Went to Karaoke and chose a very meaningful song by ABBA title - I HAVE A DREAM!!. The lyrics pierce into my heart, and yes I have a dream, a dream that I always want to achieve it and fulfil it. Something I always want to do if I have the avenue.
Everyone has a dream, but not all want to achieve it. And the most common answer is dreaming to become millionaire, some dream of travel around the world, some dream to become CEO, some dream to become Super Star.
I want to become an Influencial & inspire person to the society thru mountain climbing & humanitary work. It may sound silly to many, bcos this dream does not bring any good income in life. Sometimes often time, we focus too much on money and neglect some of the most important value in life.
A good example is our 1st Malaysia Astronaut - Dr Sheik Muszaphar. Thru his voyage to th space he can use his fame to influence the society.
Once there was a TV-reality show "BENSON & HEDGES GOLDEN DREAM" who give public opportunity to fulfil their dream. Some dream of being a postman in USA, some dream to become a Chef in Las Vegas Hotel, some dream to skydive in Himalaya. This programme really inspire many youngster to fulfil their dream. I wish such programme will appear again.
In order for me to fuifil my dream, i have to find sponsor or job that i am able to :-
1. To stay in Nepal for a year
2. To trek to Everest Basecamp & Annarpurna Base Camp
3. To do social work for the poor kids
4. To work with United Nation (UNHCR)
Sound ridiculus to you? Well...... that is call DREAM... it may not make senses to many. But it is definately is my dream....
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Durian
How do you describe durian?
Hard and Thorny outside, but once it's being opened, that's where the aroma !
Wrong perception, misjudgement - Many people will have a wrong perception of what kind of person I am. They have mis-interprete me as someone ferocious, stubborn, hard-hearted, unkind, hard to approach all sort of negative image they can think of. I am not surprise and I dont blame them, bcos this is very usual re-action when they dont know me long enough.
I can be very extreme. Extreme in 2 difference faces. I can be very strong and tough and I can be very soft hearted and kind. I often tell people, my destiny in future will be either I am a successful adventurer or a social worker. 2 different kind of character Hard & Soft.
Only people who spend time long enough with me will understand what kind of character I am. However in current environment, everything is about speed, fast. Therefore people could have just "mark" me as someone difficult.
Well, I think the only way is to carry on my life as it is. Let the nature flows on its own cause. We just cant justify every single things people comment, condemn abt us. But will take it with open heart, and move on. I believe those people who stay on with me, are those who really spend time to know me as a person in deep.
I thank those who are close with me,
Do not judge a durian by it's cover !hehe
Hard and Thorny outside, but once it's being opened, that's where the aroma !
Wrong perception, misjudgement - Many people will have a wrong perception of what kind of person I am. They have mis-interprete me as someone ferocious, stubborn, hard-hearted, unkind, hard to approach all sort of negative image they can think of. I am not surprise and I dont blame them, bcos this is very usual re-action when they dont know me long enough.
I can be very extreme. Extreme in 2 difference faces. I can be very strong and tough and I can be very soft hearted and kind. I often tell people, my destiny in future will be either I am a successful adventurer or a social worker. 2 different kind of character Hard & Soft.
Only people who spend time long enough with me will understand what kind of character I am. However in current environment, everything is about speed, fast. Therefore people could have just "mark" me as someone difficult.
Well, I think the only way is to carry on my life as it is. Let the nature flows on its own cause. We just cant justify every single things people comment, condemn abt us. But will take it with open heart, and move on. I believe those people who stay on with me, are those who really spend time to know me as a person in deep.
I thank those who are close with me,
Do not judge a durian by it's cover !hehe
Sunday, May 10, 2009
PASSION OF CHILREN OF THE WORLD
I have this special passion for children since 2001, my 1st trip return from Nepal and when I 1st accepted christ. I always wanted to do something for the poor children I met -during all my personal trip to Nepal, Cambodia, India, North East Thailand (Surin). The suffering/pain those children have to go thru, some lost their parents, some being abandon, some being abuse and tortured. I have this burden, I wanted to do something for them, but how? I am not millionaire that I can donate large amount of money, I dont have the ability to build school, provide them proper life. What can I do?
I like to share what I have done, what I am doing & what I hope to do.
There are 3 stories on how I involve and been doing for the chilren :-
FOR NEPALESE CHILDREN
In Dec 2005 (winter), in a sudden I make up my mind to have a short trip (10days) to Nepal alone with my own expenses. I contacted one of the orphanage home NAMASTE CHILDREN HOUSE which newly operated about 1yr located in Phokara, Nepal. I shared my passion with a few close friends and collected some donation (money, stationery & old clothes). I carried with my 25kg backpack to Nepal.
I spent about 5-6days in the orphanage, helping them with their daily operation (cleaning, cooking, tuition) and with the donation I collected, I bought for the orphanage home some sports item (soccer ball, racket, table tennis). And each othe them I bought from Malaysia each a pair of socks, it is bcos all the children need warm items during this cold winter. The joy is unmeasureable when you see how the children appreciate this gift. For this poor orphans, the loves and heart that matters not so much on the gift.
I am very touched when I read each children biodata. Their background is truly sad. Some children were being brought to this home from the street, as these children were abandon by their parents, some were too sick to take care, some were too poor to take care. Therefore they left their children loitering in the street trying to survive on their own. One kid name Purna age 8yrs old have to work to survive thanks for the restaurant owner who offer this small kid a job to clean up, help around in kitchen, and luckily he was brought in to this home now and going to school now.
We will never appreciate our life until we really see with our own eyes there are many people out there who need our help. Namaste Children House is still fresh in my mind. I would like to go back to this place again and see how the children grow. I may not be able to offer alot of $$ to help them, but I am sure with my thought & love (intangleble) I have done something for them.
Is will remain in my heart to visit them again one day, and I am sure the day will come
Even I am unable to travel very often to Nepal. But I always receive progress report from this home and browse thru the home website :- http://www.orphanagenepal.org/
FOR INDONESIAN CHILDREN
I have sponsor a child from Pontianak, Indonesia age 6 thru WORLDVISION (http://www.worldvision.com.my/). With just RM50 I contributed each month, it will help this organization to develop this child. The RM50 is not a big amount and of course it cannt help much to the child. But if everyone contributed RM50, it will increase the pool of money and many things can be done. Well, I will not question abt how this organization run and many people will have doubt whether the contribution will go direct to thei child. Bcos the most important is the heart, not the money.
FOR MYANMAR CHILDREN REFUGEE (in Malaysia)
The children from Myanmar mainly follow their parents sneaking out from their country who is now undergoing political instability. Some came thru Malaysia illegally, some were born here holding red MYKAD. These children has no idea what will be their future as being so called refugee. Their future lies to where UNHCR will place them.
