Base Camp!

 

September 7th

We’re up and feeling better than yesterday.  Four of us pack everything, have breakfast and are on the trail by 8:30.  The fifth team member still in Samagaun is waiting for a gear duffle that didn’t make it, so we wish him well on our way out.  Samagaun has been our home for a few days with mostly good experiences, but we’re happy to be moving again and especially so because we will rejoin the rest of our team in base camp.  The way out of town is quiet which allows us to enjoy our own thoughts as we walk. 

Now we’re heading back uphill on the trail we took down from Samdo but take a left at the junction a half hour or so out of town towards Manaslu base camp.  It’s a warm day with low clouds and we keep a steady pace while climbing higher and higher.  From time to time we get views of Samagaun laid out below us with a glacier fed lake in between 

The scenery is stunning with creeks, rivers and waterfalls crossing our route.  We see many alpine plants, some of which are similar to those in Colorado and some that look unique to this place.  Big views open and close as the clouds move and swirl by.  

We continue to climb higher and higher and every so often check the elevation, knowing that our goal is about 16,000 ft.  We share the route with a few other trekkers or climbers but mostly it’s porters or mule teams hauling supplies up to base camp.  Finally, our efforts are rewarded with the first glimpse of base camp. 

Our camp is three-quarters of the way to the top of the overall base camp area and I am amazed at how many teams are here.  I knew there would be more people because Tibet is closed to climbers this year but now, I’m staring at the full impact of the 300+ Manaslu permits that have been granted.  This reminds me so much of Everest base camp and I guess it’s an indication of how things have progressed in the mountaineering world. 

The elevation of our base camp is 16,080 ft, which is nice and high for a quicker launch onto the mountain proper.  Today’s effort was 4.43 miles with 4,370 ft of elevation gain over about 6 hours.  Definitely a solid effort and we’re ready for something to eat and a rest.  We find our tents and expend just enough effort to make them habitable for now.  As the day closes, the sky darkens quickly and we can see the moon lighting the remaining clouds from behind.  A quick snapshot of the moon and tents below and it’s time to call it a day.


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