A Little Step Further

I always love to run when I am in my home province. It's just so easy to put on my running shoes first thing in the morning before doing anything else, just before breakfast. This time around is just like the many times that I am home, the only difference is that it has been raining since the day I arrived. Which is a good thing, it has not been raining for almost a month now which is evident on the plants around the house. And the household helpers told me no matter how many times they water the plants, it just does not help so much. The leaves are still dry due to the the heat of the sun. 

I squeeze in a run twice despite my hectic schedule, I've been wanting to run for I haven't been able to run before I left home. On my second day, I decided to run on the opposite route that I use most of the time before, now towards Enrique Villanueva. I seldom use this route, for there are just too many dogs in one of the house near our place. Surprisingly at this time there isn't any. It was gloomy, but I am hoping it will not rain. I drop by the house of Maristel to inform her Mom to get the stuffs that I brought. After that, I just simply run. Some neighbors that know me greeted me, the usual thing, running again?  It's a weekday, and I pass by school children on their way to school. Most of them are amazed with how I push myself to run despite the weather. I did not intend to run further for I did not even bring any hydration with me, but it was just too tempting to go further. With how I enjoy the green scenery and the fresh air, I know I can reach the next town, but at some point I decided to turn back, for I do not want to be caught in the rain. And I am glad I did. Just less than a  kilometer before I reach home, it started to drizzle, I am beginning to get wet. 

The following day, I run again, at this time on the opposite direction and to deliver some stuffs to some of my relatives on the next barangay where we are. That way it will save me time of going there later the day. I did not go any further for it will be too late already for me on the road at the same time I might be caught on a heavy rain. 

I've been wanting to do some trail run, in fact I talked to some of my folks if it will be possible for me to join them in their morning routine of pasturing their cows and goats in the farm up hill, they do not buy to the idea of me running while they will be taking their time feeding the animals, but I know I can do it the next time I will be home. One thing that I also want to do is connect all the local trails that starts from the main road especially near home.

Running like a child, a happy soul.

Island Peak, EBC Trek and Everest Base Camp Marathon 2013

Something to look forward to for the year 2013, Nepal Himalayan trekking and high altitude running. Could be the beginning of my high altitude training, in  preparation  for a future high altitude climb. A wish. 

This is a plan I did not push of doing this year, I hope and wish I can do it next year.  Three major activities, one trip. An introduction to a technical climb, trek to Everest Base Camp, trail running on the high altitude (full marathon). I wish to do all together in one trip, giving me the chance to be familiar with technical ice climbing and start to hone my skills and learn the techniques while enjoying the view of Nepal Himalayas by trekking to base camp (and have the chance to sleep at Everest Base Camp, such a dream come true) then do a full marathon on the way back down to Namche Bazaar. That is the plan, I hope I can do it. (Note: The first two activities can be done on a separate package with a separate rate, Everest Basecamp Marathon needs to be with a trek to basecamp for at least 14 days to acclimatize, that is the only way to do the marathon.) 

Island Peak Climb - ( 6,189MASL)
Everest Base Camp Lodge Trek (5, 364MASL)
Everest Base Camp Full Marathon

Itinerary:

Day 01 – Arrival / transfer to hotel in Kathmandu (1,303m.) – O/nt. hotel.

Day 02 – Process peak permit & national park entry permit / free day in Kathmandu find & hire personal

               climbing gear if needed – O/nt. hotel.

Day 03 – Fly (35 min.) Kathmandu – Lukla (2,840m.) & trek to Phakding (2,610m.) – 4 hrs. –O/nt. lodge.

Day 04 – Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar (3,440m.) – 6½ hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 05 – Acclimatization / excursion of Syangboche (3,720-m.), Khumjung (3,780m.) and Khunde

               (3,840m.) – 4 to 5 hrs. – O/nt. lodge in Namche Bazar.

Day 06 – Trek Namche – Tengboche (3,860m.) – 5½ to 6½ hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 07 – Trek Tengboche – Dingboche (4,410m.) – 5½ to 6 hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 08 – Trek Dingboche – Island Peak Base Camp (4,970-m.) – 6½ to 7 hrs. – O/nt. Camp.

Day 09 – Rest day but with climbing clinic.  Today, we will familiarize you with climbing the snow / ice peak, some techniques and acclimatize at the same time as you are climbing the summit of Island Peak (6,189-m.) – O/nt. camp at Island Peak Base camp (4,970-m.).

Day 10 – Ascend Island Peak (6,189m.) from base camp then return to base - 10 to 12 hours (you’ll start the climb in the early morning; 3 to 4 a.m.) – O/nt. camp at base camp.

Day 11 – Buffer (contingency) day to summit Island Peak incase of bad weather or health – O/nt. camp.

Day 12 – Trek Island Base Camp – Chhukung (4,730--m.) – 5 hrs. - O/nt. lodge.

Day 13 – Trek Chhukung – Lobuche (4,910-m.) via Kongma La (5,535-m.) – 7 to 8 hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 14 – Trek Lobuche – Gorakshep (5,140-m.) then visit Kalapatthar (5,550-m.) – 6 hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 15 – Trek Gorakshep – Everest B. C. (5,364-m.) – 4 hrs. – O/nt. camp set up by THEM with dinner.

Day 16 – Briefing and a Mock race.  A look-over by doctor to ensure runners are not afflicted by altitude sickness then rest – O/nt. camp.

