I’m a big believer in an iterative approach and trying new things. This time back to the Himalayas, I decided to try the flash approach utilizing the Hypoxico system that has received endorsement from numerous athletes.
The Hypoxico system simulates the low oxygen environment of the higher altitude in an enclosed environment. The simulated low oxygen environment theoretically allows you to simulate at home. Sounds cushy.
In reality, this was not a walk in the park. Furtenbach booked a head bivy for me, which is a step up from the mask but still very restricting. Inside the bivy, the temperature was high, circulation was slow (limited outgoing air), and extremely dry. I constantly woke up with a feeling of a hangover in the morning. Alcohol, stress at work, or an exceptionally physically tiring day can make your morning drowsy. Well, I sure hope it’s worth it!
Getting into Kathmandu, we flew directly into Namche after just one day of settling down.
Day 1 in Namche was not too bad. I spent some time chewing through my new book, “Guns, Germs, and Steel.” The lodging conditions at Namche these days have improved. The shower, running water, Internet, 24h charging were all at my lodge.
On day 2, we moved on from Namche to Tengboche. The day proved to be a difficult day for me. Period, overeating before uphill and morning drowsiness have made it a pukey day for me. Nevertheless, I still made it to the puja ceremony at Tengboche monastery in the afternoon before rest at the lodge. Furtenbach really did a great job managing our rooms. My room, throughout the process have had great views of the surroundings.
Day 3 consisted of a short walk(4-5km) from Tengboche to Pangboche. Some careful planning and extra time to digest proved successful, as I managed my pace well. Shorter hike, but the view of this section is truly unique. We were constantly awarded clear views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding mountains.
Because of the short day and the lesser elevation gain, an acclimatization hike is warranted. Fortunately, there are plenty of hills around. We went uphill past the Pangboche Monastery, passing the climbers’ memorials dedicated to the local climbers who were lost to the mountains. The beautiful memorial towers are sober reminders of our endeavors. Tomorrow we will set off for Ama Dablam base camp. May these memorials bless us and remind us of every decision along the way.
