D8 Acclimatisation Day @Dingboche
Day 8 6.10.22 Rest day or Test Day @14,000ft
A bitterly cold morning, freezing waters and chattering teeth reminded me that I was in Dingboche (Dingu-poche) 😀. It is a beautiful , small village with a population of approximately 200 people, and is a popular stop for trekkers en route to the Base camp. Many petty shops stocked almost everything from water bottles to raincoats, colourfully woven woollen gloves, headbands and toiletries, of course at premium rates. An early morning solo stroll gave some breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.The rising sun shone on the peaks and the melting snow shimmered like precious gems. Shiva joined me later looking for alpine choughs, sunbirds and robins. My roomie preferred to stay indoors.
Today's target was to reach upto an altitude of 400m from our tea-house and return. As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it was highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent. The trekkers’ aid post operates at Pheriche, supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association and Tokyo Medical College.
A delicious burger was my b'fast today. Not in the wildest of my dreams had I dreamt of eating a burger @14000ft. Truly yummilicious! We began our trek as usual while the clouds kept playing their game. It got mistier as we went higher and became too windy. Climbed up nearly 300m and started descending as it was too windy and there was hardly any visibility. My roomie returned mid-way as she wasn't feeling good and didn't want to exert herself. We returned for lunch and shopped for some essentials.
Started wearing extra layers - thermals, fleece and down. Was expecting a long day tomorrow.
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