EBC Day 4/ Deboche

Today we had a 17 kilometer hike to Deboche with stunning views and a quick visit to the Tengboche monastery.

Fueled by porridge I began the hike around 8am. It started with stairs then turned into a gentle slope that allowed conversations to take place rather than simply panting. It was starting to get colder so my quarter zip stayed on throughout the day. We were now over 12,000 ft, so the altitude started to effect some people. One person was feeling queasy and had a bad headache so we walked slower and took frequent breaks despite the mostly flat terrain.

We descended to a small village for a lunch of vegetable potatoes. After bathroom breaks and water refills we set out for the second half of the day. We then had an ascent up 700m. This was difficult, but our previous ascents prepared us and climb was a lot easier than the past days. We finally reached the monastery around 3 and I was grateful to use the restroom and rest for a few minutes.

After taking off our shoes our guide, Narayan, then took us inside the monastery. Inside there was rows of mats for the monks and a big chair in front of a giant golden Buddha for the head monk. The walls were covered in intricate paintings of landscapes and Buddha. Even though it was a small room, it was beautiful and I wish I was able to take photos.

Narayan gave us a quick history of the monastery and explained that it is open for trekkers to come to be wished good luck for their journey. I spent the night before tossing and turning because of stomach cramps and slept-walked the 15 minutes to our teahouse.

Once we arrived I set down my stuff and began my new book and took a nap. I was awoke when Robin, one of the leaders, called for us to put in our dinner orders. I went to the dining room and read until my dinner of veggie momos. I was feeling quite nauseous and wasn't able to eat many, but had a juice box instead.

A few of the boys invited my to play a new card game. I played a few rounds before retiring to my room around 8:30. (Sorry for switching back and forth between meters and feet. My friends watch read in feet and our leaders in meters.)