Day 17 – Early breakfast at 5:30 a.m. assemble at 6:30 a.m. with final briefing with the course route event starts at 7 a.m. sharp from Everest Base Camp to Namche – O/nt. lodge Namche.

Day 18 – Trek Namche  – Monjo or Phakding – 4½ to 6 hrs. – O/nt. lodge [Due to leg muscle problem].

Day 19 – Trek Phakding or Monjo – Lukla – 4½ to 6 hrs. – O/nt. lodge.

Day 20 – Fly (35 min.) Lukla – Kathmandu / transfer to hotel in Kathmandu – O/nt. hotel.

Day 21 – Free day in Kathmandu (Buffer day incase of bad weather or domestic flight cancellation or

                just incase more days are for the Island peak climb due to weather) – O/nt. hotel.

Day 22 - Departure from Kathmandu / transfer to airport for onward flight.

COST in US Dollar for trek & climb:

Particulars / details	Cost
Trek + climb + Hotel (see below for details) + service charge & taxes	2,245.00
THEM from EBC + taxes (price subject to change without prior notice)*	999.00
Airfare (Domestic flight KTM/Lukla/KTM + tax) (subject to change)*	305.00
Total cost per person in US Dollar	**US $3,549.00

* Cost for Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon and domestic airfare to/from Lukla are subject to change without prior notice.  If increased occurs then the increased portion of the cost is extra payable.

See below for more info…

Cost include (Please read carefully):

01. Airport transfers in Kathmandu with non air-conditioned private vehicle.

02. 4 nights at Hotel Marshyangdi (Annex) or similar with breakfast in single room in Kathmandu.

03. Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee.

04. 12 nights / 13 days Everest base camp lodge trek with 3 meals and twin sharing room in lodges.

05. 1 x trekking guide, 1 x porter to carry your personal luggage for the trek with their daily wages, food, lodge and insurance (for crew only) including airfare for guide (KTM – Lukla- KTM).

06.  Island peak climbing Royalty and other government taxes, climbing clinic course at Imjatse B. C.

07.  Accommodation on tented camp as the Island peak base camp during climbing; 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner); personal and group climbing gears (includes: plastic climbing boots, campons, ice axe, zoomer, figure of 8, carabineer, harness, safety rope, climbing rope, kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet with commode, dinning table with backrest chair, Portable Altitude Chamber, first aid kit, climbing guide with his allowance, trekking cook, camp staff and their allowance & insurance.

08. Accommodation at the Base Camp (27^th to 28^th) will be in tents. Mattress and tent will be provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag.  Meals: 27^th – Dinner / 28^th – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

09. The accommodation on the 29^th is will be at a lodge. Porters will carry the luggage from the start line to Namche. Meals: 29^th – Breakfast at EBC / Lunch & dinner at lodge in Namche Bazar.

10.  Domestic airfare for flight Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu + airport tax (shown separately above).

Cost excludes (Please ready carefully):

01. Lunch, dinner and bar bills during stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

02. Any activities in Kathmandu such as sightseeing (can arrange on additional cost).

03. Soft drinks, hard drinks, beer, bottled water and shower during the trek and climb.

04. Sleeping bag & liner (can hire in Kathmandu on a reasonable cost or you could also buy one)

06. Nepal entry visa (can also obtain at airport on arrival for 30 days multiple entry for US $40 per pax)

07. International airport tax.

08. Comprehensive travel insurance is a must.  Your insurance must cover: trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay including rescue by helicopter, medication, hospitalization & repatriation.

09. Expenses of personal nature and tips to the crews.

** There is a need of US $250 to be deposited garbage deposit at Nepal Mountaineering Association who provides the peak

      permit.  I have not charged this to you as it is refundable which IATE will do it and get the refund after completion.

SUGGESTION for PERSONAL CLOTHINGS & EQUIPEMENT:

01. Flash light (better, if headlight for climbing)      02. Sun glasses (covering whole area of your eyes)

03. Woolen hat/cap.                                                   04. Fleece shirt & trouser.

05. Down jacket w/ hood.                                         06. Goretex trousers.

07. A set of windproof jacket & trousers.                 08. A pair of ski gloves.

09. Thermal underwears.                                           10. Sun cream (enough for 3 weeks) above 30 SPF.

11. A pair of gaitors.                                                  12. Thermal socks (3 pairs)

13. Trekking boot & sports shoes (1 pair each) and proper long sleeved shirt + trouser for marathon.

14. T- shirts, full sleeve shirts and casual pair of clothes for Kathmandu after trek.

TREKKING MAP OF EVEREST BASE CAMP

Map of Climbing Island Peak (6, 189MASL)

 Everest Base Camp Marathon

I am always at home with the mountains,  the reason I really want to visit the Himalays, I am also into running which I want to experience running on the high altitude. But aside from those that I mentioned,  I also want to see and witness the great culture and meet  great people of this great place.  

Tibetan Prayer Flags of rectangular cloth panels, which is often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside. The flags five colors symbolizes blue for sky, green for air, red for fire, white for water and yellow for earth. 

Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek only. (Note: Rates may change on the next climbing season) If one intends to join the Marathon after the trek, it is plus USD999.00. 

Possible cheaper air fare to Kathmandu, Nepal via Air Asia. I hope this will still be available by May 2013. Cheaper Fare to Nepal via Air Asia