Everest day 5 – Day trip to Sir Edmund Hillary school

Today’s trip, to the Sir Edmund Hillary school, was described as a short hike with about 250 meters of climbing. We set off climbing and didn’t finish for well over 400 meters!

I awoke not knowing where I was but feeling as snug as a bug in a rug.

I found out at breakfast that our hotel, the Khumbu Lodge, is the one favoured by many of the great mountaineers. In fact each of the rooms are named after someone and a picture can be found on the wall inside.

Today’s trip was described as a short hike with about 250 meters of climbing. We set off climbing and didn’t finish for well over 400 meters!

We were in the clouds, walking through grass and scrub land. The scenery reminded me of many a walk in Wales or the Lakes. one thing that stood out was the disused airstrip near he hospital; Lukla has nothing on this!

Cresting the final ridge, past the many religious artefacts, we saw the village of Khumjuna. My head started to throb and I began to have sneezing fits. I was worried that my cold had got worse or altitude had started to take effect. Turns out that we timed our arrival with the local grass harvest and it was my hay fever that had started.

We stopped off the Sir Edmund Hillary school but were restricted to where we could go. One of the teaching rooms contained school photos from over the years. Outside plaques highlighted the level of international support.

Sir Edmund Hillary

I felt awful throughout lunch and didn’t get better until we left the valley. Heading through the clouds the trees looked like ghostly spirits and the terrain seemed jungle like. Then as if out of nowhere a set of temple like steps appeared and led us up to the luxury Everest view hotel. Unfortunately there was no view!

The return leg saw some stunning views appear like heavenly mirages out of the clouds. We approached Namche from above and could clearly see the village laid set into the horse shoe valley.

Am I in heaven?

Quote of the day, from the head teachers’ office:
“The big man is judged by the way he treats the small man”.

Interesting fact of the day:
I’m Now breathing 30% less oxygen than at sea level.

Nepalese words of the day:
Kirpaya – please