Nepal is an extremely intriguing country to me. I'm looking forward to return after the travel ban is lifted. The lockdown will provide me ample time to train. The cheapest and most effective way to train for base camp trekking is walking up and down flights of staircases within a condominium everyday for 3 hours a day with or without a backpack and ankle weights.
Sometimes, we are drawn to certain places and people for a reason. Unknown to me then but I was there to meet a very important person that will change the perception of my outlook. This crucial person provided insight into a mind-boggling question.
If you think stair climbing days are over after reaching Chhomrong (2170m), you're in for a huge surprise. Steep stair climbing career will continue throughout Lower Sinuwa (2220m) and Upper Sinuwa (2350m). Staircases will gradually be replaced by foresty and rugged terrain from Bamboo (2300m) onwards. After Bamboo, there will be Dovan (2580m), Himalaya (2900m) and Deurali (3200m) before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) followed by Annapurna Base Camp (4147m).
My porter was a very patient man. When I gave him a chocolate bar, he kept it aside for his kid. If I offered to buy him a can of Coke, he preferred to save the additional money for his beloved wife's medical expenses. With his limited English ability, he shared tidbits of his romantic love story. They were both very good dancers. His sincerity towards his sick wife was apparent. I hope she recovered well after treatment.
At times, I met fellow trekkers high on marijuana. Usually they were Caucasians. Asians I met were mostly athletes or worked in the police force. It is still a paradox to me in regards to Nepali peoples' willpower to resist huge temptation being blissfully stoned or recklessly enjoying life. Perhaps salary earned from serving in the Gurkha army and tourism far exceeded selling marijuana. Anyway, I admire their professionalism at juggling priorities.
Gurung people were very friendly and helpful. I tasted Gurung bread drizzled with honey for breakfast. It was very appetizing. Most dhal bhat savored during Annapurna Base Camp trek were very delicious. My favorite beverage was hot ginger tea with honey and lemon slices. Probably the refreshing glacier water had something to do with the quality of fresh produce. The scenery was so breathtaking that I felt somewhat reluctant to leave. If possible, I wanted to carry a library of books up there then read the entire day, peeping out of my window occasionally to steal glances of snow peaks. Positive visualization of my dream life!
Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) mountain was the only sacred peak untouched by climbers. In the past, the areas surrounding Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) used to be so holy that no woman was allowed to be up there. I'm lucky to be born in the present so I could be there free from prejudice.
To be continued...
Thank you for reading!
Have a wonderful week!
Cheers,
Wheat
All images were taken by me and belong to me.
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