Trek Tales with Tom Prater: Part 2

History of Trek Tales.

Namaste from Namche Bazaar Nepal. Two days of trekking and a 2500 foot gain in elevation from Lukla led us to the largest village on our trek. Hot and dusty walking throuhg beautiful pine and rhododendron forests on a trail of dirt, rock, and steps. This is the main trade and tourist route to the Kumba Valley as this area has no roads and one airstrip. The trail has been crowded with other trekkers from around the world, porters lugging everything from rice and cases of beer to lumber and steel pipe, and yak trains loaded with gear. We will spend two days here acclimating to the change in altitude.


The group is handling both the walking and the altitude well. Daily measurements have shown a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and compensatory increases in pulse and respiratory rates. Appetites are down but still good after the exertion. We expect more changes as we ascend another 8000 ft over the next week. Met another xtreme-Everest group coming down from base camp; all looked well and have enjoyed the trek. Only one helicopter evacuation but nothing serious!! I should be able to report in several more times before reaching Everest Base Camp.

Stay tuned. Tom