EddieMetro.com: May 2011

Life on the trail...

Life on the trail for the next 12 days would pretty much be routine. Wake up, breakfast, and out the door no later than 8:00a.m each day with a lunch break at some village along the way arriving at our destination no latter than 3:00 p.m. Trail life for us Western folks though was pretty easy. Well, depending on one's level of fitness I'm sure. However, if you were a working sherpa and or yak, that is truly another story.

As you can see, the loads that are ferried up each and everyday by these people are enormous! and no doubt exceeding their own weight. But, as I came to find out, the more they carry, the more they get paid. And while I was in awe of what I saw each and everyday one has to wonder at what cost? and are the folks (expeditions) and stores that they are carrying supplies up too making sure they are not exceeding this? somehow I doubt it. And this is truly sad as I saw all ages and gender along the way. I know there are "organizations" in Kathmandu that "are in it for the porters" but to what extent?
Again, I was humbled by how strong they are...

We always encountered one of these!! Wohoo...

...and these guys as well.

ok, ok, last one...

Market day at Namche Bazar. Everything from beer, eggs, spices, petrol, rice, cookies you name it is hauled up here once a week. I did buy a bar of soap being that it's not provided by the lodges which brings me to another story. Ever since I arrived in Kathmandu I noticed a "shortage" if you will of "paper goods" i.e. napkins and t.p.

Now, had I known...I would have most likely brought my own as the lodges do not, not provide it. Toilet paper that is. Didn't ask, can only assume why. But, that, along with napkins were as valuable as gold in some cases!

Tengboche. Is a village located at an elevation of 12,687' high. Located there as well is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Supposedly the highest in the world.