The Mystery of Trust: What Exactly is It?
In the heart of the Himalayas, a remarkable hike took place on March 24, 2009. The author, accompanied by the experienced sherpa guide, Kalu Tamang, embarked on a journey to Kongma La, a challenging pass nestled high in the mountains.
The day's hike to Dingboche began later in the day as the sun was setting, indicating a leisurely pace set by Kalu. At the foot of the steep gravel path, Kalu took a cigarette break, a rare occurrence for the guide who, as the author learned, had not consumed tobacco in the past 10 years. The author, too, took only one puff, respecting the sanctity of the journey.
The author's hiking abilities were well-known to Kalu, having guided the author for 10 years. Despite the challenging terrain, the author took many breaks due to the high altitude, but managed to descend slowly and carefully to Dingboche, taking approximately 80 minutes more than Kalu.
The journey to Dingboche was largely solitary, with minimal human presence and barely one yak being seen. The author refilled their water bottle at a small stream during the descent.
The trails in the valley were easier to follow than the guidebook suggested, and Kalu veered off the trail for a shortcut, though it did not save significant time. The author, initially guided by Puri Rui, a young porter, on the way to Lobuche, had temporarily gotten lost. However, Kalu's trust in the author's hiking abilities was evident, as he asked if the author was ready to hike down from their current location to Dingboche.
The author, feeling ready to continue, confirmed and Kalu proceeded to descend rapidly. The author encountered more than 2000 ft of ascent and 4000 ft of descent while hiking to Kongma La, the destination for the next day.
For those planning a trek in Nepal, the author recommends contacting Peter Owens ([email protected]) to arrange a guide like Kalu Tamang. His expertise, trust, and companionship made for an unforgettable journey in the heart of the Himalayas.
In the tranquil solitude of the Himalayas, the author's adventure-travel continued, with the lifestyle of the journey favoring a measured pace to navigate the challenging terrain. On the descent to Dingboche, the author's anecdotal detour and temporary loss were met with Kalu's confident trust, implying a shared history of travel and adherence to the author's hiking abilities.
