As i looked thru the pictures of our Mera expedition, it brought back many memories...memories of joy, satisfaction, disappointment & many other emotions. It was a trip of both physical & mental challenges.We had talked about this trip for some time & postponed it for a yr. My savings were almost wiped out...spent abt $6-7k. I still rem as i stepped out of Campers Corner with my Arcteryx (sickly blue) jacket & other purchases, my heart bled. I couldn't believe I had just spent $400+on a "raincoat"! I could have walked out from LV or Gucci with smtg else...hehehe
We had only trained seriously towards the last 2 mths leading to the expedition. In any case, i dun think any amt of training wld really suffice. Ultimately, it's one's mental enduranace that sees u to the top and down.
Kathmandu streets look abit like those at Lombok Indonesia, just more rustic. During the bus ride to our hotel, I still couldn't believe that i was in Nepal!After some shopping for gear, we treated ourselves to a sumptous meal before embarking on a long expedition.
From Kathmandu, we had to take a jetliner to Lukla, the start point of our trek. It was a small plane that could only take about 10-12 passengers. The amazing thing is thatdespite the space constraint, they could squeeze in a flight stewardess to serve us onboard! Take a closer look at the runway. If the engine breaks down, that's sayonara folks! It's a drop point into the valleys.
A group picture taken before the start of trek. We would return to this place some 10 days later.
Arrived at our 1st campsite - Chhutanga, 3430m asl.
The next day saw us crossing 2 high passes. It was rock & ice upslope for most parts (or was it all the way?). Apart from Joanne, all of us arrived at Tuli Kharka, totally shacked out. That night, we did not come out for dinner. Clarence, Nic & I vomitted in our respective tents.
The next day saw us crossing 2 high passes. It was rock & ice upslope for most parts (or was it all the way?). Apart from Joanne, all of us arrived at Tuli Kharka, totally shacked out. That night, we did not come out for dinner. Clarence, Nic & I vomitted in our respective tents.
The guides then decided that next day would be a resting day for us.
After a day's rest, we could walk better. There was a stretch where we were reminded of home - a route at Bkt Timah Nature Reserve!
Mousum Kharka 3430m asl Cooking Tent & Happy Sherpas Our Dining Tent
If ever there's a best service award in the world, i wld nominate the Nepalese Sherpas. I was deeply impressed by their service standard. They ensured that our toilet tent is up before we reach every campsite. They woke up early to boil water and serve it at our doorstep...and the water is for washing up! We even have warm water, soap & dry cloth for cleaning our hands outside our dining tent!
We rested at Khare - 5000m asl and practised our ropework & snow climb. I had 3 layers on me and it made peeing so difficult. Look at the guys! It's so easy for them.
By the time we crossed Mera La & reached High Camp (5800m asl), i had decided not to summit. I could manage the walk although i was cold & slow but i did not want to drag the team down. The sherpa who was taking care of me was suffering with me...in his minimal winter gear. With my pace, it would antagonize the chances of summitting AND descending within the good weather window. It was a sad decision but i never regretted it. The mountain will always be there :)
The next morning, Joanne, Jack, Nicholas & Clarence summitted at 11am.
A dramatic episode later followed. Hee...stubborn me had refused to eat while waiting for them to return from summit. I spent the entire morning lying in the tent. My head spinned the minute i tried to wake up. When Joanne hit the tent to check my condition, i was near unconsciousness. According to her, my pupils dilated. The team rushed me down to the nearest campsite - Khare.
At first, a porter was piggy-backing me. Within the first 10m, the "seat" didn't hold well & i kept sliding down. I proceeded to come down and walk with their assistance...2 porters were holding me up on both arms.
When we hit Khare, it was dusk. Joanne & gang have held their bladders for the last 12 hours..there was no chance to pee at all after summitting!
The next morning, a major decision was to be made. The original plan was to enroute to Island Peak after summit bid. But due to my condition, we have came too far to Khare. If we want to carry on with Island Peak, we wld need to climb faster. Half of us wanted to cut short & return to Kathmandu while the other half decided to push on. Ultimately, Island Peak was abandoned due to bad weather. The chief guide told us that a Caucasian couple was evacuated the day before. Anyhow, i still felt guilty.
We proceeded with our descent. For me, it was not any easier. I was suffering from gastritis on the way back. However, as we went lower, I was getting back to "normal". It's a natural process. Once we go beyond 3000m asl, our bodies are out of comfort zone. I had AMS and so as i descend, my body is put back to normality.
We proceeded with our descent. For me, it was not any easier. I was suffering from gastritis on the way back. However, as we went lower, I was getting back to "normal". It's a natural process. Once we go beyond 3000m asl, our bodies are out of comfort zone. I had AMS and so as i descend, my body is put back to normality.
We took a group picture at Chhutanga before heading down to Lukla for our celebration.
Remember at the start of this post, i whined abt my heart bleeding...having spent so much $ on this trip? Well...the $ was well spent. It fetched me an experience never to be forgotten, a strengthened character & precious friendships. Til date, the tenacity of the mild-mannered Nepalese sherpas & guides still stays with me. Sometimes i wonder how they are now.
A tribute to the Shepas & team:
Pemba - Chief Guide
Dawa - Asst. Guide
Nima - Asst. Guide who patiently walked beside me & took care of me
Jamba - The bubbly Cook
Lilah - The cheerful Kitchen Boy
And the "nameless" small uncle who was carrying our metal dining table thru'out the trip. I guess the table was very heavy for his built that he always reached the campsite after us :(
I would return to Nepal again.
