Who knows that the Manaslu region is a humid cloud forest? I was expecting another dry and windy ascend up to the Manaslu base camp. How wrong was I? Hiking in the mud and poop slide for 1000 meters was certainly a very new experience for me.
Struggling up the rainy slopes I caught up with the Seven Summit Sherpas and their route fixing team. I was able to take advantage of their ladders while crossing some streams to avoid a pair of completely soaked shoes.
Arriving at the temporary tent city, we set out to celebrate our official expedition departure.
One can’t really talk about departures to the mountains in Nepal without the Puja ceremonies. Even the pouring rain couldn’t stop our need to get the mountain gods’ blessings. The assistant monk meticulously made sure we get all of the gears blessed, a must if you don’t want frost-bitten toes.
Then it’s off to our mini rotation towards camp one. Our plan is to do 3 rotations: mini rotation to just below camp 1, rotation to sleep camp 1 with some extra hike-ups, rotation to camp 1, and 2 with extra hikes towards camp 3.
The mini rotation was the first chance we get to see how each other perform at higher altitudes. Our team did fantastic overall, definitely not one of those teams with weak clients. I felt okay, not at my best; but training pulled me through and kept me around zone 2 most of the time to make a successful day. The German doctor called me “alte wurst-kuh” so at least it’s doctor approved.
Time to rest up and ready ourselves for rotation No.2. Last order of business was to get my 5th rabies shot. The German doctor was kind enough to offer to help me with that. Also special thanks to Bibek who waited for the heli and carried my shots in cold river water. We can never succeed on any expeditions without these hidden heroes!
