[#AmaDablamTour, Day 3] Lukla to Chumoa

We were off to an early start. Dawa made sure we had the best chance of flying out to Lukla, so we were on the first flight out of Kathmandu.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 1] Welcome to Nepal!

Namaste!

We are now in Kathmandu, after a brief layover in Bangkok last night. We didn't get the most from our stop because we were a bit far from the city center. What I enjoyed most during both flights is that I got to catch up watching recent movies like Inside Out (was almost crying at one point). In-flight food wasn't bad either.

We arrived at Tribuvhan Airport past noon and I told Miko to rush and queue at the immigration booths to avoid the long lines. There was some confusion as to which line we should be, so we ended up at the end of the queue, anyway. It didn't matter too much because our bags were almost the last to come out of the plane. The airport still has the feel of a chaotic domestic airport back in the Philippines. But since I've been here before, it was more manageable and less shocking.

It was good to see Dawa again. He told us we had to wait for the next flight, where the others (Marie, Elaine, and two reporters from Rappler) were boarded. It was raining by the time we got out of the airport. I hope it's not a sign of things to come. 

With Dawa of Dream Himalaya Adventures

Soon, I am back in Thamel. For some reason this is one of the favorite places I've visited. Probably because its busy narrow streets are lined up with shops selling every mountaineering gear imaginable, both genuine and imitation. If only there is time to visit them all again.

First bad news of our trip is that Romi is stuck in Kuala Lumpur. His flight didn't push through that night, so he'll be arriving late tomorrow night, a few hours before we head out for Lukla. I just hope he gets here on time.

With Adrian, Marie, Elaine, Tik, Krista, Miko and Henry

First group dinner at Northridge Cafe. Prepare to shell out some moolah when you eat here.

Chicken tikka massala. Very delicious but surprisingly expensive.

Tomorrow is last minute shopping day for items we still lack. The first-time visitors will go on a half-day tour to see more of Kathmandu. I decided to skip this and just walk around Thamel and reminisce on my hunts the last time I was here.

We decided to use the hashtag #AmaDablamTour instead of expedition as it sounds "less ambitious", and according to Henry, puts less pressure on us. Hehe. 

This trip was made possible in part from the support of The North Face Philippines, Primer Group, and Lagalag Exploration.

Day Zero

Our expedition officially starts today as we head out to Kathmandu, Nepal via Bangkok. It was frantic in thebpast few days; with work, my birthday, and packing for the trip each vying for a share of my time. Good thing I have an awesome support crew, my best mate Cece, to take care of the preparations.

Before we board, I would just want to thank again all those who made this possible, The North Face Philippines, Lagalag Exploration, CORE of Primer Group, ROX, the UP Mountaineers, NokieAir, Shan and Dan, and of course, Celina and Ein the Adventure Dog.

Ein wants to come with me.

More updates when we reach Kathmandu.

-- 12:30pm NAIA Terminal 1

TNF Mountain Athletics

A while ago, Jundel of The North Face (TNF) Philippines invited us to try their Mountain Athletics training. This is a new global campaign of TNF, a workout program geared for mountaineers, trail runners, and outdoor sports enthusiasts, by targeting muscle groups needed for these sports. With 10 days left before we set out for Nepal, this would be our last major workout, and on to the "tapering" period.

Gearing up for the big climb

Climbing mountains can be costly, especially if it involves snow and very high elevations. Not only would you need the usual equipment and clothes, you also need specialized gear to protect you from the elements.

I've been slowly accumulating the things we need for our Ama Dablam climb. I'm really happy to have friends who are willing to lend their gear, sponsors who are supporting our trip, and for a fiancee who understands my need to be away for a month for the irrational need to climb a mountain.