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Hello from Kathmandu

March 22, 2006 By paul.adler

Enjoying Pizza in Kathmandu. We didn't realise how big they when we ordered one each!
Enjoying Pizza in Kathmandu. We didn’t realise how big they when we ordered one each!

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Altitude: 1380m
Local Time: 9:00pm
Weather: Hazy, 24C

Hi everyone – its Paul here coming in live over the Satellite Phone for the first time this trip.

I’m very pleased to say that we’ve finally arrived in Nepal and now it really feels like we are on our way.

Luggage dramas
As anticipated, we did have some problems with our luggage. Fortunately our extra allowance was extended to Chris and Bridget (who were on the same flight and are trekking into basecamp with us). However, that still meant that we were about 30kgs over limit – which was going to cost around $600. But by reshuffling even more gear into our hand luggage, and removing our camp beds (a luxury we had brought in for basecamp), we squeaked in within the limit. And in the end, we decided to try to board with the camp beds as hand luggage as well as our already well loaded day-packs. We weren’t stopped so we’ve ended up with all of our gear here.

Settling in
The flight itself was fine and we managed to catch a bit of sleep on the leg to Bangkok. Once in Kathmandu, we were met by IMG representatives and introduced to some of the other climbers and trekkers in our expedition. We were then taken to our hotel and given a short briefing about organising our luggage so that the majority of it can be shipped (by helicopter and yak) straight into basecamp. The trip from the airport to the hotel bought back memories from the last time we were here 10 years ago – beeping horns and cars everywhere, lots of roadworks, buildings built right up to the narrow streets, the bright colors of people’s clothing, the street vendors, rickshaws and tuk tuks.

Meet and greet
There are all combinations of people on our expedition. Some are just trekking into basecamp, others are climbing Island Peak, others are climbing through the Khumbu Icefall, and then there are those climbing Everest – some of which have private, western guides, and others (like us) have hired their own Sherpas. Everyone we’ve met so far seems great – but we’re still really just getting to know who’s who and trying to remember everyone’s names. There are 20 people in total, of which 16 are climbing and 4 are trekking.

Lovely Dinner
We had a great dinner of Pizza at restaurant recommended by a friend of Bridget and then looked at a few of the gear shops in the nearby Thamel district. We need to get a couple of things before we depart on Thursday morning for the mountains. Tomorrow will be a hectic day and the plan is to leave the next morning at 5am.

Cheers, Paul.

Gear shopping and getting organised in Kathmandu
Leaving tonight

Filed Under: Everest 2006

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. GENTON Daniel says

    March 22, 2006 at 2:42 am

    Here is a french cousin who wish get the news for your Everest trip.
    Good luck ! We are with you both.
    Jean-Pierre Genton à Paris
    …..

  2. GENTON Ines says

    March 22, 2006 at 2:45 am

    From a french cousin, Jean-Pierre GENTON daughter.
    …..

  3. Scott Beatty says

    March 22, 2006 at 2:49 am

    Good for you myself an and kids Justin 13 and Katelyn 16 have treked in the American west for about 5 years now they just love the outdoors in high country. You guys have renewed the intrest to do more treking this summer
    They said that by getting these updates they can be there with you on you quest thanks be safe scott,justin,and kateylyn
    …..

  4. Mohan says

    March 22, 2006 at 2:52 am

    Hey fellas,
    your trip is really inspiring to all of us here in Singapore.. we are from a student mountaineering programme where we do our own marketing and publicity to raise funds for our expedition..
    we will be going to Mera Peak in May.. was wondering how is the situation in Nepal now? Would greatly appreciate you advice..
    have a safe and pleasant trip.. we are all behind you 😎
    …..

  5. Paul Genton says

    March 22, 2006 at 3:16 am

    Thank you for your message that reached me just before my departure to Budapest. Afterworth I shall be away from Geneva for a few weeks on a mission in Latin America so I won’t ne able to read and answer your emails.
    But I take this opportunity to send you ones again my very best wishes for a great succès and I am looking to hear from you in a mont or so !
    Enmjoy the pizzas end the other “typical Nepalese food” !!!
    All the best !
    Paul Genton
    …..

  6. Mary Clare says

    March 22, 2006 at 4:50 am

    Hello Paul and Fiona
    Well, the journey has truly begun!
    Great job in getting all your gear to Katmandu. Where there is a will, there is a way. That kind of determination is what will help you as you begin your climb of Sagamantha.
    You are both so inspiring…by living your dreams, you are helping others to realize what is possible when you have a vision and also the drive to see it through. Here is an inspirational quote for you:
    “To dream, then prepare. To journey, then conquer. This is my quest” MC
    …..

  7. Dad & Mary says

    March 22, 2006 at 8:15 am

    Great to hear that you that you had no trouble with all that luggage and especially getting the camp stretchers over there. Much more comfortable than sleeping on rocks. The farwell party on Sunday filled two blue bins of empty bottles!
    …..

  8. Anne Marshall says

    March 22, 2006 at 8:17 am

    Brilliant moves on potential luggage hitch, characteristic of all your successes to be!! Love always, Anne & Ron.
    …..

  9. Maddi and DP says

    March 22, 2006 at 8:40 am

    Some great work with the luggage guys. Well done!
    Your report from Kathmandu has made us very nostalgic for our own trip there in 1999. What a great place. And I remember those pizzas with much fondness….!
    Good luck for the next stage.
    Lots of love
    Maddi and DP
    …..

  10. Kerry Noonan says

    March 22, 2006 at 9:29 am

    Hey there guys,
    Great to see you touched down safe and sound. The luggage shuffle sounds cool – could be the making of a short-film? The punch-line could be the camp beds as hand-luggage. My vision is of highly conspicuous beds being “sneaked” on board.
    Best wishes and much love
    Kerry xoxo
    …..

  11. Lucinda & Chris says

    March 22, 2006 at 11:39 am

    Hi guys, glad to hear you all made it to Nepal safely (and all that gear – hope the check in guy doesn’t read this!).
    Hear from you soon,
    Lou & Chris
    …..

  12. Rose and Mike says

    March 22, 2006 at 5:10 pm

    Hi Paul and Fiona
    Great to hear you have started your fantastic journey.
    Good luck with the trek to base camp
    Have fun
    Rose, Mike, Oliver,Nicola and Freddy
    …..

  13. Mum & Dad says

    March 22, 2006 at 9:23 pm

    It was good to hear from you and to know that the luggage issue solved itself!! We’re thinking of you all the time and wishing you all the best. I’m wearing the Yin or is it the Yan?? Hope the weather is good for the trek.
    …..

  14. Brad Martin says

    March 23, 2006 at 1:49 am

    Hi Paul and Fiona, I wanted to let you know that you have fans in the US. Many of us are following your climb. We wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to your updates. You are in inspiration for many. Stay safe!!
    Brad
    …..

  15. Valerie says

    March 26, 2006 at 8:07 am

    Your description of Namche Baazar is wonderful. I can almost “see” your view. Looking at the small (6600mtr.!!) mountain must take your breath away. Seeing it on TV cannot possibly do it justice.
    Rest well—cheers–Valerie–Apollo Bay, Vic.
    …..

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