Day 9: Winding Down

Weather Update: Sunny, High 20°C

Elevation Above Sea Level:

Reflecting on My Time in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, much like Dhaka, is a city blanketed in dust. The reason behind the constant spitting on the streets became clear to me—while in Dhaka it's dust and pollution, in Kathmandu, it's the dust. I noticed that within an hour of cleaning my table with a wet wipe, it was covered in dust again. Locals continuously brush their wares to keep them clean. Walking along the roads, the dust dries out your mouth, making you clear your throat and spit. Shopkeepers wash the entrances of their shops constantly throughout the day because of the dust, Taxi drivers have feather dusters brushing their cabs until the next customer comes along and I washed a pair of my trousers and the water became a brownish colour with dust that has been trapped in between the layers. The locals are very friendly, but only because they want something from you, to show you what they are selling inviting you to come into their shop.

Farewell to Kathmandu

Leaving Kathmandu, I was torn between wanting to stay and move on. There are countless unseen mountain villages, rivers, and peaks yet to be explored. It would take a lifetime to see every nook and cranny, but being in the moment and enjoying my surroundings brings peace.

Thoughts on Everest Base Camp

Had I been here for 2-4 weeks, I might have thought about trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC), standing at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level. Located on the south side of Mount Everest in the Khumbu region, the EBC trek is a popular route. Trekkers often fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (9,337 ft) to save time and energy. The trek, though challenging, is feasible for those who are fit and love the outdoors. Well-established paths with villages, amenities, and good food make the journey manageable. Allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude is crucial, with daily ascents limited to 500 meters or less—about twice the height of Mt Maunganui. Though it would take me months, I would have given it a try if circumstances allowed.

Ready for New Challenges

As I prepare to leave, new challenges await. Each day brings new opportunities to explore another world. While I'm not looking forward to the temperature change after 82 days of sunshine, that's life. I'm moving to Europe, where winter still lingers—am I ready for the climatic shift? Summer is just around the corner.

Next Stop: Delhi and Tbilisi

Tomorrow, I fly to Delhi and then to Tbilisi in Georgia. Adventure awaits!