Accessing the Unexplored (9 June)

To see what others cannot ... You must climb the mountain  ~Ron Akers

Snowy peaks & clouds above Camp Three

Despite waking in the night and wondering if I was suffering a brain edema (the flashing lights actually were torches from other tents), Cliff and I both rose this morning feeling much revived.  Before breakfast most of the snow from overnight melted -- at our campsite anyway (We can see snow levels rising in the mountains above us).  As a bonus, today we got basins of warm water to wash a little laundry before setting out for another exploration hike in preparation for the first high pass.  It's a short day with some earned downtime to help us all recuperate from yesterday's demanding hike.
 

Feeling good

 Shouldering our packs at a leisurely 10:45 a.m., we proceeded to explore another glorious river valley laced by a braided glacial stream.  And again, no path or trail.  Because this valley did not lead to a pass, we felt like true explorers knowing few other humans would find reason to travel here.  There are no herders or caterpillar hunters here (although we did see the occasional yak wandered from its herd).

View at the top of today's hike

Resting at 17,400'

We hiked from Camp Three up to a stunning high valley at 17,400 feet. It seems as though we're all finding our trekking rhythm and it’s nice to see.  Still, our big quadriceps muscles scream for oxygenated blood, and we’re gulping air on every incline. At altitude, everything is hard work, and one must remain committed to his or her personal goal to hike on.  For Cliff and me, the thrill is seeing things that no other way can be accessed.  To walk where so few human feet (and perhaps for some steps none before ours) have walked. 

From Orientalbirdimages.org

So yes, it is possible to see the Himalayan Snow Cock in its natural environment — but you’ll have to work for it.  Even in our case, the hearing and seeing today was easy -- the photographing less so.  The image included here is from the excellent website: orientalbirdimages.org 

Marmot jawbone w/incisor intact

And when scenes like the valley Gary decided to capture in a panoramic shot appear, it is sheer magic. A note on all these exploration/acclimation hikes: When I saw them in the trekking itinerary I thought they were seriously overdone. Now I am grateful for every step that prepares me to walk and sleep higher as we slowly approach the Guring La.

Gary capturing the view

Camp Three from above