We had decided to visit the remains of a four hundred year old Tibetan Gompa that lay at a height of 4100m. It was a chance to get feedback on how I would be affected by altitude. The sun shone but a cold breeze blew up the valley as we began our trek up the valley. Here, it was your typical Himalayan scene with Yaks, snow capped peaks and Autumn colors putting on a show.
What made the monks and nuns of this area come so high up? Is it to escape the trappings of everyday life so that they can focus on their spiritual work? Is it to avoid persecution? I would always see monasteries perched in the most remote areas and here was no different. Life here was a world stripped back to the minimum. Just a few donkey’s grazing. A little stream, and big mountains to remind you how insignificant you really are.
Then CRACK! Avalanche! We raced over to see the snow tumble it’s way down the mountain. A week before, five people had perished up at Manaslu basecamp due to the avalanches. We were at a safe distance way further down the valley, but the higher you climbed, the greater the odds were that you would meet nature’s perils.
On the way down I felt like my head was going to explode. Was this the effects of altitude? Was it because of that stupid dance I did at 4000m? I was extremely tired and hungry. I walked at a snails pace back down stumbling over the rocks as we made our way back down to the town of Samagan.
After food and some rest, I went back to Brenda lake to do my Yoga. That night, I slept like a baby!