While children in Malaysia are so lucky to be able to go to school freely and yet they did not appreciate it at all. These refugee children is just depending on volunteer teacher to teach them the basic english and mathematic. Children mix up from age 5 to 12 sitting in same class.
I am touched, and I just volunteer myself in my community where there are more than 500 Myanmar refugees. I just spend time on Sunday with the children, participating in the bible class, sunday school. Seeing them singing and enjoying the song makes me very joyful.
I just pray that one day I will be able to help these children more, perhaps to start up a children fund.
I like to share what I have done, what I am doing & what I hope to do.
There are 3 stories on how I involve and been doing for the chilren :-
FOR NEPALESE CHILDREN
In Dec 2005 (winter), in a sudden I make up my mind to have a short trip (10days) to Nepal alone with my own expenses. I contacted one of the orphanage home NAMASTE CHILDREN HOUSE which newly operated about 1yr located in Phokara, Nepal. I shared my passion with a few close friends and collected some donation (money, stationery & old clothes). I carried with my 25kg backpack to Nepal.
I spent about 5-6days in the orphanage, helping them with their daily operation (cleaning, cooking, tuition) and with the donation I collected, I bought for the orphanage home some sports item (soccer ball, racket, table tennis). And each othe them I bought from Malaysia each a pair of socks, it is bcos all the children need warm items during this cold winter. The joy is unmeasureable when you see how the children appreciate this gift. For this poor orphans, the loves and heart that matters not so much on the gift.
I am very touched when I read each children biodata. Their background is truly sad. Some children were being brought to this home from the street, as these children were abandon by their parents, some were too sick to take care, some were too poor to take care. Therefore they left their children loitering in the street trying to survive on their own. One kid name Purna age 8yrs old have to work to survive thanks for the restaurant owner who offer this small kid a job to clean up, help around in kitchen, and luckily he was brought in to this home now and going to school now.
We will never appreciate our life until we really see with our own eyes there are many people out there who need our help. Namaste Children House is still fresh in my mind. I would like to go back to this place again and see how the children grow. I may not be able to offer alot of $$ to help them, but I am sure with my thought & love (intangleble) I have done something for them.
Is will remain in my heart to visit them again one day, and I am sure the day will come
Even I am unable to travel very often to Nepal. But I always receive progress report from this home and browse thru the home website :- http://www.orphanagenepal.org/
FOR INDONESIAN CHILDREN
I have sponsor a child from Pontianak, Indonesia age 6 thru WORLDVISION (http://www.worldvision.com.my/). With just RM50 I contributed each month, it will help this organization to develop this child. The RM50 is not a big amount and of course it cannt help much to the child. But if everyone contributed RM50, it will increase the pool of money and many things can be done. Well, I will not question abt how this organization run and many people will have doubt whether the contribution will go direct to thei child. Bcos the most important is the heart, not the money.
FOR MYANMAR CHILDREN REFUGEE (in Malaysia)
The children from Myanmar mainly follow their parents sneaking out from their country who is now undergoing political instability. Some came thru Malaysia illegally, some were born here holding red MYKAD. These children has no idea what will be their future as being so called refugee. Their future lies to where UNHCR will place them.
While children in Malaysia are so lucky to be able to go to school freely and yet they did not appreciate it at all. These refugee children is just depending on volunteer teacher to teach them the basic english and mathematic. Children mix up from age 5 to 12 sitting in same class.
I am touched, and I just volunteer myself in my community where there are more than 500 Myanmar refugees. I just spend time on Sunday with the children, participating in the bible class, sunday school. Seeing them singing and enjoying the song makes me very joyful.
I just pray that one day I will be able to help these children more, perhaps to start up a children fund.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sign of Depression affecting life
Everyone goes through period of sadness following death of love ones, broken relationship, financial mishap, business fall..etc. Depression will hit us if we did not get help immediately and it is very very dangerous.
A person is diagnosed as depressed when a significant number or all sympton below occure a two-week period or more
A person is diagnosed as depressed when a significant number or all sympton below occure a two-week period or more
- Poor appetite
- Inability to enjoy activities that one would previously enjoy doing
- Persistent depressed mood, unhappiness & irritability
- Loss of interest in recreational activity and friends
- Loss of energy and concerntration
- Deterioration in work performance
- Drastic weight change
- Disturbed sleep (usually early morning awakening, followed by inability to go back to sleep)
- Thought of worthlessness
- Somatic complaint : headache, abdominal pain
- Erratic mood and behaviour
- Tempting death (by doing risky activities such as standing on edge of window driving through red light)
- Talking abt suicide
Dont' let it affect us, always talk it out, look for close friends share out. Dont keep your feeling to yourself, bcos by keeping it does not solve any better. Seek for counselling, always ensure someone by yourside to help you and listen to you.
I have gone thru this and i know the pain & hurt. This help me to be strong and be able to help anyone who need to have a shoulder to cry on.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Scolded in Hong Kong 05Feb 09
HongKong one of the destination never in my dream list. Not that I dont like HK. Bcos I feel that HK is a relax place to go when I grow old, cannt climb mountains anymore, cannt be adventurous.
Well, I choose to lead a tour group to HongKong, Shenzhen & Macau during Chinese New Year. True enough why so many people love to come to HK during festive season. The night scene is absolutely fabulous. The whole city is full of Neon lights. A city that is full of "Life". Clean and organized, I feel very comfortable here compared with all the tough trip I went all this years.
I am not sure if I would gradually pull myself out from those adventure destination (Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Kashmir...etc) and become lazy look for relax destination like this.
But HongKong give me 2 unforgetable impression.
Incident 1
There is a day of Free & Easy where I got a chance to scroll at the famous night market at "Ladies Road" and taste the real local delicacies. Heard alot abt street food is kinda nice, so wanna try. One of my tour member tag along and we stopped at one of the stall, seeing many people eating. Mmmm..Must be good !! We sat down and waited to order. The menu are all in Chinese, and no picture how and what food they serve. So I asked a waiter, young man but not very tidy looking what kind of food he recommend. He pointed at the menu and responded "Look at the menu yourself". The I said "Sorry I dont read Chinese, can you tell us roughly what you sell". And to my shocked he responded "If you dont understand, then dont eat la" WAAAHHHHH... I was stunned looking at my tourmember. We then said to him" Hey, brother we are tourist and your customer, how can you treat us this way, just tell us what you have.
He was grumbling all the way. We ended up ordered a bowl of plain Wonton noodle but other table has nice pork rib, special wonton... sigh!!... It cost us HKD20/RM10 ...
