I've learnt a number of things on this trip which, taken together, make me think that if I ever came back that I would do it differently.
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| Approaching the Phoksumdo Lake |
Trekking in the Dolpo - Back over the Kang La
Despite losing 2 days in Nepalgunj at the start of the trek, we are now back on schedule. The weather, however, is cold so rather than stop at High Camp again on the return leg BB suggested going further and getting down to main valley north of Phoksumdo, much lower and back into the forest. This made for a big day with over 1000m of the climb and nearly 2000m of descent. Although Christine was nervous about it at the beginning of the day, given how hard the first crossing of the pass was, it went really well, was a huge confidence booster, and confirmed that we still have what it takes.
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| The long slog up to Kang La |
Trekking in the Dolpo - Rest Day in Shey Gumpa
Today we had a rest day. After saying goodbye to our student friend, who still had another day's walking to her village, and a lovely walk in the morning, we spent the afternoon pleasantly doing nothing.
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| Shey Gumpa |
Trekking in the Dolpo - Shey Gumpa
Weather wise things have changed. After 4 days of brilliant sunshine, the clouds have dropped and it's cold and drizzly. Today we reached the highest point on the trek, the pass, the Kang La (5250m), crossed it and descended down to Shey Gumpa, our northern destination and turnaround point.
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| Leaving High Camp in the drizzle |
Trekking in the Dolpo - High Camp
After yesterday's comment about the Nepalese and campsites, I have to report that the French seem to find them particularly exciting as well. As we disappeared into the quiet seclusion of our tent they got particularly noisy. Not only were they shouting and singing, they were actually 'dancing' around the campfire, going round and round it like a scene from some fifties western. Listening to other people enjoying themselves can be annoying but I'm afraid listening to the French, post Brexit, it was almost intolerable.
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| One of today's many river crossings |
Trekking the Dolpo - Underneath the Kanjirowa Himal
Today's walk took us along the northern side of the Phoksumdo Lake, over a 4000m saddle, then north up a flat-bottomed valley underneath the hanging glacier of the Kanjirowa Himal. It was a stunning walk and the first part, following a path carved into the vertical face of cliffs descending down to the lake, must be a candidate for any trekking bucket list.
Trekking the Dolpo - Rest Day in Ringmo
Today's a rest day, a chance to recover from three days tough walking and to get acclimatised ahead of a 5000m pass in a couple of days time. We're camping on the side of the Phoksumdo Lake, the most beautiful place I've ever rested in, and it feels like a real privilege to be here.
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| A massive natural chemical spill |
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