My trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar had magical effect on me. I felt like a bubbly teenager, who was full of energy and ready to conquer the world. I had rediscovered me.
Once back to my lodge at Gorek Shep, though, I had to pack my bags but needed to sit near fireplace, for a while, to quell my shiver. Another group’s two trekkers were sitting besides me. One of them complemented me, “you have set a record for climbing, we used all gears still couldn’t manage and you did in your normal shoes”. I smiled shyly.
After breakfast time to leave Gorek Sheep. I got to know from guide that return route till Lobuche was same. After lunch at Lobuche, then to take different route to reach Pheriche, night halt for the day. Still immersed in the feel of Everest I moved slowly, initially, as if some force was dragging me back to Everest. But that was not going to happen so pushed myself to keep moving forward.
Trek upto Lobuche was glacial and slippery. Further trek to Pheriche was long in distance but very scenic. Nature at its best. Most of the trail being descend, movement was swifter. By late evening my whole group reached Pheriche. And me straight to my favourite fireplace. Suddenly, a person pulled his chair near mine and curiously enquired if I had traveled with Kailash Journey earlier. I reciprocated with my curiosity. Then he introduced himself that he was from that agency. He was leading a group to Everest Base Camp. He guessed from my bag as that was gifted by his agency. We had a long conversation on my spiritual Kailash Mansarovar journey I had with his travel agency, last year.
Next morning again a long trek to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche monastery. But I was least bothered about distance. Not a trace of tiredness in my body, I was ready to trek even non stop.
Beautiful landscape, greenery all around, cascading water, trees in full bloom. Wow! That was not a garden I just described the scenic route to Namche Bazaar. Guide Ishwor along with his colleagues Pemba and Lama, looked very relaxed. Earlier, they had tough time leading group through rough weather.
By the time group reached Namche Bazaar, everyone looked exhausted. I immediately took out big pack of dates from my bag. I offered to all and insisted on eating lots of those as dates are considered very good source of energy.
My group planned to honor all porters associated with us, at Lukla, next day. So budget discussed and all members intimated of individual share. I immediately handed over my share and back to fireplace. One couple from Scotland was already there. Smiles exchanged and lady told me that they were going to Everest Base Camp. Also inquired, if me too was heading for Base Camp. When I told her that I had trekked to Everest Base Camp and now on my way back to Lukla. She was totally shocked at my fresh looks. I laughed. When she knew I was from India, she was excited. She along with her boyfriend were set to travel India. So we discussed lot about India.
MY Adventures continue…
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