We left around 8am the following morning and headed for Dingbouche (14,400ft). The guide said it would take between 5-6 hours. Shortly after leaving we climbed above tree line. Nothing but tundra, jagged mountain peaks, milky glacial rageing rivers and free-range yaks grazing. This was the first time both of us had felt any AMS (altitude affect). Mainly shortness of breathe and light-headedness. I don't seem to have much appetite but, forcing myself to eat. Shadow is more than happy to eat my leftovers. We took our time and stopped more often for breaks. Even taking it slow, we made it to Dingbouche in 4 hours.
Along the trail are Buddhist spiritual shrines. Some are Stupas and some are hand carved stones or tablets. These shrines are hundreds of years old. It's amazing to see the detail of the scriptures and how they have survived so many years. The custom is to pass them on the left and to turn the prayer wheels as you pass for good luck. It's a simple and beautiful religion.
We spent the afternoon washing our laundry in the sink and hanging them outside. This is the most beautiful setting for a clothes line. The clear air made the sky the most amazing blue. We sat in the sun charging our phone with solar power, and chatting with others. The owner of the tea house checked our oxygen level, for a $1.50, and we are in the normal range for this altitude which made us feel better.
I was concerned about hopping from one tea house with to the next with other hikers. We enjoy sleeping in a tent and having that time to ourselves, but over the last few days we have met some great people from all over the World. It's refreshing to have intellectual conversations about different ways of life and issues that don't surround the U.S.
I have been schlepping my favorite card game, Monopoly, in my pack just in case we had some down time. Two other trekkers joined us for a few games this evening after dinner. It's a great way to pass the time, plus it's cold in the rooms so all you want to do is snuggle in your sleeping bag. Most of the homes here are made out of stone. With interior walls made of thin sheets of plywood. Think less "wall" and more "partition". More on that later.
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