11 March
(Day 1 of trekking)
“What a day, flight from Kathmandu to Lucla delayed by 3+ hours due to cloud and congestion but we finally landed in Lucla on the high altitude incredibly short and steep runway at lunchtime (check out the video’s).
After lunch the all important logistics and safety briefings were held before we headed off to hike to Phakding in the Dudh Kosi River Valley at an altitude of 2,610m.
Surrounded by the most amazing scenery and towering mountains the journey was a good ice breaker for what is to come and it certainly gave the lungs, heart and legs a good workout.
The locals are beautiful people (check out the little champ on my knee) and the lifestyle in this high, mountainous region is so different. The Jhopkya (bred from cow and yak) and the mules are the primary workhorses up here.
We arrived in Phakding and got the logistics of accommodation and meals sorted as well as boiling more water for tomorrows leg.
Great banter and socialising tonight, this really is a great if not large group (26). Dinner comprised roast potatoes, vegetable momo’s, vegetable noodles, fruit and ginger and lemon tea.
Off to our somewhat rustic rooms with no heating or power. Nice and cold, however sleeping in your thermals (not a good look) and a good sleeping bag all help that.
Big day tomorrow, hiking for 8 hours to Namche Bazaar in the Khumbu Region at an altitude of 3,440m. We will start on our altitude medication from tomorrow night.”
– Tony
