Bob's Blog

Altitude Days

Shepherds hut on the route to Thukla

In Namche the altitude was 3517m, and I took a day off, no symptoms. In Pangboche (4,027m) I didn't sleep well and woke with a headache, though I wasn't sure if because of the smoke. I took paracetamol that morning.

When I got to Dingboche (4,350m), I was tired from a bad night's sleep, slept at the hotel on arrival. Woke up took more paracetamol, had dinner and slept like a log.

Was considering another acclimatization day, but felt good in the morning, no headaches. So decided to push on with a conservative 300mtr gain, to Thukla (4620m).

After arriving, I thought I'd try and help the acclimatisation by hiking up to 4,900m - the elevation I planned to be at the next day. It gave me a pulsing headache, but not lasting. Returning to the lodge, I felt slightly befuddled.

Took more paracetamol after dinner. Slept okay, though did wake up and take another paracetamol. Woke up with a slight headache.

Should probably take an acclimatisation day. It's really not the best place, it's small, shabby, expensive, cold, primarily a lunch spot for tourists, there's no internet, I'm running out of power and food supply. And yet, I guess I must listen to my body and let it catch up.

...

So, I am staying here. Not convinced of the decision. Lobuche perhaps better as that is base camp for base camp. Well here now. Fighting fit otherwise. Watching the streams of people going past/stopping for lunch, a lot struggling. Doing better than me though!

Perhaps what I have to do is just go slower. The throbbing only happens when I push it, in my normal manner. Just need to slow it down so the headaches don't come. Nothing today, except minor. Will try the hike again this eve, and go slow.