India 2012

Tuesday30October

And we're off again for another day of walking. We leave Kali Pokhri and this magnificent dormitory to reach the village of Sandakfu where we will have lunch.

Baby yak then baby goat pose for the photo  

Mountains as far as the eye can see next to Kangchenjunga.

We are approaching Sandakfu, the highest point of the route. We started at 2500 meters of altitude, and here we are soon at 3500 meters  

Pffff, this last climb is tough! But courage, Everest will be visible from up there!

Finally, here it is. Facing us, the highest point on the planet: Everest!  

Don't be fooled by appearances. Everest is the 3rd peak from the right of the photo.

From left to right, Lhotse (fourth highest peak in the world at 8,516 meters), Everest (highest peak at 8,848 meters), and Makalu (fifth highest peak at 8,463 meters).

On the same panorama: Everest on the left, and Kangchenjunga on the right.

And just because it's so cool to have arrived here doesn't mean you shouldn't have your papers checked by a nice soldier!  

We're having lunch here between the Nepalese Beatles (?) and the Indian Celine Dion (?)  

Fortunately, there are also informative posters to help you find your way...

This is also the finish line of the 4th stage of the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race 2012. This international race covers 160 kilometers of mountains over 5 days. We regularly crossed paths with them during our walk, and it's an understatement to say they have a lot of courage (and madness?) to embark on such an adventure!  

I want to go even higher, so I leave my companions and climb this rocky outcrop to gain my last fifteen meters!

At the top, prayer flags are installed.

I further increase the height of the peak with a small stone cairn.

Everest, Makalu and Chomo Lonzo.

Prayer flags

Also called lungta or "wind horses". They are usually five colors and are considered good luck charms with the ability to ward off difficulties. Their name comes from the horse printed on most of them, a horse depicted carrying the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the Buddhist community).

Meanings of the colors (in order, blue always at the top, towards the sky):

• blue: the celestial vault
• white: air, clouds
• red: fire
• green: water
• yellow (or orange): earth

After this short walk, it's time to start the descent. It's going to be difficult and painful, tendinitis is flaring up and my legs will suffer for the next 4 hours!

And Rohit wonders why I'm taking pictures of all this...    

A rhododendron.

Fires ravaged the region a few years ago.

Vegetation is taking over again.

Finally, houses, the end of the ordeal is near! At least I hope so!  

A stupa, an opportunity to take a break and a photo...

And what a relief, I'm the last to arrive at Gurdum chalet where we'll spend our last night!

After a good rest, we head down to the village for dinner. By candlelight, of course!

Wednesday31October

Last day of the trek. We leave at 5 AM, well before sunrise, because we had already booked our seats on the Darjeeling Toy train. And the departure is scheduled for 1:20 PM, so we can't waste any time!

The Rangeet River bridge in Srikhola village

A small altar for the Leopard-Shiva God

Opposite, the houses find their places on the terraced slopes

We arrive at Rimbik village where the road and houses collapsed recently

All that's left is to have a small breakfast (momos...) in this little grocery store. Three hours of walking since our early morning rise, it makes you hungry!

On the way back, we change vehicles and take the opportunity to have a coffee