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Namche Bazar - 11,552 ft
Monday, 26 April 2010
We caught the 6:30am flight out of Kathmandu. It was so nice to get above the city and out of the pollution. We landed 30 minutes later in Lukla. This is where most people come to trek up to Everest Base Camp. Reuben and I had a cup of tea and walked about 4 1/2 miles to Phakding. We delivered a letter from Pam, a local Truckee Yoga student, to the owners of the Namaste Guest House. We got a free nights stay, thanks Pam! The food up here is simple and good. I stick to the dhal baht: rice, streamed/fried veggies and lentils.
The next day we started hiking at 7am. I was told that we were going about 4 1/2 miles but that it was uphill. The day before this same distance had taken us about 1 1/4 hours. It took us 6 hours to get to Namche Bazar!! We did stop one time in Monjo to have some milk tea and chocolate. Besides that we were in motion the whole time. Needless to say it’s steep!
Along the walk I did get my first view of Everest. Luckily, the sky was a brilliant blue and there were just a few clouds. The trail was full of trekkers, horses, donkeys, yaks, dzos, chickens, fuzzy puppies and playful dogs. By far, the most impressive people on the trail are the porters. They carry A LOT. Easily two big backpacks and a couple boxes piled high. It’s quite impressive....and very humbling. I had a wimpy back pack I bought in Kathmandu for $15 bucks and it was really uncomfortable. I was annoyed the whole day. Then a couple porters would walk by and I’d feel utterly pathetic. I actually ended up trading in the old back pack for a very comfy one. Cut me a break I’m on vacation! Plus, I’m lugging around my Maduka Yoga mat up! (at least it’s the travel light model) 
We spent the night in Namche Bazar and day hiked around today up to 12, 500 ft. I was tempted to have a glass of wine at the Everest View Hotel (once upon a time a 5 star hotel), but I decided to wait until the way back down to have a drink!! We plan to be back in Namche Bazar in 12 days. The mornings are still and glorious, and the afternoons are windy and cold. We’re usually inside by then, sipping lemon tea and playing scrabble. Love to all, write to you when we get back to Namche.
Posted: 04.26.2010
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