Final Day
01.10.2025 - 01.10.2025
Today, we started later, at 8. Breakfast felt like a treat, a change from the usual, and made me feel more "normal." It consisted of two or three scrambled eggs shaped roughly like the tortilla-style bread underneath. Simple, plain, and comforting. They referred to it as an omelet, but my description is more fitting. The meal was accompanied by butter tea, which felt satisfying. We set out on the trail, a bit sore from the previous day but motivated by the promise of a relatively easy day ahead—10 KM, plus an extra one. The scenery remained beautiful as we followed a river, but the area lacked trees, so the hills were merely covered with a thin layer of short grass tufts. The day was uneventful, and we appreciated the minimal elevation gain. We stopped at one teahouse where I decided to try the noodle cup again. Before leaving, I asked a guide for the location of the toilet. He pointed in a direction, chuckled, and said, "Sky Toilet." It was situated in a stunning spot overlooking a steep ravine, featuring two stalls with chest-high walls but no doors or roofs. I've completely abandoned concerns about hygiene and modesty and proceeded to "pop a squat." We had the option to ride on our tour bus that had arrived, but our group wanted to claim we completed the full Kora, so we placed our packs on the bus and walked the last KM to our hotel. This day was shorter, and we reached the hotel around 2. We were all eager for a shower and had some time before our bus would take us to visit three sacred lakes. We all got ready by 4, freshly washed and dressed in clean clothes, and boarded the bus. The lakes were vast and beautiful, protected areas where people could collect bottles of the sacred water. I chose not to drink it but let it run over my hands. Our guide made a dedicated effort to gather some stones from the lake. We had hoped for some time in town to eat and obtain a medal signifying the completion of the Kora, but we didn't return to town until 9. I knew I could get a paper certificate from the hotel and was too tired to venture across town for an engraved medal of the trek. One of our group, Yalina, was determined to get it for me, and I gladly accepted her offer. Back in my room, I had the oxygen on full blast alongside the humidifier. I always wish for a restful night's sleep, but the altitude continues to take its toll on me.
Posted by jamesboyles
13:48
Archived in China
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