Today was all about Everest!!!! We didn't sleep well last night between the snoring and the dogs barking.... but none of that mattered, today we are going to see Everest!!
I left at 0815, my usual time, about 15 minutes before the group and I usually get caught around 5 km. Today was deceiving, it looked like the road was flat, even a little bit downhill yet I couldn't cycle much faster than 11 km/h so obviously it was uphill. I cycled for 15 kms and didn't see anyone...I was starting to think that I was on the wrong road, even though there was only one road. I slowed down, looked around but couldn't see anyone. Just as I decided to turn around, our van passed me! Ok...all is good. I am on the right road.
We passed the checkpoint where our visa and passports were checked, then there was another checkpoint about 8 kms later, that's as far as they allow our van to go. We were allowed to cycle to the Rongbuk monastery but the van driver and co-driver had to catch a green bus. So they loaded up our lunch and any clothing we might need while we were stopped at the basecamp.
China decided just a few months ago to close basecamp to tourists because of all the garbage there. I know that a lot of people on my Facebook feed criticized the climbers, but it's not the climbers, it's the tourists, because most of the time the climbers are up at advanced basecamp. So we had to be satisfied with the view from the monastery, and although it wasn't basecamp proper, it was still a fabulous view!
Our leader Ox said that most of the other trips that he's done, Everest has rarely been visible...and today we had a clear view! Clouds were building up behind, but from our vantage point the view was unforgettable. Glad to know that my good weather karma is holding. We had very little wind cycling in...which was all uphill, and a strong tailwind on the way our. Couldn't ask for a better day!
We climb gradually through villages where children rush to greet us, eager for any photo opportunity. They may even be keen to take a test-ride on your bike! Jagged snow-capped peaks confront us as we start our climb to Rongbuk. Your anticipation will increase at the turn of every corner as prospect of seeing Everest draws ever closer. Just beyond the monastery at Rongbuk, the awe-inspiring backdrop of Everest is a just reward for the challenges of the last few days. We have a steady 8km ride taking us to the base of the North Face, a truly spiritual experience - simply unforgettable! We return to our campsite just before Rongbuk to our campsite for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5,009m
Sleeping Altitude: 5,009m
Distance: 65 km
I left at 0815, my usual time, about 15 minutes before the group and I usually get caught around 5 km. Today was deceiving, it looked like the road was flat, even a little bit downhill yet I couldn't cycle much faster than 11 km/h so obviously it was uphill. I cycled for 15 kms and didn't see anyone...I was starting to think that I was on the wrong road, even though there was only one road. I slowed down, looked around but couldn't see anyone. Just as I decided to turn around, our van passed me! Ok...all is good. I am on the right road.
We passed the checkpoint where our visa and passports were checked, then there was another checkpoint about 8 kms later, that's as far as they allow our van to go. We were allowed to cycle to the Rongbuk monastery but the van driver and co-driver had to catch a green bus. So they loaded up our lunch and any clothing we might need while we were stopped at the basecamp.
China decided just a few months ago to close basecamp to tourists because of all the garbage there. I know that a lot of people on my Facebook feed criticized the climbers, but it's not the climbers, it's the tourists, because most of the time the climbers are up at advanced basecamp. So we had to be satisfied with the view from the monastery, and although it wasn't basecamp proper, it was still a fabulous view!
Our leader Ox said that most of the other trips that he's done, Everest has rarely been visible...and today we had a clear view! Clouds were building up behind, but from our vantage point the view was unforgettable. Glad to know that my good weather karma is holding. We had very little wind cycling in...which was all uphill, and a strong tailwind on the way our. Couldn't ask for a better day!
We climb gradually through villages where children rush to greet us, eager for any photo opportunity. They may even be keen to take a test-ride on your bike! Jagged snow-capped peaks confront us as we start our climb to Rongbuk. Your anticipation will increase at the turn of every corner as prospect of seeing Everest draws ever closer. Just beyond the monastery at Rongbuk, the awe-inspiring backdrop of Everest is a just reward for the challenges of the last few days. We have a steady 8km ride taking us to the base of the North Face, a truly spiritual experience - simply unforgettable! We return to our campsite just before Rongbuk to our campsite for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5,009m
Sleeping Altitude: 5,009m
Distance: 65 km
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