Training Log Archive: Nieuwy

Another very cold night, probably around -10°C again with another heavy frost. About an hour uphill from our lodge to start the day, including going past a frozen lake with ice 10mm thick. After that it was downhill for most of the day with lunch in a secluded valley. Only saw one other person all day, who was a local trimming some bushes on the track. Our campsite was a long way from anything else at about 2550m, but still managed to have a beer. The cooks did a good job and made apple crumble for dessert!

489m up, 996m down

Event: Twilight Series - Panorama
 

Dropped down to the river at 2100m, then had the big climb up to lunch at Ghorepani at 2860m. The village was the biggest we had seen for days, but not much was open with the small amount of trekkers this season, even the bakery was closed! After lunch we had more climb up over 1000 steps to Poon Hill at 3210m. A lot of people struggled with this, and I got well ahead, even ran up the observation tower at the top. Veiws were good at the top, but there was a bit of cloud around. About an hour to camp from here at Upper Phulbari at 2900m.

1141m up, 541m down

Got up early and walked up the hill a bit to see the sunrise, which was great. After breakfast we walked down the ridge a bit to see the deepest gorge in the world. The measurements are a bit dodgy, with it being taken from the top of 2 8000m peaks which aren't right next to the gorge. Still 2500m deep from where we were standing though. Back up to the lodge to get our packs, then down the same track we came up yesterday. A lot of loose gravel on this track and was very slippery coming down, with one lady at the back falling and cutting her arm, luckily the nurse of the group was with her. Down almost all day, with just a little bit of up at the end. Camp at Swanta (2270m) was nice and much warmer.

120m up, 1458m down

Very cold overnight, probably around -10°C with a heavy frost. Great views again this morning. First 90 mins was downhill to the valley at 2900m with frozen creeks along the way. Had lunch at Danda Kharka at 3000m and saw some French journalists there. After lunch it was a steep climb up to Khopra at 3660m. As we came around the corner at camp the views were amazing and just got better as you went further around the corner. Above the clouds at our lodge and the sunset was spectacular. The stars were amazing too, it felt like you could reach out and touch them.

Clear morning gave amazing views from camp, but cloud soon came in and we were walking through the clouds for the rest of the day. Left the main trail and on single track the whole day and only saw 1 other group all day. Went through some really nice green forests today, which I loved, but not some of the others. Lots of climb and also very cold, especially after lunch. Put on 4 layers of clothes when we got to camp at Bayali at 3440m.

1061m up, 319m down

Short day today, but still lots of climb. Lots of stairs too, with one section having about 600 stairs in about 15-20 mins. Lots of single tracks today. Too many stops today, with half an hour for morning tea, an hour for lunch and other short breaks. Got into camp at Tadapani (2630m) early and played some games.

875m up, 119m down

Got in the bus and drove for about 2 hours from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070m). Road wasn't as bad as the one to the school, but still not the best. Walked for about 2 hours alog the valley before lunch at Syauli Bazar with a great setting by the river. After lunch we started our 700m climb up stairs to the camp at Ghandruk at 1940m. Pace wasn't too fast and there were a few stops, so I found it quite easy. Our sherpa guide got told off for going too fast though, because the group got split up.

943m up, 92m down