It never ever stopped raining last night. I hoped and hoped that it would do the same thing it had done in Namche and rain itself out so the skies might clear in the morning, but no luck. We dragged ourselves through breakfast and derped around while packing up our bags, but still, it didn’t … More Expedition Poke-Everest, Day 5: we get wet and don’t see any mountains
First Everest sighting today!! Starting location: Namche Bazar, 3,440m (11,286 feet) Max elevation: 3,860m (12,726 feet) Min elevation: 3,318m (10,884 feet) Ending location: Tengboche, 3,860m (12,726 feet) Total gain: 846m (2,775 feet) Distance traveled: 7.57 miles in 4:40 active time, 6:14 total time Average pace: 36’59” per mile Slowest mile: 45’01” Rain and clouds moved … More Expedition Poke-Everest, Day 4: to Tengboche
Today is an acclimatization day in Namche Bazar. We did a 2.5-mile hike up to the Tenzing Interpretive Center, just above 12,000 feet, but otherwise our assignment for the day is to rest, explore the town a little, and practice breathing at this elevation. Namche is an incredibly cool town. The only way to get … More Expedition Poke-Everest, Day 3: Namche Bazar
Today begins the upward trek! Starting location: Phakding, 2,610m (8,601 feet) Ending location: Namche Bazar, 3,440m (11,210 feet) Total gain: 1,000m (3,281 feet) Distance: 7.8 miles in 5:01 active time, 6:48 total time Average pace: 38’35” per mile Slowest mile: 44’57” Getting out of town at 8am was a whole lot like joining rush hour … More Expedition Poke-Everest, Day 2: Bistari, bistari
Here’s the best and most reliable tip I’ll have to offer for this whole adventure: hire a guide. If you hire a good guide, you can stand back and watch the guideless-tourists struggle to communicate and figure out all the red tape while your guide jumps to the front of the line and just makes … More Expedition Poke-Everest, Day 1: Get yourself a guide