Incident 2
Then we scroll along the night market and saw a unique stall selling "MAGIC WALLET" You place ur money on the surface, turn in the other round, it is strap onto the wallet. I was standing at the stall trying to figure out how that magic wallet work. But I was being brush off by the stall keeper " No need to understand, just pay you will understand". I asked him whether I can open 1 and see. He said "No not allow, unless you pay". So I paid one and tested in front of the stall. Hehe he keep saying "Hey lady, no need to test la... you wont understand it. The way he says is after business deal, you better move away. Wow.. is this typical HongKong people character?
Anyway, different country has its own uniqueness. Some country really has nice people, and some really nasty depend on their culture. Even our own country has some rude people too. Is all experience ... I've got an enjoyable trip no doubt.
Well, I choose to lead a tour group to HongKong, Shenzhen & Macau during Chinese New Year. True enough why so many people love to come to HK during festive season. The night scene is absolutely fabulous. The whole city is full of Neon lights. A city that is full of "Life". Clean and organized, I feel very comfortable here compared with all the tough trip I went all this years.
I am not sure if I would gradually pull myself out from those adventure destination (Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Kashmir...etc) and become lazy look for relax destination like this.
But HongKong give me 2 unforgetable impression.
Incident 1
There is a day of Free & Easy where I got a chance to scroll at the famous night market at "Ladies Road" and taste the real local delicacies. Heard alot abt street food is kinda nice, so wanna try. One of my tour member tag along and we stopped at one of the stall, seeing many people eating. Mmmm..Must be good !! We sat down and waited to order. The menu are all in Chinese, and no picture how and what food they serve. So I asked a waiter, young man but not very tidy looking what kind of food he recommend. He pointed at the menu and responded "Look at the menu yourself". The I said "Sorry I dont read Chinese, can you tell us roughly what you sell". And to my shocked he responded "If you dont understand, then dont eat la" WAAAHHHHH... I was stunned looking at my tourmember. We then said to him" Hey, brother we are tourist and your customer, how can you treat us this way, just tell us what you have.
He was grumbling all the way. We ended up ordered a bowl of plain Wonton noodle but other table has nice pork rib, special wonton... sigh!!... It cost us HKD20/RM10 ...
Incident 2
Then we scroll along the night market and saw a unique stall selling "MAGIC WALLET" You place ur money on the surface, turn in the other round, it is strap onto the wallet. I was standing at the stall trying to figure out how that magic wallet work. But I was being brush off by the stall keeper " No need to understand, just pay you will understand". I asked him whether I can open 1 and see. He said "No not allow, unless you pay". So I paid one and tested in front of the stall. Hehe he keep saying "Hey lady, no need to test la... you wont understand it. The way he says is after business deal, you better move away. Wow.. is this typical HongKong people character?
Anyway, different country has its own uniqueness. Some country really has nice people, and some really nasty depend on their culture. Even our own country has some rude people too. Is all experience ... I've got an enjoyable trip no doubt.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Impact of Financial Crisis
The title is already making everyone uncomfortable. Everyone started to feel the impact, everyone's topic today is abt this, everyone is worried what will happen next..
No doubt is pinch deeply for those who have high commitment with family and kids. But for me, I am consider very lucky. I am more prepared and ready to face the crisis. Being single with minimal commitment, the crisis is just to tell me to be more thrifty. There is still ways and means for me to skip through.
The timing was just right, and God is so good to me. God allow me to enjoy life to the fullest and make my dream came thru before the Financial Wave hit us.
Sept 08 - My dream trip - Trekking the Everest Region
Oct 08 - Lead my colleague to Mt Kinabalu - to create unforgetable moment for them
Nov 08 - Complete my car loan & 1st time to Sydney Australia
I can say I achieved whatever I dreamt off. And then the wave hit me end of Nov, some salary adjustment to sail thru this tough moment. Yes, I earn few hundreds less, but at least I have a job to survive. I should be thankful. What can I ask now....
This financial crisis, I am more prepared than in 2001. That was the darkest moment in my life. I was not prepared, still young and naive. Did not have reserves that could help me to sail thru. I was laid-off in a sudden, left with heavy loans (car & house) and debts on credit card. The lesson in 2001 taught me lesson which I keep to myself till now. "TO HAVE ENOUGH, IS ENOUGH" ....
No doubt is pinch deeply for those who have high commitment with family and kids. But for me, I am consider very lucky. I am more prepared and ready to face the crisis. Being single with minimal commitment, the crisis is just to tell me to be more thrifty. There is still ways and means for me to skip through.
The timing was just right, and God is so good to me. God allow me to enjoy life to the fullest and make my dream came thru before the Financial Wave hit us.
Sept 08 - My dream trip - Trekking the Everest Region
Oct 08 - Lead my colleague to Mt Kinabalu - to create unforgetable moment for them
Nov 08 - Complete my car loan & 1st time to Sydney Australia
I can say I achieved whatever I dreamt off. And then the wave hit me end of Nov, some salary adjustment to sail thru this tough moment. Yes, I earn few hundreds less, but at least I have a job to survive. I should be thankful. What can I ask now....
This financial crisis, I am more prepared than in 2001. That was the darkest moment in my life. I was not prepared, still young and naive. Did not have reserves that could help me to sail thru. I was laid-off in a sudden, left with heavy loans (car & house) and debts on credit card. The lesson in 2001 taught me lesson which I keep to myself till now. "TO HAVE ENOUGH, IS ENOUGH" ....
Thursday, October 9, 2008
My Nepal adventure begin - 24Sep-06Oct 2008
The long waiting adventure has finally come. I am flying to Nepal for a 10d Trek at Everest Region. To conquer a peak of 5000M name Nagarzu Ri, North East about 435M below of Everest Base Camp. Is not a popular peak and you will never find in the map. But is tough enough for us a non-frequent trekker to reach.Our trail :-
LUKLA-MONJO-NAMCHE BAZAAR-TENGBOCHE-DINGBOCHE-NAGARZU RI (5098M) - DEBOCHE - NAMCHE-PHAKDING-LUKLA
Click into the map to enlarge
Day 1 (24Sep) - KL - KLIA
I travelled to KLIA at 1230am and decided to camp (sleep) at the airport waiting for our flight with Nepal Airlines which leaves at 0700am. Crazy ya!! waiting for 7hrs. But I was not alone. In fact many Nepalese has been queuing up since 2230pm. They came to airport much earlier than me. The check in time was around 430am.
Day 2 (25Sep) - KLIA - Kathmandu Nepal
The flight was delayed for 2hr45mins. We really have to camp at KLIA airport. We slept on the floor, while some chatted with the Nepalese worker who happened to be on the same flight back home. You will be surprised they speak better Malay than us. Bcos mostly has girlfriend (Indonesian) from their workplace. Once the policewoman at the body scanning machine shouted at them for some reason, one of the Nepalese guy said to us "Dosa, bulan puasa jerit-jerit (is a sin she shouted during fasting (ramadhan)) !!! What a surprised !! Hey dear friend, you better speak fluent Malay!!
