So we set off on our big expedition to the summit of Everest (well it felt that far), but really only 120ish K's to a place called Lachung. This was a place high up in the Himalaya mountainous region at approx 8800ft. We set off at around 11am on the tuesday, arriving in the pitch black to our hotel around 7pm. With only a couple of stops along the way this was some serious hard core off roading. Both Paul and I respect the people who do the Paris-Dakar rally a bit more now after our measly 2 day effort, and we have the aches and bruises to prove it!
So our shared 'Mahindra Marshall Maxx' 4x4 jeep with a capacity of 10 plus driver was brimming with passengers, fuel and luggage. I happened to glance at one of the tyres on one of our short breaks - mistake.... it was just showing bare wires! Anyway it made it.
The places we saw along our trek gave hope for the future, including 3 hydro electric power station projects and road building on a large but somewhat crude scale - they lay tarmac in flip-flops (cringe). We often reached places where the road had only recently been subject to a landslide and drove precariously close to the edge.
But it was all worth it!
We awoke the next morning around 6am to some stunning, clear views from our hotel (we arrived in the dark). So from there it was another journey higher, through more and more military check-points (it is very close to the border with Tibet and China) to Zero Point at 15000ft. Along the way we saw a couple of wreckages of jeeps that had failed to make it. A rather stark reminder. In fact the one shown in the pictures (in the middle of the track) only crashed the day before!! Not nice.
The guys in our jeep were all very friendly (some a bit too friendly) and all of Indian origin, we had a few drinks with them on the first night. They gave us advice on our "eating with your hands" technique, but failed to understand the hand alcohol gel to wash your hands with - they thought I was a proper scruff.
Hope I have not waffled on too much but both Paul and I agree that this single two day excursion has been the highlight of our journey so far, so it was worth a decent narration!!
Oh and please LOOK AT THE PICTURES
Simon and Paul
So our shared 'Mahindra Marshall Maxx' 4x4 jeep with a capacity of 10 plus driver was brimming with passengers, fuel and luggage. I happened to glance at one of the tyres on one of our short breaks - mistake.... it was just showing bare wires! Anyway it made it.
The places we saw along our trek gave hope for the future, including 3 hydro electric power station projects and road building on a large but somewhat crude scale - they lay tarmac in flip-flops (cringe). We often reached places where the road had only recently been subject to a landslide and drove precariously close to the edge.
But it was all worth it!
We awoke the next morning around 6am to some stunning, clear views from our hotel (we arrived in the dark). So from there it was another journey higher, through more and more military check-points (it is very close to the border with Tibet and China) to Zero Point at 15000ft. Along the way we saw a couple of wreckages of jeeps that had failed to make it. A rather stark reminder. In fact the one shown in the pictures (in the middle of the track) only crashed the day before!! Not nice.
The guys in our jeep were all very friendly (some a bit too friendly) and all of Indian origin, we had a few drinks with them on the first night. They gave us advice on our "eating with your hands" technique, but failed to understand the hand alcohol gel to wash your hands with - they thought I was a proper scruff.
Hope I have not waffled on too much but both Paul and I agree that this single two day excursion has been the highlight of our journey so far, so it was worth a decent narration!!
Oh and please LOOK AT THE PICTURES
Simon and Paul
PS. Internet is a bit slow, got loads of pictures but have only been able to upload a few, will find somewhere else tomorrow hopefully for the rest!
Wow wow wow wow wow eeee!!!! LOVE the pics! Deeeeee Vine!
ReplyDeleteDon't like the sound of those tyres much!
What did the lads you were with think the alcohol gel was for???
They were right Si any way lad, you are scruff!!!
Have u tried vegetable mo mo's?
Nowt exciting happening here, apart from Liverpool spanking Man U which is always good...
I'll see ya both a week on Tuesday!!!!
Whoop whoop da whoop whoop....
Love Rob
xxx
Now then lads
ReplyDeleteGlad you set up the anonymous capability, not too good in setting up accounts :-S. Its brilliant to see you guys are doing well. Been looking through your photos. Saw the 'Rickshaw for Asif' photo. Can see you guys have definitely had new experiences.
You will be happy to know that I just got back from a trip abroad for the first time in my life. Went to Istanbul, Turkey. Was awesome. Maybe you guys could pay a visit there on your jollies. Now looking for another destination for the Xmas period. Any Suggestions?
All the best me old fruit and fibres
Asif
Lol glad to see you broke your promise already you two! i said no scary stories.. although i suppose colm isn't there yet but still! hehe no but seriously looks like you're having a fab time. I'm sure you're making the most of every minute! im very jealous! :) Debs x
ReplyDeletep.s. photos are amazing!!
Rob: They didn't see the alcohol gel so did not think I cleaned me hands! And less of the scruff business although hygiene standards slipped somewhat lately!
ReplyDeleteTried veg mo mo's beef ones aswell, I like em ( a good bit of stodge) but Paul thinks they are crap.
Yeah saw Liv beat Man U on the telly, was one of the rare occassions we got a hotel room with a box
Asif: WELL DONE!!!
Well the first step has been made although we are wondering why you chose Istanbul, any particular reason? Glad you had a good time though my friend. As for your next excursion, the world is a big place, it all depends on what you want to see!
Deborah: Sorry but it had to be said (to make it more dramatic) lol
forgot to put
ReplyDeleteby Simon
Well done mate looks lovely really jealous
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying it and hope all the nervs have gone now.
Blog is brilliant
Festa
x