Hike Day 8- Another acclimation hike where we hiked up to 15,548 ft, 5.82 miles in 4:42. The morning started off clear and warm ish 36 degrees but as the norm here weather changes quickly and became quite cloudy and cold. First time I actually wore gloves. Legs are doing really well and recovery each day has been better than expected.
She is a NAK
Now let’s talk about Yaks and more specifically Yak Dung. It’s everywhere and it’s really at the core of the the locals existence. It’s collected, dried and then burned in all the tea house kitchens and in the dining areas for heat. It’s their only source as we are now above the tree line and there is no firewood. There are downsides too, it’s known as the Khumbo cough. It’s very common and comes from inhaling the smoke from the Yak Dung and from inhaling the urine and dung along the trails. Surprisingly it really doesn’t smell at all. The Yaks are prized possessions here as they provide meat, milk converted to cheese, wool for warmth, horns for tools, transport of supplies, to plow their fields and I’m sure many other uses I’m not aware of. Here the Yak is King!
That night or early morning view of Everest is amazing… love all the photos and commentary!! Wish I was there. Praying for your safety.
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