The flight took 4hrs25mins. While the stewardess trying to demonstrate the safety equipment in the aircraft, I questioned myself, is the life jacket still can be used, I hope is not expire. There is no TV and no music throughout the journey. Whether you are Business Class or Economy it makes no difference. This time, there is estimated 10% of tourist while 90% are mainly local people going back home.
The flight touched down on time and after going thru a simple yet complicated immigration process (Visa USD25-15days entry) we waited for our baggage.A small airport (similar to KK airport) took us nearly 1-2hrs to claim 14luggages. And outside the arrival hall, you see people packed receiving their long waiting relatives. And it was so crowded that I could hardly see my long friend cum agent - Mr Dhruba Lamsal (Marvel Travel).
Briefing time : Here are some important notes Mr Dhruba highlighted during trekking
RM1= Rp20 / USD1= Rp 70
1. Is hard to get shower!. Hot shower need to pay from Rp200-Rp400
2. Mineral water Rp20 in Kathmandu. Price varies on elevation, the higher we do the more expensive Rp100, Rp200....
3. Most guesthouse with Public Toilet.
4. Allocation 1 porter to 2 person. Max 20Kg. Personal porter USD96 throughout 10days trek
5. No meat diet for 10days. As mostly Yak or Buff meat that carries from outside of Lukla to highland. As Everest region mostly Tibetian Buddhist that does not allow slaughter.
6. No cold drinks for 10days. Our diet and drinks being control to prevent altitude sickness
Day 3 (26Sep) trek starts
Woke up at 530am (local time) and prepare for 0700am flight Kathmandu-Lukla. Lukla is a getway to Everest Region with the only access is by air - Twin Otter 16 seater. It takes abt 40mins.
After breakfast everyone weigh their backpack to be carried by porter. My Haversack is about 15kg (3 sleeping bags) while my daypack is about 7Kg. And we off to domestic airport.
At the domestic airport, everything seems chaos, i feel like in a fish market, everyone just so busy, running here and there. Mr Dhruba busy weighing our luggage and immediately rush us into the departure hall, bcos the flight will take off in 15mins time.
Our 1st sight on the aircraft... our mind is very disturbed. It is a very tiny little Twin Otter 18seater aircraft. But we were all so excited later snapping photo in front of the aircraft while the worker loading our haversack into the tiny compartment. Soon after seated in the aircraft, we fasten our seatbelt and ready to fly
The take off was amazing. You feel that you are flying in the air. The flight took 40mins to reach LUKLA airport. Suddenly through greenery mountain from both side, it appear a small strip in between the 2 valley you see rooftop and houses, that is LUKLA airport one of the most dangerous and craziest airport in the world, and one of the shortest airstrip/runway in the world. Located at the elevation of 2800m. It is also known as the most popular getway to Everest region.
The landing moment was dramatic, everyone sit still and watch how the aircraft landed safely and soundly on the ground. Everyone clapped our hand and congratulate the pilot for his smooth landing.
After clearing our luggages, the porters that we employed carried them to the guesthouse where our lugggage will be distributed among the 7 porters. We were first introduced to our Sherpa cum Guide - "LP" his name. A 5 feet 2inches strong chinese looked man in his late 30s. He is the chief of Porter allocation, the Guide who run in front to book our accommodation, who run to the front to choose where to have meal and order in advance for us.
The trek soon starts around 10am and our destination today is to Monjo at the height of 2850m passing Phakding. It takes about 5 hrs trek.
Day 4 (27Sep) Monjo 2850m - Namche Bazaar 3440m
After breakfast, we started our early journey at 730am ascending. We entered into the Sagarmatha National Park just abt 30mins walk to register ourselves and then continue our extreme journeyat the early trek. We have to trek down, and down and down to the river valler and then crossing the river on suspension hanging bridge more than 4 times. With strong rapid below flows from the mountainous area. It is extremely cold I think. We walk along the river bank on the rocky surface for about 2hrs until we reached the final stage to stop for rest and photo. Until now, our group has been seperated very big gap. There were 4 members far in front of us.
The challenge starts after crossing the last bridge and all the way 45degree slope to the top of the mountain ridge. Along the way, we met with many Yak serve as a transportation company transporting goods to the village for sale. The higher we go, the higher the price. A bottle of mineral water sold in town for Rp20 (RM 1) can be RM100 (RM5) per bottle. Yak is an animal with long fury hair look mixture of Buffalo+goat. Beside Yak, there are also human transportation, where the local will carry the load using their forehead. Some can carry up to 50kg exactly the weigh of a person. This is how they earn their living and survive. There is no road to transport goods to the mountain, so the only way is to carry on Yak or human. How tough life is in this mountainous region. Some porter is still in the growing age, where this is the time their body structure start to grow and change, but due to heavy load, it has indirectly prevent them from growing taller, instead their body growth stop and muscle grow on their leg, neck and shoulder.
Soon we were walking on the edge of the mountain terrain, the trek is busy full of trekkers going up and down. We happened to met up with trekkers who completed their Everest Base camp trek, Gokyo Trek, Kala Pattar trek all more than 5400m. This trek is so popular among foreigner and Sep-Oct is the peak season for trekkers around the world. Alot of world-class trekkers with their attempt to conquer certain mountains. All Everester will have to trek the same to base camp. There is no other means than walking-acclimatisation eventhough there are helicopter or flight to basecamp. Estimated around 10,000 trekkers on the mountain during the 12days trip.
After a tiring 5hrs trek on the steep slope, we finally reach a rather flat terrain and as we step ahead, we saw rooftop and houses on the other side of the mountain, we asked the passerby how long for us to reach Namche.. some told us 5 mins, some 20mins, some 1 hr. We were fully confused. Joyce, Tiong and myself were smiling to each other, perhaps we should not ask them, as they dont have watch. We dragged our body to move faster at the height of 3400m but i started panting and experience thin air.
As we enter into the village, the sound of OM MA ME PAY ME HOM the Tibetian chanting song heard everywhere. There were shops both side of the trek, Guesthouse all over, internet cafe, bars... you cant imagine this is Namche Bazaar the highest sherpa village in the world - 3440m. Is totally a town in the middle of nowhere. Mostly Sherpas-Man of Himalayan has been inhabitat in this town since 100 years ago, where the salt trading bring them from one place to another. They were probably the descendant from Tibetian and they adopt the same tradition, culture, religion but they speak Nepalese rather than Tibetian.
I was the 2nd last to arrive at 4.30pm at Moonlight Guesthouse located at the edge of the trail. The 1st questioned I asked my Sherpa, why he chosed the furthest, the highest guesthouse of all as it took me ages to arrive eventhough I am inside Namche village, The tiredness has kept telling me somehow I will arrive, I will arrive.
