2nd Day of Base Camp Trek

Woke at 7am for breakfast and still bloody freezing and water frozen so could just about brush our teeth let alone wash anything. So we headed off on a very hard climb all up hill and across swinging bridges. We walked for about 4.30 hours and it was hard I think Sally also struggled a bit, it was also a very hot day. Passed lots of people on the way down and got our first look at Mount Everest against an amazing blue sky. Didn't pass many Nepalese as they go on the old trail which is now too dangerous for us softies. So we arrive at the major stopping town of Namche Bazar at 3445 meters, which is where most hikers stay for a couple of days to acclimatise due to the height. Hotel Sherpa Village is nice and we thought we were alone on our floor until a group of Japanese guys turned up and so noisey. They took over the place, hogged the fire and shouted everything they wanted to say. That night, well all night they were up and down coughing, being sick, spitting and walking about and in a wooden building sleep was near impossible, the only good thing was that we were both warm in our room while we watched 3 episodes of Spartacus. 

1st Day of Base Camp Trek

1st Day of our Trek to Everest

Well the day started with getting up at 4.15am to find no power and no generator working so in total darkness we had to finish packing, wash and get dressed. We  navigated our way down 5 flights of stairs by torch light only to find hotel staff fast asleep on the sofa and us locked in. Taxi arrived and we headed for airport, what madness awaited us there. It was crazy, there were people shouting, pushing and little old us not knowing what way to go or what to do. Finally we got to the gate and boarded a twin prop plane, we sat on the left as the views were meant to be better and they were. Flying by the seat of our pants we made it to Lukla, where the run way is up hill. Picked up luggage and our guide took us to a place for breakfast. Porridge is very nice.

And we're off, said we would walk 3 to 4 hours then stop for the night but as we made good time we carried on for another 2 hours and are now staying at a mountain lodge called Everest Mini in Solukhumbu altitude 2730metres. On the trek it was up and then down the path ways, over metal bridges which swing quite a lot and made me feel a bit sick. we didn't pass many people going up apart from the locals carrying supplies but a lot of people walking down.

I feel quite tired and chest hurts from my back pack. Sorted the room and now chilling as we are going for a little walk later before dinner. We walked for about half an hour down to the river but it was very cold so return for a cup of hot chocolate. Had a hash brown and cheese but it wasn't like any hash brown I've ever had before. Got very cold in the dining room so we decided about 7 to go to the room to get warm, well that's what we thought. It was bloody freezing the coldest I've ever been, even with 3 layers of clothes on and in a -20 sleeping bag with a blanket over me I was still freezing. I hardly slept due to the cold and my back hurting but I'm not complaining!!!

3rd Day in Kathmandu

Had another bad night sleep awake at 3am, so I'm tied, thirsty and my back hurts like hell. Fall back to sleep and we both woke about 10ish so we got dressed and headed for the roof to soak up the sun and have our fruit breakfast. 

We went to Durbar Square by rickshaw which is another first for me and maybe my last. Durbar Square is the centre of Kathmandu where all the temples and Kings palace is. Spent the rest of the day there in and out of temples and the palace museum. Walked around some side streets but now they all look alike, all selling the same tacky stuff. Took another rickshaw back, poor guy had to peddle hard with 2 lardy arsed westerns in the back and he only got 300 rupees about £2.20 for all his hard work. Stopped and had a jug of hot chocolate in a cafe and it was lovely.

Back at the room we had the task of a warm tickle of water from the shower and no lights so yet again our torches were used while we washed. Kit all sorted for the start of our trek tomorrow starting at 5am pick up for our flight to Lukla where our base camp trek will begin. I had tomato soup for my starter tonight (really nice) followed by a steak, (not nice) it was really fatty but the chips were good. What do you want for £3.00 

2nd Day Extra

Well went back to room and would you believe it a trickle of hot water so we both got naked and went for it and then the lights went out. So a first for me a shower by torch light but now I'm clean with clean clothes on.

2nd Day in Kathmandu

After a terrible night trying to sleep we were up around 8am to discover no electricity and no hot water, have to be up early its a first come first showered system. Anyway we headed off to Swayambhunath (monkey temple) and we actually found it, my mouth was really sore from all the pollution by the time we got there. Was dying by the time we climbed our way to the top of the temple, hassled all the way by beggars and sellers. Monkeys line the route to the top and what amazing views when you managed to look through the smog. The sun had broken through and I was the only person walking around in a tee shirt as it was so hot. Spent a couple of hours up there and then headed down to the city smog for a drink. We headed for the Garden of Dreams where we ate in the famous Kaiser Cafe. Planning on a pizza and beer tonight although we are on the roof top drinking a nice cold Everest Beer right now.

1st Day in Kathmandu

Day started off at Heathrow not knowing if we were going to fly or not, all we knew was we were delayed by 30 mins. And we are off to Delhi but running 90 minutes late. Good flight but food was rubbish and because we were late, it was a rush to connect to our next flight to Kathmandu as they were just boarding. 80 minutes later touch down. On exiting the airport we saw two guys frantically waving a board with our names on it so I guess that's our ride. Driving through Kathmandu was like driving through a town that had been at war or hit by an earthquake. Houses and shacks all falling down, street traders selling what they can and provety all around. I think it's the worst place I have ever been too, even parts of Africa were far better. Hotel prince, if you can call it a hotel is the best they have to offer here, it simple and we found out later its free for us. Our airport guy took us to meet Nirmal our very good agent after we dumped our kit in our room. He had arranged all our permits and flights, very nice guy, I had a coffee with buffalo milk (a first, very creamy) So all sorted and what was a 5 minute walk back to hotel took us an hour to get back as we got totally lost. Had a nice Everest beer at hotel that was very nice and now ready for bed.

Well it's 7pm UK time which makes it 1am here and I'm awake. The bed is OMG hard I mean no mattress, it's cold and the night generator has started up but at least the cars and scooters have stopped blasting their horns. Time for some Bubble Witch and 50 Shades.