Behind the Scenes: Day 5 (Acclimation Day and Being Present)

 Day 05 - Namche Bazaar Acclimation Day (11,289ft)

We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimate. We will do a short trek to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. Expect to learn a lot about Nepalese history and culture and to get some great photos. 

It's suggested that we focus on being present to create and engrain the beauty of the views into life long memories. I have this process I do on every trip to file it away and solidify the memories of it - it's an intentional process and I can't really describe it but it works for me. Preparing to do this for Everest is part of my mental prep. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and being able to be present, positive, and focused on what is around me instead of what my body is feeling or what's running through my mind will be key. 

We will also hike up to Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world, where we can see some breathtaking views of the Himalayas (including Mount Everest)!

At only 11,289 feet, I know I won't be sleeping great. My heart rate will be high, my pulse ox will be low at night and sleep will be disrupted. Here's some info from this site:

Even at sea level, humans normally breathe more slowly while sleeping and experience mildly low levels of oxygen in the blood. This "hypoxia" worsens at high altitude because there is so much less oxygen in the air.

The result is a highly abnormal pattern of breathing during sleep at high altitude. When the brain senses low blood-oxygen levels, it forces the body to take three or four deep breaths. These deep breaths bring blood carbon-dioxide levels far below normal, which leads to a cessation of breathing altogether for a period of eight to 12 seconds. When the blood-oxygen level again falls low enough, the cycle begins anew.

This disordered breathing pattern usually disrupts sleep, making climbers fatigued and mistake-prone during the day. 

Sleeping over 8,000 ft is when, despite all the training, I'll start feeling the physicality of the trek. And we'll have 5 more days until we hit base camp and in 6 we'll be at our max of 18,000 ft. 

On that note...I'm heading out for a hike!