Wednesday 10 November
Manang to Yak Kharka
Itinerary: DAY 10 Yak
Kharka (4,090m) Continuing west we move to
Tengi (3,642m). From here we branch away from the
[Diarist: Sue]
On the trail again,
so up at 6 am. Away from Manang after porridge, toast and omelette. It was cool
in the shade of the buildings. Looking back, Manang sat on a promontory, flags
flapping and smoke rising from chimneys, giving the valley a hazy appearance.
The river snakes
across the bottom of the valley, a silver ribbon. Yet again the sky is
cloudless. Soon, a large white chorten adorned with flags signifies the
entrance to the
There is a stream of people on the trail, some of whom are carrying large packs. Today we left the Marsyangdi, which headed up-valley to our left. We took the right fork. Behind, the views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna dominated.
Our lemon tea stop
was at the settlement of Gunsang. Just before this, we watched 4-5
partridge-like birds, pecking in the dust. The terrace enjoyed a panoramic view
of Annapurna III and Gangapurna, seeming only a short distance away. Here, Martin's
gloves did a disappearing act, only to reappear after a thorough search, under
his hat!
The valley is steep, but the path is 'Nepalese level' after tea. Chulu West is seen on our right, as we pass another long mani wall.
This area has blue sheep, which are neither blue nor sheep, and we may have seen some on a ridge above us. Probably not, they are uncommon and shy. At the same time, two lammergeiers flew above.
Our half day walk
ends at Yak Kharka, another settlement which is abandoned at the start of winter,
possibly for the last permanent village, Manang. It comprises a couple of tea
houses. Despite a thermometer reading of 20C and sunshine, there is considerable
wind chill and down jackets are required as we sit around, while tents are
pitched and lunch is prepared. We want to assist, but know it would embarrass
the sherpas. There are 29 people looking after the 6 of us, including 19
porters. This camp is at 4030 metres.
We eat lunch inside a wooden building. It appears to have 'double glazing', ie two sets of windows about a foot apart, but for most there is only glass in the outer ones! It is warmer inside the sunlit tents where we have some chill out time from 1:30 to 2:30.
An acclimatisation walk followed. A steep slope rose directly behind the camp in a dusty zigzag. It wasn't long before our tents were in the shadow of the mountain across the river, but we remained in sun until the descent. A slow plod was all we could manage, breathing heavily.
A bird of prey (lammergeier)
flew just below us, pretty close, gliding on the wind. Yaks were seen on the
hillside, their shapes unmistakable. We reached a height of 4500 metres. From
here,
Arrived back in camp at 4:30, to find naks (female yaks) grazing near the tents. Washing water arrived at 5:00 and tea was served at 5:30, inside the dining room of the teahouse again. Lindy, Mark, Martin and I played rummy, whilst the others read. Dinner was at 7:00 - mushroom soup, then yak meat, noodles, vegetable fritters, and 'special potatoes' - mashed potato with tuna, cheese and herbs on top. Custard crumble cake for pudding. The table was really well lit with the gas fired Tilley lamp.
When our hot water bottles arrive soon after 8 pm, it is the cue for everyone to head for bed.
Today's Stats:
Start: 3550 metres
Ascent: 490 metres
+pm 445 metres
Descent: -10 metres
+pm -445 metres
Finish: 4030 metres
Time: 4.0 hours +pm
2 hours
Stops: 0.5 hours
+pm 0.5 hours
Walking time: 3.5
hours +pm 1.5 hours
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