Jomsom Christmas

AT THE TOP OF THORUNG LA, 18000FT +, 8AM? DAMN COLD... :-)

Howdy peeps! First off lemme just say Merry Christmas, from the other side of the globe! Just got into a twn with internet access after what, 7 days?? Thank you all so much for the comments you've posted on the site, its such a boost to hear from each of you, and know that I appreciate it even though i haven't been able to respond to them individually- danne bhat- (thaanks in nepali)....




VIEW BACK NORTH UP THE KALIGANDAKI VALLEY, FROM NEAR JOMSOM

So, big news is, we made it safely over Thorung La yesterday, the high point on the Annap. circuit trek at damn near 18,000 ft (yeah, I said 15,000 before, math wasn't even close...) early start from high camp lodging, saw the sunrise, watched the mercury on my thermo bottom out at -20 F (-30 C) for those inclined, and lemme just say that is really, really cold.... the harshest temps I've ever experienced for any length of time.
It was a long day too, after the 500M climb, we had to descend into Muktinath, a vertical drop of 6000 ft... ouch say the kneez! got to the lodge and just collapsed. wasn't good for anything till this morn, but the safe passage over and amazing views (yeah, lots of great pics when I get to the right internet connection), along with good friends to share the experience with made it all worthwhile. Speaking of friends, gotta run, my dinner time is here and the Canadians, American, South Africans, Malaysians, and Nepalis are gonna celebrate Christmas together round the table tonight. (n maybe a nip of the local apple brandy to warm our chilly bones this himalayan eve.... ;-) )














CHRISTMAS DINNER IN JOMSOM



THE DRYER SIDE OF THE PASS... LOOKING BACK TO THE NORTHEAST AT THORUNG LA FROM THE TERRACED HILLSIDES OF MUKTINATH... THIS AREA HAS BEEN USED IN FILMS TO REPRESENT AFGHANISTAN, CAUSE THE BUDDHISTS TEND NOT TO KILL FILMCREWS. ;-)

Until next time, be well and Namaste' to you all-