Trek Day 5

The trek, by now the standard routine started at 8 AM that day. Our walking was slow as our body was still getting adjusted to the high altitude and the weather was very cold. Our thermal wear was ON and our excess clothing also did not help our walk. Initially the path was good with a slight ascend and a few river crossing. the path was through a ravine with beautiful mountains on either side and wonderful waterfalls all along the path. Our trek route was along the Modishala river. The views were a sight to behold.

We had a photo session at Hinku caves and thereafter continued to

our Lunch Pitstop at Deurali. After gobbling the usual Dal Bhat we continued our trek. The route was quite narrow and had cross some streams which very treacherous and had to walk on ice covered pathways. Thanks to our guides who helped us immensely to cross these debacles. Our walk was further slowed due to Raji's breathing issues hence we had to take a break every 10 minutes so that she can catch her breath. We were around 12000 Feet and breathing was difficult.

As we were nearing Machapuchare Base camp (MBC), the weather changed dramatically. It started raining and we had stop and get dressed with our Poncho which further reduced our walk speed. the path was even more dangerous and our visibility was also greatly reduced. We were informed that our walk will be for around 2 hrs from Deurali after lunch to reach MBC but eventually it took us 4 hours due to the adverse weather conditions. We reached MBC by

around 5.00 PM. The weather turned to worse at MBC with heavy snowing. The temperature drop with poor visibility made us stay indoors. We had reached an altitude of 3700 Mts (12500 Feet)

There were a couple of other trekking groups who had also camped in the same tea house. As we go up in altitude the tea houses are fewer and restricted by the Nepalese Government. Cost of all items are prohibitively expensive as these items are carried by Porters to these tea houses. An egg costs 330 NPR.

Fortunately Raji was attended by a Doctor who was part of a German trekking group. He provided some tablets and after a few hours of rest and medication she was ready to complete the expedition. Everybody had partial altitude sickness to the extent of breathing diffculties. We were provided Garlic soup and Korean Noodles for dinner. No one had the wherewithal to remain awake especially due

to the heavy snowing outside.

One of our fellow trekker, Ms. Asha had breathing difficulties and was advised to return to lower altitude.