Graeme and Leanne Carling Climb for a Cure: The Everest Diaries – Day 3
As we began our acclimatisation day, I was full of excitement and anticipation. After two days of trekking, my body was starting to get used to the altitude, but it was important to take a day to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. We started our ascent early in the morning, and the views were breathtaking. The sun was shining, and the sky was a crisp blue. We were surrounded by the towering Himalayan mountain ranges, and it was a humbling experience. The climb up to Everest View was challenging, but it was worth it. The panoramic views of the mountains were awe-inspiring, and we could see the peak of Mount Everest from a distance.
The Sagarmatha Next museum was an informative stop on our way up. It provided us with an insight into the Sherpa culture, the history of Everest expeditions, and the environmental impact of tourism in the region. The museum has many interactive exhibits, which makes the learning experience enjoyable. I was fascinated to learn about how the Sherpas navigate the treacherous terrain of the mountains and how the environment has been affected by human activity. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the region before continuing our trek.
One of the highlights of the day was watching the Himalayan golden eagles soaring in the sky. These magnificent birds are known for their agility and grace, and it was a privilege to see them up close. We also saw several helicopters flying overhead, delivering supplies to the base camp. It was a reminder of the logistical challenges of trekking in this region and the importance of careful planning.
After spending some time at Everest View, we made our way back down to Namche Bazar. The descent was steep, and we took the long route down past the Syangboche Airport. It was interesting to see the helicopters delivering the supplies from above the airport hovering whilst the Sherpas below got to work to disconnect the goods from the long ropes from underneath the helicopters. We arrived back in Namche Bazar in time for lunch and spent the rest of the day exploring the town. We visited the local shops and bought some supplies for the days ahead. The people in the town were friendly and welcoming, and it was a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture.
Unfortunately, the Irish bar was closed, so we had to make do with a cup of tea at our lodge before dinner. It was a good opportunity to rest and recharge before the long day ahead. I was feeling a bit nauseous, but I knew it was a common symptom of altitude sickness, and it was important to rest and hydrate.
Bhanu our trek leader, is fantastic. He is always looking out for us and ensuring that we have all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable trek. He informed us that there was a slight chance of snow forecast for the next day, so we need to be prepared. We made sure we have our waterproof gear and extra layers to keep warm.
Overall, day 3 was a great opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude and take in the stunning scenery of the region. We learned more about the local culture and the environmental impact of tourism in the region. I am feeling excited and ready for the next day’s trek to Debuche. With the guidance of Bhanu and our team, I know we will be able to tackle any challenges that come our way.
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