The guesthouse is run by a sherpa family with about 20 rooms. Toilet and bathroom are public. I did not shower for 2 days, today I tell myself must shower but the temperature is below 10C. So finally I decided not to shower for another night. For friends who cannot resist from shower, they have to pay Rp200 (USD2.50/RM10) for hot shower. This region is too popular therefore everything is too commercialize. Everything is $$$$$. Charging your battery - camera, handphone cost Rp80 per hour. mineral water cost Rp100 instead of Rp 20 at Kathmandu. I just hope that one day they don't start charge you for every "business" you do in the toilet or every breath you breathe in Namche.
Day 5 (28 Sep) Namche 3440m - Tengboche 3990m
We have to make decision for Ai Lin, one of our teammate whether she can continue with us. She was rather breathless and complaining of sleepy throughout the journey from day 1. She cannt move at normal pace, but move at a very slow pace (10steps stop once). It would be difficult for her to move to a higher elevation with thin air. Finally much persuade and advise from Trek Leader - Mr Dhruba, we have no choice but to leave her at Namche for 3-4days alone. Is a risk if anything happen to her after this town, where there is no proper facilities later (clinic etc).
Looking at the difference of the height is only 550m, it seems to be very near and is not that difficult. Somehow we are wrong. We saw the trail and our final destination at the far end on the other mountain. Our heart beat faster. We first have to walk on the neck of the mountain expose to direct sunlight but temperature between 18-22C. And the sunlight is bright enough to burn your skin. From this mountain we have to descend down right to the river bank again for almost 600m and then ascend to another 400-500m again to finally reach Tengboche for a night. In fact this is the toughest trail among all.
As we ascend from the river to Tengboche, it is a zig-zag trail, whereby you can see you friend walking right on top of you. This is enough to use up whatever energy you have. The narrow trail is also a challenge, as we often have to lean against the wall to allow the mountain yak to pass and this Mr Yak will leave his "gold" along the trail for us who sometimes accidently step on it. !! The more I tried to avoid, the more I unintentionally, accidently step on it.. Yikes..!!
Again I was the last 3 person who arrived at Tengboche after a great struggle. Around 4.00pm almost 1hr away from the 1st person. Tengboche Monastery one of the highest Monastery in Himalayan, is a famous place of worship for many Tibetian Buddhist believer. There is a monatery with young monks around. and 2-3 guesthouse, not very good one. Some european team were adventure enough to camp along the way. The porters and sherpas will pitch tent for their client to sleep and a shelter tent for cooking. Our Sherpa LP managed to get us some rooms but we have to share 3 person in a room. Our room located outside of the dinning/common hall as well as toilet. And temperature is getting lower at this height. At night is goes down to less than 10C.
I visited the monatery a while with my tiring body and returned to the room felling somehow sleepy at this stage and feel like sleeping all the way and do not want to continue anymore. This is perhaps the initial sympthon of altitude sickness. This sickness is harmful if it is not treated correctly. The cause of altitude sickness is that our blood become thick when we are at a certain elevation. It can flow smoothly thru our blood vessel, but the blood vessel that transmit blood to our brain is thin, therefore if the blood flow is not smooth and fail to transfer blood to our brain, there the sign of nausea, sleepy, headache start to attack us.
Another teammate - Tiong who used to be cheerful though quite start to re-act differently. He sit silently without any expression at the common hall next to me. In fact both of us has the same experession. We both feel uneasy, he felt vomitting, while i felt headache. Then suddenly he went back to his room and holding a plastic bag to vomit. He did not have dinner just only some steam vege and went to bed at 7pm. While I can still stand the uncomfortable and without much appetite I took some scope of Garlic soup and spagetti. Our Trek leader Mr Dhruba took out his firsta aid kit and asked if anyone has altitude sickness. In fact all this while he has been controlling our diet and provide "raw garlic" on each of our meal. They believe this is the cheapest, most traditional, effective way to cure altitude sickness. Each of our meal, we were asked to chew raw garlic like eating peanuts or chocolate. Have you try chewing raw garlic before? If not, try it you will know and experience what I try to describe. Is no fun, is hotter than chilly.
Mr Dhruba asked me if I am alright. I told him i have headache and would like to take medicine as the garlic does not cure. He then gave me half pill of "DIAMOX". After taking diamox, i have to drink alot of water, otherwise it wont be effective. Throughout the night I was busy waking up to run out for toilet - every 2 hours. Mr Dhruba and LP has no room to stay tonite, they have to sleep at the common room saw me running to toilet every 2hrs.
Day 6 (29Sep) Tengboche 3900m - Dingboche 4410m
Today attempt is to reach Dingboche village, ascending 600m in a day. Two of our teammate - Tiong and Nora decided to turn back and not proceeding higher. Tiong was alright, but perhaps he does not want to take risk, as we have 3more days to descend to Lukla, while Nora was over exhauted leaving his hubby - Johnny with us.
They both descend to Namche with a personal porter - Kami and another elderly porter.
The vegetation at this elevation are very much highland. Ferns, bonzai. We are walking on the ridge of the mountain surrounded by beautiful 6000m snow mountain. But weather does not looks good, the heavy fog has covered most of the high peaks. In highland, weather change is unpredictable, You can see clear sky now, but it turned dark within second. In fact, weather is the biggest challenge mountaineer. In many incident, the success of summiting Everest is depend on good weather. Human can control our body, by taking supplement, energy food, train up stamina to prepare, but if weather not permitted, everything will be in vain.
The sign of thin air, each step seems walking for hours. Temperature less than 10C, we start to cover ourselves with our winter jacket, gloves, balaclava. Around 2.30pm, drizzling rain fall were felt, everybody has to put up our Poncho. No joke, walking in the rain at this height. Body heat can be easily fade away. It is important to keep our body heat intact.
At this height, is truly amazed, you are surrounded by high mountains, a place with no boundry, no limit and no end. Beneath us is the strong rapid river flow from Himalaya. It makes me feel so freedom. How I wish life is so peaceful and how I wish that this mother nature will never change. The global warming has change the weather and climate, soon all this beautiful mountain will loose its beauty, one day maybe there will be less snow. But for now, I have to thank God for his creation and thank Nepal government for maintaining this trek that we still can enjoy and appreciate in this region.
You will never believe in such a height, there are still people living. 4410M Dingboche village, walking from the mountain top towards this village was tiring yet amazing. This village is surrounded by all the mountains. I asked myself what will happen during winter, when temperature can go below zero and the whole are covered with snow? How will these people survive ? For almost 3 months. Nothing can be planted, they are practically disconnected from the outside world. My sherpa told me that during the summer and autumn, they will busy planting vegetable (cabbage, raddish, potatoes and will make it into pickles (sweet & sour like Acar). Then they will store it for food. They also planted wheat to make "Tsampa" a kind of flour from wheat make it into a dough and eat it with some sauce. Some will move down to a lower land during winter together with their livestock-Yak, goat. This is how the highland people survive every season.
