This the day! The challenging day that you have been working up to! We broke down our time recordings today into 2 parts, to the top and down. There are 2 different opinions for this day. One is that you leave between 3 and 5 in the morning. The other is that it’s too dangerous that early because it’s still dark and better to leave between 5 and 6 in the morning. We chose to leave later in the morning and can see why it would be dangerous as it’s pretty steep hill to climb. Why this is important is because in the early afternoon a strong wind picks up on the pass and the trail down. The wind is so strong and can get gail force winds which is very dangerous. The rule of thumb is that you should be past the top by 10 am.

This part of the trek, is most likely to have snow. We were lucky with no snow, but people their 5 days prior found it impassable due to the snow.

On the Trail to the Summit

Before leaving Thorong Pedi, heed the sign that indicates the trail markers change from red/white spray paint to black poles. Black poles with flags in case of snow.

The trek from Thorong Pedi to Highcamp was quite steep and a lot of switch back and windy trail.

We trekked 5 km to the top at an average speed of 1.3km/hr and ascending 843M to the peak at 5366M.

The trek from Highcamp to the Pass was the most challenging day so far, there were many false summits, and the terrain is very similar so looks and feels never ending. We trekked pretty fast this day because we left a little too late in the morning so were worried about being late over the pass. You will feel the affects of altitude the most here. You might get light headed, nausea, or a headache. But you feel it the most in your ability to walk fast. It’s unnatural to walk a snails pace when you know you can walk faster, but your lungs won’t allow it.

It was such an inspiring moment to reach the top! To know that we set this challenge for ourself, and we had carried our own bag, and physically completed something like never before in our lives. Trekking through the Himalayan’s mountains over the highest landpass in the world is an accomplishment.

At the top there is even a teahouse so take a moment to enjoy the top with a hot Masala Tea at the chilly peak.

Descent from the Summit to Mukitinah

The second half of our day was from the peak down. This is just as much as a challenge as going up. Now you descend the mountain down to Muktinah at 3600M. That is approx. 1700M descent! The trail here can be quite steep continuously with beautiful valley views the whole way down.

Such a large ascent only is 9.4 km in length. You will arrive into Muktinah in the late afternoon and this will easily feel like your longest day yet. The view of the valley of Muktinah is quite spectacular as you descend.

It’s time to have a beer and cheers to your accomplishment!