Day 10 : Panch Pokhari to Intermediate Camp
As the weather has been better in the early morning, Satish had wake up cups of tea at 6am and breakfast at 7 and departure at 7.30. It was amazing to see the porters head up the slope from Panch Pokhari. It had even more impact when we followed them.
A rocky path, black ice and snowy sections and a steep incline for our first efforts today. The views over the camp and at the summit looking east were breath-taking. It was our first sighting of the Tilman Pass way across the valley.
Today was our most strenuous day so far. We walked for 4 and a half hours up steep inclines, snowy descents (aided by ropes and our trusty guides - Lakpa (carrying several sets of solar panels), Yem, Pasang and of course, Satish and rough, thin trails, hugging the cliffs. I had several upsets slip sliding down some sections but we were closely supervised and back on track immediately. Half an hour before we had even reached the camp, Neer, one of the kitchen staff, greeted us on the track with hot cordial as we'd covered some difficult terrain. Can't imagine how the porters with their awkward loads managed some of the sections.
Our campsite tonight is another grazing space with spectacular views as the previous ones have been with the added advantage of a stream flowing outside the kitchen tent so there is no forays to waterfalls hours away for the kitchen staff.
All in all, a very satisfying day. Facing some of the demons on the trail - steep descents mainly, particularly the slippery snowy sections, and surviving unscathed.
M&M
10/5/2014
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