From the entrance of the village to our guesthouse is again torturing. I just wonder why Sherpa LP always look for an accommodation located at the end of the village. He always makes us walk to the edge of every village with our heart kept on eagerly wondering when are we going to stop for a night. The countdown moment was always a frustration. We walk almost an hour to finally reach our guesthouse. As I entered into the dining hall, I throwed myself on the bench lifeless and motionless.. What a tired walk for a day. At this height, our body, mind function slower than normal lowland. A few of my teammate who arrived much earlier had taken their highest and most expensive shower (Rp400/RM20) and another is enjoying his reading with a cup of hot tea.
I managed to send a few mails and chatted with a friend of mine in Malaysia here. Send some photo back to update my story. Internet access here cost me Rp50 per min (RM2.50 p/min)!!! Well. this is the "HIGHEST" mail I ever sent !!
Day 7 (30Sep)
Today is the summit day. Everyone suppose to wake up at 5.30am to summit Nagarzu Ri. The weather does not look good earlier. As Mr Dhruba advised that if heavy and thick cloud, we will not be going and stay at our guesthouse. Everyone seems excited and prepared ourselves around 630am. It consider quite late as the sun has rised. I actually planned to stayback not proceeding. Somehow looking at the determination of others, I changed my mind. Pushing my tired, over exhauted body to walk every step up.
2 of our teammate (Sou Cheng & Chong) was experiencing nausea and headache in the morning. They decided to stayback and seeing us going to the summit. Temperature has gone down to perhaps 5C, everyone put on our thick winter jacket and gloves and walk barehand to the summit.
LUKLA-MONJO-NAMCHE BAZAAR-TENGBOCHE-DINGBOCHE-NAGARZU RI (5098M) - DEBOCHE - NAMCHE-PHAKDING-LUKLA
Click into the map to enlarge
Day 1 (24Sep) - KL - KLIA
I travelled to KLIA at 1230am and decided to camp (sleep) at the airport waiting for our flight with Nepal Airlines which leaves at 0700am. Crazy ya!! waiting for 7hrs. But I was not alone. In fact many Nepalese has been queuing up since 2230pm. They came to airport much earlier than me. The check in time was around 430am.
Day 2 (25Sep) - KLIA - Kathmandu Nepal
The flight was delayed for 2hr45mins. We really have to camp at KLIA airport. We slept on the floor, while some chatted with the Nepalese worker who happened to be on the same flight back home. You will be surprised they speak better Malay than us. Bcos mostly has girlfriend (Indonesian) from their workplace. Once the policewoman at the body scanning machine shouted at them for some reason, one of the Nepalese guy said to us "Dosa, bulan puasa jerit-jerit (is a sin she shouted during fasting (ramadhan)) !!! What a surprised !! Hey dear friend, you better speak fluent Malay!!
The flight took 4hrs25mins. While the stewardess trying to demonstrate the safety equipment in the aircraft, I questioned myself, is the life jacket still can be used, I hope is not expire. There is no TV and no music throughout the journey. Whether you are Business Class or Economy it makes no difference. This time, there is estimated 10% of tourist while 90% are mainly local people going back home.
The flight touched down on time and after going thru a simple yet complicated immigration process (Visa USD25-15days entry) we waited for our baggage.A small airport (similar to KK airport) took us nearly 1-2hrs to claim 14luggages. And outside the arrival hall, you see people packed receiving their long waiting relatives. And it was so crowded that I could hardly see my long friend cum agent - Mr Dhruba Lamsal (Marvel Travel).
Briefing time : Here are some important notes Mr Dhruba highlighted during trekking
RM1= Rp20 / USD1= Rp 70
1. Is hard to get shower!. Hot shower need to pay from Rp200-Rp400
2. Mineral water Rp20 in Kathmandu. Price varies on elevation, the higher we do the more expensive Rp100, Rp200....
3. Most guesthouse with Public Toilet.
4. Allocation 1 porter to 2 person. Max 20Kg. Personal porter USD96 throughout 10days trek
5. No meat diet for 10days. As mostly Yak or Buff meat that carries from outside of Lukla to highland. As Everest region mostly Tibetian Buddhist that does not allow slaughter.
6. No cold drinks for 10days. Our diet and drinks being control to prevent altitude sickness
Day 3 (26Sep) trek starts
Woke up at 530am (local time) and prepare for 0700am flight Kathmandu-Lukla. Lukla is a getway to Everest Region with the only access is by air - Twin Otter 16 seater. It takes abt 40mins.
After breakfast everyone weigh their backpack to be carried by porter. My Haversack is about 15kg (3 sleeping bags) while my daypack is about 7Kg. And we off to domestic airport.
At the domestic airport, everything seems chaos, i feel like in a fish market, everyone just so busy, running here and there. Mr Dhruba busy weighing our luggage and immediately rush us into the departure hall, bcos the flight will take off in 15mins time.
Our 1st sight on the aircraft... our mind is very disturbed. It is a very tiny little Twin Otter 18seater aircraft. But we were all so excited later snapping photo in front of the aircraft while the worker loading our haversack into the tiny compartment. Soon after seated in the aircraft, we fasten our seatbelt and ready to fly
The take off was amazing. You feel that you are flying in the air. The flight took 40mins to reach LUKLA airport. Suddenly through greenery mountain from both side, it appear a small strip in between the 2 valley you see rooftop and houses, that is LUKLA airport one of the most dangerous and craziest airport in the world, and one of the shortest airstrip/runway in the world. Located at the elevation of 2800m. It is also known as the most popular getway to Everest region.
The landing moment was dramatic, everyone sit still and watch how the aircraft landed safely and soundly on the ground. Everyone clapped our hand and congratulate the pilot for his smooth landing.
After clearing our luggages, the porters that we employed carried them to the guesthouse where our lugggage will be distributed among the 7 porters. We were first introduced to our Sherpa cum Guide - "LP" his name. A 5 feet 2inches strong chinese looked man in his late 30s. He is the chief of Porter allocation, the Guide who run in front to book our accommodation, who run to the front to choose where to have meal and order in advance for us.
The trek soon starts around 10am and our destination today is to Monjo at the height of 2850m passing Phakding. It takes about 5 hrs trek.
Day 4 (27Sep) Monjo 2850m - Namche Bazaar 3440m
After breakfast, we started our early journey at 730am ascending. We entered into the Sagarmatha National Park just abt 30mins walk to register ourselves and then continue our extreme journeyat the early trek. We have to trek down, and down and down to the river valler and then crossing the river on suspension hanging bridge more than 4 times. With strong rapid below flows from the mountainous area. It is extremely cold I think. We walk along the river bank on the rocky surface for about 2hrs until we reached the final stage to stop for rest and photo. Until now, our group has been seperated very big gap. There were 4 members far in front of us.
