 4149
feet!!
After the initial climb from Namche Bazaar we reach the Army
camp. It was then a plain walk with occasional ups and downs for next 90
minutes. The view of Everest was visible for most of our journey but it was Ama
Dablam that stole the show on that day. It just looked spectacular and after
each turn we felt that we were almost near that mountain!!
Ama Dablam
At this stretch Subbu had nose bleeding.  It subsided after sometime and he looked ok.
It was the first sign that not everything was right.
Fields after Namche Bazaar
At Sanasa, a path deviates to Gokyo lakes. Our original
itinerary had Gokyo Lake with crossing of mighty Cho La. But later we felt that
we were not “prepared” for such a touch trek. Finally we decided to stick to
the “easiest” route to EBC!!
That path then continuously went down to the base of the
valley. We were now at an altitude lower than Namche Bazaar. Now it was time to
climb up!!
The final climb to Tengboche involves a steep climb of about
2500 feet but it is often underestimated by climbers. It is as touch as Namche
Bazaar climb and comes at the end of the days trek. The climb starts
immediately after crossing the hanging bridge at Dudh Kosi River. We had to register
at an army check post here. Samir told that this would be the last check post.
Hanging bridge before the climb
In spite of the altitude, I had an easy day. But I felt not
everything was right for Subbu. He seemed to be slow that day. This was
atypical of him. He had an infection just before starting the trip. It was very
similar to my Manasa Sarovar exeperience. Few days before the start, I had an
infection.  I was still on antibiotics
when I landed in Kathmandu. But due to Tibet permit issues, I got an
opportunity to rest at Kathmandu for few days. Subbu did not have that luxury. So
as he started falling back, I felt that the infection was keeping him performing
his best.
Snow capped mountain at Tengboche
After two hours of continuous climb, we reached Tengboche.
One cannot miss the imposing monastery here.
Tengboche monastery

The stay options at Tengboche are limited. Since we were one
of the first to arrive we had all hotels at our disposal. But we decided to go
as per our plan and walk down to Debuche, a 20 minute journey downhill.  We choose Everest Lodge to stay which indeed
was a pleasant place. They had few books in their restaurant and also had a
small TV in their Kitchen with Hindi channels. Both kept us engaged for rest of
the day!!
Ama Dablam soar behind Deboche

5 Responses

  1. Dinesh Kumar

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  2. Sana

    Trust me Aravind, it feels like I am reading a novel or as if watching a movie of your adventures. As you said Amu Dabalm is truly stunning and looks so close.

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