himalayan journey blog

Muchu, July 22

MY GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL X RANDY SUN 


The situation with transport is very difficult. Local jeeps mostly serve the traffic between Nepal and Tibet. But since the pandemic last year, China has closed the border between Nepal and Tibet. There was only work left within the area - to carry goods and people from Simikot to Hilsa and to a couple of adjacent areas.

However, due to the unexpectedly strong start of the monsoon, the road was washed away. The drivers actually lost their jobs and went to work in Simikot and other parts of Nepal. As a result there are jeeps. We've seen a lot of them already. But there are no drivers. And there is a chance that we will get to Hilsa on foot, that is, two more days.


Today we have covered 25 kilometers. And it was 25 kilometers in the mountains with a 20-kilogram backpack. We walked at least 3000 meters all the time. So it was a challenge for my non-acclimatized body.


There are practically no hotels. So called "hotel" are often the usual home of local residents, where you can rent a room. I spent the first night in a barn. On the second night we were more fortunate, staying in a very large house.

Food is also a problem. Since the road to Simikot has been washed out and China has closed its borders, the food is actually only the dal bhat. And on the third day it starts to get bored. Only water is available for drinks (or tea and coffee, if you have it). No Coca-Cola, no juice, no beer.

But there is electricity. There are also local mini hydroelectric power plants and solar energy. And it looks like the networks are stretched to all the settlements. We're trying to find the jeep again tomorrow. Well, or trying to get to Hilsa on foot.

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