The challenge starts after crossing the last bridge and all the way 45degree slope to the top of the mountain ridge. Along the way, we met with many Yak serve as a transportation company transporting goods to the village for sale. The higher we go, the higher the price. A bottle of mineral water sold in town for Rp20 (RM 1) can be RM100 (RM5) per bottle. Yak is an animal with long fury hair look mixture of Buffalo+goat. Beside Yak, there are also human transportation, where the local will carry the load using their forehead. Some can carry up to 50kg exactly the weigh of a person. This is how they earn their living and survive. There is no road to transport goods to the mountain, so the only way is to carry on Yak or human. How tough life is in this mountainous region. Some porter is still in the growing age, where this is the time their body structure start to grow and change, but due to heavy load, it has indirectly prevent them from growing taller, instead their body growth stop and muscle grow on their leg, neck and shoulder.
Soon we were walking on the edge of the mountain terrain, the trek is busy full of trekkers going up and down. We happened to met up with trekkers who completed their Everest Base camp trek, Gokyo Trek, Kala Pattar trek all more than 5400m. This trek is so popular among foreigner and Sep-Oct is the peak season for trekkers around the world. Alot of world-class trekkers with their attempt to conquer certain mountains. All Everester will have to trek the same to base camp. There is no other means than walking-acclimatisation eventhough there are helicopter or flight to basecamp. Estimated around 10,000 trekkers on the mountain during the 12days trip.
After a tiring 5hrs trek on the steep slope, we finally reach a rather flat terrain and as we step ahead, we saw rooftop and houses on the other side of the mountain, we asked the passerby how long for us to reach Namche.. some told us 5 mins, some 20mins, some 1 hr. We were fully confused. Joyce, Tiong and myself were smiling to each other, perhaps we should not ask them, as they dont have watch. We dragged our body to move faster at the height of 3400m but i started panting and experience thin air.
As we enter into the village, the sound of OM MA ME PAY ME HOM the Tibetian chanting song heard everywhere. There were shops both side of the trek, Guesthouse all over, internet cafe, bars... you cant imagine this is Namche Bazaar the highest sherpa village in the world - 3440m. Is totally a town in the middle of nowhere. Mostly Sherpas-Man of Himalayan has been inhabitat in this town since 100 years ago, where the salt trading bring them from one place to another. They were probably the descendant from Tibetian and they adopt the same tradition, culture, religion but they speak Nepalese rather than Tibetian.
I was the 2nd last to arrive at 4.30pm at Moonlight Guesthouse located at the edge of the trail. The 1st questioned I asked my Sherpa, why he chosed the furthest, the highest guesthouse of all as it took me ages to arrive eventhough I am inside Namche village, The tiredness has kept telling me somehow I will arrive, I will arrive.
The guesthouse is run by a sherpa family with about 20 rooms. Toilet and bathroom are public. I did not shower for 2 days, today I tell myself must shower but the temperature is below 10C. So finally I decided not to shower for another night. For friends who cannot resist from shower, they have to pay Rp200 (USD2.50/RM10) for hot shower. This region is too popular therefore everything is too commercialize. Everything is $$$$$. Charging your battery - camera, handphone cost Rp80 per hour. mineral water cost Rp100 instead of Rp 20 at Kathmandu. I just hope that one day they don't start charge you for every "business" you do in the toilet or every breath you breathe in Namche.
Day 5 (28 Sep) Namche 3440m - Tengboche 3990m
We have to make decision for Ai Lin, one of our teammate whether she can continue with us. She was rather breathless and complaining of sleepy throughout the journey from day 1. She cannt move at normal pace, but move at a very slow pace (10steps stop once). It would be difficult for her to move to a higher elevation with thin air. Finally much persuade and advise from Trek Leader - Mr Dhruba, we have no choice but to leave her at Namche for 3-4days alone. Is a risk if anything happen to her after this town, where there is no proper facilities later (clinic etc).
Looking at the difference of the height is only 550m, it seems to be very near and is not that difficult. Somehow we are wrong. We saw the trail and our final destination at the far end on the other mountain. Our heart beat faster. We first have to walk on the neck of the mountain expose to direct sunlight but temperature between 18-22C. And the sunlight is bright enough to burn your skin. From this mountain we have to descend down right to the river bank again for almost 600m and then ascend to another 400-500m again to finally reach Tengboche for a night. In fact this is the toughest trail among all.
As we ascend from the river to Tengboche, it is a zig-zag trail, whereby you can see you friend walking right on top of you. This is enough to use up whatever energy you have. The narrow trail is also a challenge, as we often have to lean against the wall to allow the mountain yak to pass and this Mr Yak will leave his "gold" along the trail for us who sometimes accidently step on it. !! The more I tried to avoid, the more I unintentionally, accidently step on it.. Yikes..!!
Again I was the last 3 person who arrived at Tengboche after a great struggle. Around 4.00pm almost 1hr away from the 1st person. Tengboche Monastery one of the highest Monastery in Himalayan, is a famous place of worship for many Tibetian Buddhist believer. There is a monatery with young monks around. and 2-3 guesthouse, not very good one. Some european team were adventure enough to camp along the way. The porters and sherpas will pitch tent for their client to sleep and a shelter tent for cooking. Our Sherpa LP managed to get us some rooms but we have to share 3 person in a room. Our room located outside of the dinning/common hall as well as toilet. And temperature is getting lower at this height. At night is goes down to less than 10C.
I visited the monatery a while with my tiring body and returned to the room felling somehow sleepy at this stage and feel like sleeping all the way and do not want to continue anymore. This is perhaps the initial sympthon of altitude sickness. This sickness is harmful if it is not treated correctly. The cause of altitude sickness is that our blood become thick when we are at a certain elevation. It can flow smoothly thru our blood vessel, but the blood vessel that transmit blood to our brain is thin, therefore if the blood flow is not smooth and fail to transfer blood to our brain, there the sign of nausea, sleepy, headache start to attack us.
Another teammate - Tiong who used to be cheerful though quite start to re-act differently. He sit silently without any expression at the common hall next to me. In fact both of us has the same experession. We both feel uneasy, he felt vomitting, while i felt headache. Then suddenly he went back to his room and holding a plastic bag to vomit. He did not have dinner just only some steam vege and went to bed at 7pm. While I can still stand the uncomfortable and without much appetite I took some scope of Garlic soup and spagetti. Our Trek leader Mr Dhruba took out his firsta aid kit and asked if anyone has altitude sickness. In fact all this while he has been controlling our diet and provide "raw garlic" on each of our meal. They believe this is the cheapest, most traditional, effective way to cure altitude sickness. Each of our meal, we were asked to chew raw garlic like eating peanuts or chocolate. Have you try chewing raw garlic before? If not, try it you will know and experience what I try to describe. Is no fun, is hotter than chilly.
