Rest day at Dingboche was instrumental in injecting much desired vigor to my body. High altitude trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche was going to be much tougher. But not bothered about the steep climb, I was anxious to reach Dungla.
Dungla is a memorial on a hilltop en route to Lobuche, built in the remembrance of those climbers who lost their lives to Everest. Before exploring the area I bowed in front of memorial Stupa and paid my respects.
Emotional moment for me as I read one plaque dedicated to Bulgarian climber. He climbed alone to the Mt Everest summit and that too without oxygen but died on his way back. Such a stupendous act of bravery! There are many inspiring stories of climbers, who lived and died for their passion. Me too live for my passion to travel and may die happily somewhere while exploring the unexplored.
After a brief stay at the memorial, it was time to head for the next stint of adventures. Passing through craggy mountains and no defined path to follow. Then, with slippery ground beneath due to the recent spell of snowfall, making it strenuous to tread.
And a watercourse, overflowing with melted snow in sunny weather. Navigating through gushing water and maintaining right body balance was a tough task at hand. I gauged the depth using my trekking pole and took short measured steps in knee deep water. My shoes were filled with water and still a distance to cover before I reached Lobuche. More concerned for my feet getting frozen, I quickly evolved a way out. Drained out the water and wrapped my feet with water proof sheets which I always carried in my handbag. That method did wonder for my feet as I started feeling warmth in my toes. I tell you, in spite of all those tough moments, I found the experience very exhilarating.
Trekking trail until Lobuche was hard to walk on but gorgeous to look at. At far end appeared the sight of Lobuche, and I heaved a sigh of relief complemented by a genuine smile on my face.
At an elevation of 16,076 ft, Lobuche greeted me with vistas of Mt Nuptse. In spite of great views, could not remain in open for long as I needed to change immediately. Then back to my all time favourite place to sit, the fireplace. Would get up only when meal is served. As fireplace was in dinning room itself so I could keep a track on my meal also.
While waiting for dinner then to hot coffee, I got my camera battery charged. Imagine per hour rate for charging, Nepali rs350 per hour. But the best part was at least they were providing all the facilities to trekkers. So no issues on higher charges.
MY Adventures continue…
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