I learned something that I think I should have already known: the difference between Sherpas and porters. As we got off the bus to begin our trek, we were introduced to our support team. For 8 trekkers this included, one head guide (Ekraj) two Sherpas (Dawa and Tilak) and 4 porters. The duffel bag for Shirley and me was so heavy that I would have strained to bring it from my car into my apartment (about 40 feet). When I was told that only 4 of our team would be actually carrying luggage, I said "that's impossible". And I really meant it. As it turns out and what I should have known is that the Sherpas are not there to carry luggage, they are mountain guides, not porters. And in fact, the 4 porters proceeded to tie together 2 duffels each and then tie their own bag on top of this package. Then they put a strap around their forehead, hoisted the whole contraption and off they went. Not one of them weighed more than 160 pounds. As it turns out, a porter carrying this load moves at the same pace as one of us trekkers carrying his or her day pack. Its hard to believe unless you see it for yourself.
The Sherpas however were there to guide. Tilak went first to make sure we didn't get lost, that we stopped to rest often and that we stopped at the correct lunch and dinner spots. Dawa brought up the middle and assisted Patsy by carrying her bag. He also carried a birthday cake for 3 days for a surprise birthday party for Patsy on Saint Patrick's Day without putting a single smudge in the frosting. Ekraj brought up the rear to make sure we didn't lose anyone and to keep track of our slowest trekkers.
They were really a great group of guys. Apparently, this is a high paying job and they brought a great enthusiasm to it. They were a pleasure to be around.
The Sherpas however were there to guide. Tilak went first to make sure we didn't get lost, that we stopped to rest often and that we stopped at the correct lunch and dinner spots. Dawa brought up the middle and assisted Patsy by carrying her bag. He also carried a birthday cake for 3 days for a surprise birthday party for Patsy on Saint Patrick's Day without putting a single smudge in the frosting. Ekraj brought up the rear to make sure we didn't lose anyone and to keep track of our slowest trekkers.
They were really a great group of guys. Apparently, this is a high paying job and they brought a great enthusiasm to it. They were a pleasure to be around.