Graeme and Leanne Carling Climb for a Cure: The Everest Diaries – Day 2
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🥳
Day 2 of the Everest Base Camp trek was an incredible journey and an experience that we will never forget. We started the day with a hearty breakfast at our lodge in Phakding, ready for the long day ahead. As we sat down to eat, our guide Bhanu greeted us with a “Happy New Year” and told us that in Nepal, today was the new year 2080 according to Lunar years. It was amazing to be a part of such a unique cultural celebration, and we feel privileged to be able to witness it.
After breakfast, we set off on our trek to Namche Bazar, our base for the next two days. The day started out relatively easy, with a straightforward hike until we reached Riverside Lodge for lunch. The lodge was a nice break from the hiking and gave us a chance to rest and refuel before continuing on our journey.
After lunch, we began the 300-meter up zigzag trek through the trees to the checkpoint. This was the first real challenge of the day, and we soon realized that the altitude was starting to affect us. Our breathing became heavier, and our pace slowed down as we made our way up the hill. But the stunning views of the mountains made the climb worth it.
Once we passed the checkpoint, we faced another 300-meter climb to Namche Bazar. This was a steady incline, and we had to take frequent breaks to catch our breath. The altitude made it difficult to climb, and we had to be careful not to push ourselves too hard.
Despite the challenges, the trek to Namche Bazar was stunning. We passed over five swing bridges, which were both terrifying and exhilarating. Walking across the narrow, swaying bridges with the rushing river below was a thrilling experience that we wont forget.
Along the way, we were also treated to breathtaking views of eight mountain peaks: Mt Kongde, Mt Everest, Mt Thamserku, Mt Kusum, Mt Tabuchi, Mt Chcolatse, and Mt Lhotse. The mountains looked majestic and awe-inspiring, and we couldn’t help but stop and take pictures every time we caught a glimpse of them.
Finally, after a long day of hiking, we have arrived safely at Namche Bazar. We are relieved to have made it to our base for the next two days, andare looking forward to explore the town. Namche Bazar is a bustling market town, and we are happy to see so many shops and restaurants. We are also pleased to find that our accommodation wis comfortable and cozy, with hot showers and a warm bed waiting for us.
Tomorrow is an acclimatization day, where we hike up to 3900 meters and then back down again. This is to help our bodies adjust to the higher altitude and prevent altitude sickness. We will spend the day exploring the town and relaxing, enjoying the incredible scenery and the friendly people we have met along the way.
In conclusion, day 2 of the Everest Base Camp trek was Fab! The challenges we faced were tough, but the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment we feel make it all worth it. We are happy to have arrived safely at our base and are looking forward to continuing our journey to the top of the world.
Leanne and Graeme are raising funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to support their efforts to find a cure for Type-1 Diabetes. In a bid to raise as much money for the charity as possible, Graeme and Leanne have launched a JustGiving page which can be found here: justgiving.com/page/graeme-and-leanne-carling-1681063124419
