| An early start saw us leaving the hotel at 5.15am to travel to
the domestic terminal. Checking the bags in entailed piling the
holdalls that Ramblers Worldwide Holidays had provided for us one on
top of the other (see photo below). Having heard tales of flights
being cancelled on other days we were pleased to take off at 6.35am
on the tiny aircraft (approximately 19 seater). Flying up the valley
towards Lukla airstrip and the skill of the pilots meant that we had
a smooth landing on the sloping (and very short) runway! After
walking to the nearby Tea House we met up with our Sherpas and
porters. The head Sherpa, or Sirdar, had travelled with us from
Kathmandu. 'The boys' as we came to call the porters, took charge of
our holdalls so that we just had our backpacks to carry. The
Adventure had begun!
Leaving behind the paved and shop-lined main street of Lukla we
arrived at The National Luminary Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate which is
dedicated to a national hero in Nepal. In 1993, Pasang Lhamu was the
first Sherpa woman to attain the summit of Mt. Everest. For this
achievement, she was granted the title of National Luminary, a sort
of knighthood in Nepal. Pasang Lhamu died on the descent, while
attempting to save the life of a team member on the South Summit
Gradually making our way down into the valley, with the roaring
waters of the Dudh Kosi far below, we marvelled at the constantly
changing scene before us. We made our way through terraced
farmland, dotted with stone Sherpa homes, and past trees and bushes
- but too early for any blossom. Meeting the first selection of Mani
stones we were reminded that we must pass to their left to respect
the local culture. After making our way through Phakding we crossed
the long suspension bridge to walk along the west side of the Dudh
Kosi. Eventually we crossed back to the east side to reach Monjo, and
our first stop at Summit Lodge. |
Checking in the bags!
It's a hive of activity in the 'airport lounge'
Safely down . . .
at Lukla airport . . .
with it's short sloping runway
An amazing sight . . .
as almost all the airport is included in one shot
Our first encounter with a group of Dzo, a cross
between a yak and a cow
The entrance gate welcomes us to the trek
Our first glimpse down the valley . . .
as a good path leads us through the trees . . .
and past a Mani stone
More views of the valley . . .
and Jane makes her way onto the swing bridge
More of the many Mani stones we pass on the trail .
. .
they come in all shapes and sizes
Nearly to the bottom of the valley . . .
as we take a break
Everything is carried either by porters or animals
Lunch stop at a tea house in Phakding . . .
then it's across the swing bridge . . .
to the opposite side of the Dudh Kosi
The river is also known as the Milk River because of
the colour of the glacial melt water
Snow capped mountains . . .
are a constant reminder of our altitude
A bird is spotted in a tree . . .
but I can't remember it's name
One for the family . . .
in spectacular scenery
What a view!
A little reminder of home - but this is at over 9,000
feet
One of many stupas en route
Another swing bridge takes us back across the river . .
.
and on to Summit Home at Monjo