Trek in the mountains 29th May

One of the few tourist attractions is Shipton’s Arch (Tushuk Tash) which is the highest arch in the world at 1200ft. We set off in four 4x4 as the first hour and a half is on road then the next hour is up a river bed and then the final hour is walking













It slowly gets steeper and there are old wooden ladders in place to scale up through the crags. The top of the screed mound is just under 3000m and you lungs are burning and the heart is beating very hard. It is worth it though as not many people get to see it. It was only rediscovered in May 2000 for tourist’s to visit after being forgotten when Shipton discovered it between the two great wars. The local name translated means “Hole Mountain”. The coming down is easier but you have to be careful not to twist any ankles or slip
Back to the hotel where I have a date to Skype Di at home 10:00 UK time. Great to see her as well as talk. She is the best ever! Big hugs and Kisses Mrs Johnson
This evening we have to start our course of Diamox tablets which will help us cope with getting use to altitude as the next 2 weeks will be above 5000m. You start taking the tablets 2 days before you ascend and then continue for a further 5 days. The effects is to increase the lung rate as regards oxygenation but it leaves you with a slight tingle in your finger tips
With the drug, there is absolutely no alcohol allowed not that we have really been drinking much anyway
Let’s hope I do not get altitude sickness, fingers crossed

7118 miles - Kashgar, China