On Oct 22 while at Gorakshep after my crazy trip up Kala Patthar and the slip, I shared my concern (fatigue and coughing) to Sherpa Kalden. He suggested we wait till the next morning (Oct 23) to assess if I should continue to EBC or return to Kathmandu from Gorakshep. Seemed fair so as to allow time to think this through.
Myself, Jason, Al, Ben, Steve.....most everyone in this lodge is coughing sneezing. I am so close to my goal and granted its going to be miserable but I was just 2 hrs away. Next morning (Oct 23), I shared with Kalden that I would like to go to EBC but then return back to Gorakshep the next day and catch a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. Jason was onboard given he has been coughing up a storm too. Ben and Kate are also wanting to head back to Kathmandu. Yes, missing the last leg of the hike was a bummer, but honestly, reaching EBC seems like Mission Accomplished, hence no regrets missing the last 3 days of the return.
Kalden arranged everything very quickly, coordination with their ground staff back in Kathmandu. Everything was seamless, it amazed me how Ian Taylor Trekking coordinated everything behind the scene.
We did goodbye speeches, shed some tears (I've shed a lot on this trip..), shared hugs and we split. Kalden took the four of us up a hill, the top of which served as a helipad. In a couple hours an Airbus helicopter swung around to pick 2 of us. At 17,000 ft altitude, the chopper can only lift 2 people with bags at a time. They ferry two passengers down the mountain to Pheriche 14,341 ft, 20 min ride. From Pheriche, they pick two passengers from the previous ferry. The Chopper can now take 4 passengers to Lukla (elevation: 9383 ft). The ride from Pheriche to Lukla was awesome. To get a bird's eye view of the mountains and valleys and the landscape gave a completely different perspective of this portion of Nepal. Tiered hill terrace farmlands, Stupas in places unimaginable, winding dirt roads going up steep hills, the dense healthy forests..was a treat to the eyes. As we passed by one mountain range, a series of more mountains appeared stacked one behind the other in shades of grey with the fog washing the sun light like a water color painting.
We arrived Lukla in about 35 mins. Ben and Kate were already there from their previous sortie. An Ian Taylor representative met us and then we had to wait our turn to get on another helicopter that would take us to Kathmandu. A couple hours or so later, 4 of us and another trekker from Ireland (also with Ian Taylor) boarded a Dragon painted helicopter for a 50 min ride to Kathmandu. The landscape kept building as before and it did not disappoint. As we got closer to Kathmandu the smog from the city created a denser haze. The crispness and clarity of the air from the higher mountains was certainly missed. We landed and were picked up by the Ian Taylor ground staff and back at home base (Ramada Encore, Thamel).
Did not feel like going out on town so went to the rooftop for drinks and dinner with Ben and Kate. I saw a few kites playing with each other in the sky reminding me of my childhood in Nagpur. In Tyangboche we had met with another Ian Taylor group. I made friends with Sameer and Anand, from New Jersey. They were at the restaurant too. We shared some drinks, stories and laughs. They are very easy folks which helped with an instant connection. Sameer's wife comes from Nagpur so that was an added connection. Sameer was very kind to record a message for my Mother to acknowledge my effort and dedication on this trip. That was so very kind of him. Sameer and Anand are on their way to India before returning to the US. I will definitely stay in touch with them. Who knows they may know my friend Abhin in New Jersey. It's a small world after all.
I retired back to the room. The soft bed, pillow, sheets, no noise, hot shower, no 6-7-8 — all was very welcome. The cough was not welcome but that may take a few more days. Getting home is now on the mind. I leave Oct 27 early am. Jason leaves Oct 25th evening. Tomorrow we hit Thamel for souvi shopping and we have color pencils to give to little kids!!
