Nepal – Day 4 – Namche Bazaar

Today was an acclimatisation day in Namche. An acclimatisation day is a “process to allow an individual organism to adjust to a change in its environment, allowing it to maintain performance across different environmental conditions”. That is a complex way way of saying it is a semi rest day to allow the body to change to the effects of altitude in our circumstance. I will question the “maintain performance” section, maybe just say be able to perform enough to keep going.

The town of Namche Bazaar is the unofficial Sherpa capital of Nepal. The Sherpa are not just porters, they are a whole ethnic group that lives in the Himalayans. They are a tough people as they live at higher altitudes. They are a religious group that brings together different parts of Buddism and Hinduism. They are a gracious and kind people that love serving their own and others. They are the perfect group to be in this area and serve the trekkers and climbers that bring economic vibrancy to this area. On my first walk out today, I was stopped by two young boys that wanted to give me a high five, one was a little low so he came back around to get it right. From what I have seen, that is the attitude of the Sherpa culture.

We took a short hike above Namche to a view point and to see a museum on the Everest region and Sherpa life. Also, see saw a school where the children were in recess and then called to line up then sing the Nepal national anthem. It was nice to see the children growing up with a good education and appreciation for the natural culture. This school was a boarding school. On the side, there were racks of shoes and racks of toothbrushes, quite a sight, but my picture did not come out.

The views were great, but still rolling clouds. The view down to Namche was amazing, this a town built into a bowl and full of color. All people in this area try to use bright coloring to bring life to the area. The town itself is a tradeca center for the area, but more so now for the trekkers. There are all kinds of shops and services, even the world’s highest Irish Pub that stays pretty busy. There are shops to buy supplies, trekking clothes and probably anything else you need or forgot. There are restaurants, coffee and tea shops and bakeries. Someone tried a donut and said they were little heavy. Hard to cook at altitude.

The adventure has been great so far, the people wonderful, the scenery amazing, especially for a kid from Texas. The physical aspect is challenging, I only thought I was in decent shape and with all the good hikes I have fun doing in Colorado. This really is a world apart from what I know, but the experience is amazing.

I miss all my family and friends.

Exodus 33:14

continue to day 5