Mr Dhruba asked me if I am alright. I told him i have headache and would like to take medicine as the garlic does not cure. He then gave me half pill of "DIAMOX". After taking diamox, i have to drink alot of water, otherwise it wont be effective. Throughout the night I was busy waking up to run out for toilet - every 2 hours. Mr Dhruba and LP has no room to stay tonite, they have to sleep at the common room saw me running to toilet every 2hrs.
Day 6 (29Sep) Tengboche 3900m - Dingboche 4410m
Today attempt is to reach Dingboche village, ascending 600m in a day. Two of our teammate - Tiong and Nora decided to turn back and not proceeding higher. Tiong was alright, but perhaps he does not want to take risk, as we have 3more days to descend to Lukla, while Nora was over exhauted leaving his hubby - Johnny with us. They both descend to Namche with a personal porter - Kami and another elderly porter.
The vegetation at this elevation are very much highland. Ferns, bonzai. We are walking on the ridge of the mountain surrounded by beautiful 6000m snow mountain. But weather does not looks good, the heavy fog has covered most of the high peaks. In highland, weather change is unpredictable, You can see clear sky now, but it turned dark within second. In fact, weather is the biggest challenge mountaineer. In many incident, the success of summiting Everest is depend on good weather. Human can control our body, by taking supplement, energy food, train up stamina to prepare, but if weather not permitted, everything will be in vain.
The sign of thin air, each step seems walking for hours. Temperature less than 10C, we start to cover ourselves with our winter jacket, gloves, balaclava. Around 2.30pm, drizzling rain fall were felt, everybody has to put up our Poncho. No joke, walking in the rain at this height. Body heat can be easily fade away. It is important to keep our body heat intact.
At this height, is truly amazed, you are surrounded by high mountains, a place with no boundry, no limit and no end. Beneath us is the strong rapid river flow from Himalaya. It makes me feel so freedom. How I wish life is so peaceful and how I wish that this mother nature will never change. The global warming has change the weather and climate, soon all this beautiful mountain will loose its beauty, one day maybe there will be less snow. But for now, I have to thank God for his creation and thank Nepal government for maintaining this trek that we still can enjoy and appreciate in this region.
You will never believe in such a height, there are still people living. 4410M Dingboche village, walking from the mountain top towards this village was tiring yet amazing. This village is surrounded by all the mountains. I asked myself what will happen during winter, when temperature can go below zero and the whole are covered with snow? How will these people survive ? For almost 3 months. Nothing can be planted, they are practically disconnected from the outside world. My sherpa told me that during the summer and autumn, they will busy planting vegetable (cabbage, raddish, potatoes and will make it into pickles (sweet & sour like Acar). Then they will store it for food. They also planted wheat to make "Tsampa" a kind of flour from wheat make it into a dough and eat it with some sauce. Some will move down to a lower land during winter together with their livestock-Yak, goat. This is how the highland people survive every season.
From the entrance of the village to our guesthouse is again torturing. I just wonder why Sherpa LP always look for an accommodation located at the end of the village. He always makes us walk to the edge of every village with our heart kept on eagerly wondering when are we going to stop for a night. The countdown moment was always a frustration. We walk almost an hour to finally reach our guesthouse. As I entered into the dining hall, I throwed myself on the bench lifeless and motionless.. What a tired walk for a day. At this height, our body, mind function slower than normal lowland. A few of my teammate who arrived much earlier had taken their highest and most expensive shower (Rp400/RM20) and another is enjoying his reading with a cup of hot tea.
I managed to send a few mails and chatted with a friend of mine in Malaysia here. Send some photo back to update my story. Internet access here cost me Rp50 per min (RM2.50 p/min)!!! Well. this is the "HIGHEST" mail I ever sent !!
Day 7 (30Sep)
Today is the summit day. Everyone suppose to wake up at 5.30am to summit Nagarzu Ri. The weather does not look good earlier. As Mr Dhruba advised that if heavy and thick cloud, we will not be going and stay at our guesthouse. Everyone seems excited and prepared ourselves around 630am. It consider quite late as the sun has rised. I actually planned to stayback not proceeding. Somehow looking at the determination of others, I changed my mind. Pushing my tired, over exhauted body to walk every step up.
2 of our teammate (Sou Cheng & Chong) was experiencing nausea and headache in the morning. They decided to stayback and seeing us going to the summit. Temperature has gone down to perhaps 5C, everyone put on our thick winter jacket and gloves and walk barehand to the summit.
As we walk further up, we can feel the snowmountain is nearer and nearer to us. We can see mountain peaks clearly now. How great God creation. Amazing view !! As I moved up to 4500m my unconcious mind kept telling me to turn back, then I push myself another 10m further. Finally at around 8am.. everyone decided to stop at the level around 4600m, as sun has rise up high and getting hot now. We still need to descend to today.
Enough is enough. I cannt go further. Bcos my head start spinning. I think is the altitude. But I am totally satisfied with my achievement. Step by Step we trekked more than 2000km we finally reach a height of 4600m. In front of us, we know there is another 2 more days to reach Everest Base Camp (5400m) and beautiful Kala Pattar base (the most strategic spot to view Everest. We were unable to go further due to our time. Perhaps next time... by Helicopter haha
So we descended back to our guesthouse and packed our luggages after a simple breakfast and off we go saying goodbye to Dingboche. On the way down we were surrounded by beautiful peaks, very clear sky and of course hot. Our destination today is Pangboche ( one stop furtherdown to Tengboche). Sometimes we just could not remember which "Che" we suppose to stop - Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Namche...
One of our teammate name "Tan" who is a joker among us came up suddenly to the sherpa and pointed one of the peak and asked. "What is the name of this peak? The Sherpa said there is no name it is not popular. The Tan said why not called it "TAI-KA-CHE" (In Chinese means BIG SISTER) and the other one is "TAIPOCHE" (BIG BREAST SISTER). In Chinese language "Che" means sister. Everyone was laughing !!! hahaha....... perhaps the altitude effect that has suddenly stir his mind of creating names for different peaks.
After 6hrs walked we reached Pangboche around 3pm, very nice green guesthouse, beside the stream, next to a nice green pastures. This is where we did our laundry on the stream and dry all our innerwears haha... and enjoy our evening at the bench outside the guesthouse.
Everyone felt so relax, fully satisfied and was enjoying view and trekkers who are moving up. We met alot of international friends from all sort of countries. On of our teammate name Mr Tan Chong Yew who is one of the joker among the grp, was making a jokes with our sherpa... he tol
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