Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
19/01/2014
Next day was a beautiful sunny day so everyone pushed on to high camp. The views were absolutely stunning, and this was trekking as it should be. It has hard to believe I didn't have skiis on my feet. Despite being covered in snow there was an easy to follow path which clung to the side of the valley. We walked with the big group of Chinese who we seen before, who despite having a really slow pace were really humble and great company. En route we also passed Vicky again as well the American pair, who told us they tried to make the pass during the yesterday's blizzard and (unsurprisingly) failed and were since returning to go back the other way. Vicky had had enough and didn't want to wait any longer, whilst the Americans were running out of money and couldn't afford to stick around, and their visa was running out quick too. Despite coming all this way they didn't seem to mind, heartened by the fact they were going to hit up Thailand's islands in a few days.
On we ploughed, and Lawrence was again struggling. We had a break and gobbled some more of our supplies and took in all the views. They were honestly mega. We continued around the ridge until we got to Thorung Pedi, a two hotel stop which was the penultimate stop off. There we met everyone chilling and we were met with cheers and rejoices as we were all back together again. We got some bait and chilled out in what was a real sun trap. After much consideration the whole group decided to kick on up to high camp, and call it a night there, with the hope of doing the pass the next day. And so we set off. Me and the Canadians set off, and the rest followed. The climb was really steep and we zig zagged our way up, thankfully there was a trail from the people who came down earlier in the morning. The Canadians weren't the talkative type but boy could they hike; just ploughed on, never complained or said a word, just got on with it.
We eventually reached high camp where we again met some familiar faces, including the English couple from before, and our Chilean friend. High camp was rocking!!!! We all pilled in and tried to get some heat from what was the worst fire of the trek. We all got some bait, then a massive commotion ensued…. Basically there were lots of guides with their respective couples clients etc, and they demanding that every trekker paid them 1500rs ($15) as those who didn't have a guide would essentially get their expertise of leading the way as well as breaking the trail for free. The Frenchy was leading it, sneakily going round asking would you pay it. Us, Sam and Simon and Ed Ramune were having none of it as their guides had nothing to do with us. Even the ones who had a guide had to pay again. It all ended up a fuss and the frenchies missus ending up crying lol. Lawrence was confident he could find the way with his GPS, but I wasn't so sure, but still we refused to pay.
- comments