Day 12: Tin Pokhari to Tilman High Camp South
An early start again this morning after marvelling at the 360o mountain views
Snow had covered the camp again overnight. Bruce reported that it was -3o early this morning and 4o at 7.30. An optimistic start with sunshine beating down as we climbed up the ascent behind the camp, creating our own trail over the rocky slope - small flowers and a little rat-like creature the only distraction.
Again at the top of the hill / mountain we had another challenge and surprise : a huge glacier, which this area is known for (The Valley of the Glaciers). Satish led us up it and even at this early stage of the day some of the younger porters were having problems carrying their loads and sitting exhausted on rocky outcrops.
Feeling quite satisfied with our efforts, although demanding with lightly-iced sections, and delighted with the weather, we had no idea what was install for us. We moved into another valley and the sight of glaciers and moraines, filled us with trepidation as we realised that this was not our final destination for the day. To descend into the valley it was decided that we needed a rope. I was first and descended backwards and the drama began almost immediately with a serious rockfall ensuing. Lorraine had a narrow escape from a rogue boulder, with Pasang pulling her out of the danger's way at a crucial moment.We were feeling a little sombre at this point and fortunately lunch was only 30 minutes away on the valley floor and we recovered our spirits and energy.
Abseiling down the cliff and large boulders are dislodged. Lorraine has a lucky escape.
Satish testing the trail
After lunch it was a long hard slog up the moraine on unsteady scree and unpredictable snowy sections.
Tonight we are camping in the snow at the base of the Tilman Pass. We have a modified routine with everything being served in our tents to keep us warm and also to avoid any injuries in the snow. Going to the loo will be treacherous enough. Bob and co are impressed that we have reached a decent altitude of about 4900m. A few people have opted to take Diamox over the next few days to hive off altitude sickness. Fortunately Mark and I have been fine - no trouble sleeping, no loss of appetite, and only slight headaches occasionally or difficulty breathing. Breathlessness comes on at the most unusual times - cleaning your teeth, tying shoe laces, sucking lollies.
This has been a long and quite stressful day - 6 hours of ascents on unsteady terrain. We look forward to crossing the Pass tomorrow and returning to sunnier climes down the Langtang Valley in the next few days.
M&M
12/5/2014
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