Page 130 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

sculpture was touching; they had all made the occasion even more perfect.
set out trying to achieve their dream. Feeling fresh, we attempted to climb
We stopped for lunch overlooking a Gokyo Ri, but had to come down when
small and colourful village with views the weather deteriorated quickly. Day
of snow covered mountains. The route thirteen started with an early wake-up
down to Phortse (3,810 metres) was to climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 metres) early
along a narrow mountain path with enough to enjoy the best views. The
sheer drops of hundreds of metres. It was summit was amazing. A 360 degree view
very frightening, but strangely, you got of eight of the highest peaks in Nepal, it
used to it. On arrival, we learned that was breath-taking. The descent down to
a family member had passed away in Phortse Thanga (3,680 metres) was tough
the house we were going to stay in. The as it seemed that there was as much uphill
monks had come to free the spirit and as there was downhill. Day 14 was very
they prayed, sang, chanted, drummed, exciting – a fresh bakery and no more
threw rice and lit candles - what an rice and noodles. At Namche Bazaar I
experience. enjoyed a hot shower and a banana waffle
– luxury.
Gokyo Ri
Lukla and Meat Again
We rested on day ten at Thare (4,390
metres) before moving onto Gokyo Spirits were high on the fifteenth day as
(4,800 metres). The house lady had we enjoyed the relaxing descent of our
travelled three days to accommodate us. last leg. It seemed so long ago that we
She always had a fire burning (fuelled by had ascended this stage. We got back
dried yak pooh), the food was amazing to Lukla and we were finally able to eat
and it was a very pleasant stay. The meat again. One more early start and we
following day was picturesque - we boarded the rollercoaster flight back to
passed three lakes and falling snow Kathmandu.

130

*2016 J Layout.indd 130 10/01/2017 15:43