Moonscape

Day 13 Mukthinath to Jomsom

Elevation Change:  -3543 ft.

Elevation of Jomsom:  8924 ft.

Distance: 12 miles

Time:  5 hrs

I’ve never been so sore before in my entire life.  Just going down a few flights of stairs is a monumental effort.  My feet are so tender that just a little bit of weight or pressure produces waves of aching pain.  Unfortunately we must continue on our trek.  I would love, LOVE, a day or two of rest but we’ve still got quite some distance to cover.  The good part is that most of today’s hike is downhill and flat.  Our guide Arjun told us that we are entering the driest part of Nepal.  The landscape has shifted from snow and ice to rock and dust.  I’d describe it as almost a moon scape.  There are huge swathes of land that have nothing but rocks and dust.  It’s also the windiest part of the city.  We had to cover our mouths with bandanas in order to avoid swallowing mouthfuls of dust.  It almost reminds me of a post-apocalyptic future landscape, something from out of mad max.  The strange part is that I still find this landscape beautiful.  There is something serene and peaceful about this desolate wind swept area.  I can’t put my finger on it but I definitely like it. 



A local weaving some fabric.  Bought some delicious apples from her.