Lukla to Kathmandu
Thursday, 16th March 2012
As we extricated ourselves from our sleeping bags we were
pleased to find that the weather looked promising. Hearing the sound
of aeroplanes, some of the group quickly made their way outside to
watch the first plane of the day land - at 6.45am. This was quickly
followed by more planes and we had to be dragged back inside before
the breakfast got cold. We were eager to head down to the check-in
area and didn't have long to wait - a scant rummage in backpacks and
a few questions - then we were in the 'airport lounge' (a bare room
with a couple of seats). After about an hour of watching planes
land, unload, load up and take off again in the space of about 10
minutes, we were on our way. The views over the Himalayan range was
magnificent but, unfortunately, I was on the wrong side of the plane
to be able to take any photos. Thirty-five minutes later we were
landing in Kathmandu and on our way to the Shangri-La Hotel. We
quickly disappeared into our rooms and luxuriated in the warmth and
comfort of a hot bath and shower. This was followed by a very
enjoyable lunch on the terrace.
After lunch I joined Al, Jane and Rose to travel to a shopping
area of Kathmandu. Whilst we had previously driven along the hectic
pot-holed streets it was quite a different experience to walk along
them, especially when it came to finding a gap in the traffic to get
to the other side of the road. Returning to the hotel in a very
small Suzuki, Sylvia joined us in the 'Sundowner Lounge' (a seating
area at the end of the corridor) for drinks and reminiscences. |
The sun catches a snow-capped summit . . .
as I take a couple of shots . . .
of the airport
Ready for take-off . . .
heading down the runway . . .
and into the air
Another plane unloads . . .
as a second one arrives . . .
and then a third one
Al says goodbye to our Sherpas
Watching from the 'airport lounge' . . .
another plane heads down the runway
We don't seem to much higher than the nearby hills . . .
and can easily see some of the tracks
Looking directly down over the wheel . . .
and at the hillside terracing
Approaching Kathmandu . . .
and descending to the airport
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