Day 1: Lukla to Phakding
We had an early start in Kathmandu. The lights of Diwali were still going strong even this early in the morning.
Sunrise on the flight to Lukla. This was a tiny plane and the gas fumes were strong.
Considered one of the scariest airports in the world. You fly into Lukla through the mountains and the landing strip is at an extreme angle.
Our team for the next 12 days. The three of us, our amazing guide Kiran, and two porters Ram and Rabin. We couldn't have had a more perfect group for this trek!
Leaving Lukla.
Entering the trails of the Himalayas.
Mountains looming ahead.
We passed through some beautiful forested areas.
This dog decided to join us for several miles, protecting us from rival dogs and anyone he saw as a threat.
We named him Red Panda, since we probably wouldn't be seeing any actual Red Pandas.
Red Panda showing other dogs who's boss. He finally turned back when he encountered several dogs guarding their territory and didn't feel safe continuing on with us.
With Diwali going on, we encountered several children putting on shows and performing to get candy and money. Sort of like Halloween.
Even at the lowest points, the views were wonderful and the skies were blue.
A little girl practicing her English. Maybe she'll grow up to be a guide?
Our first of many suspension bridges.
On this trek we passed through countless small villages, offering tea houses to eat and stay for the night.
The Dudh Kosi river.
I was surprised to see a lizard up here.
We arrived at our teahouse in Phakding. This was our easiest day of trekking, but it was still nice to finally get a rest.
To our surprise, the local children put on a show and we were the guests of honor.
A typical dinner at the teahouse.
We consumed massive amounts of mint tea to stay warm...
...and sherpa stew was a perfect hot meal at the end of the day. Each teahouse had it's own special way of preparing their stew.
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazar
Day two. We had an early start and a long distance to hike.
The paths on this section were relatively easy going. We were still on the main trail, but in two days would turn off into a more remote valley.
Waterfalls everywhere.
Children working or playing, we couldn't really tell the difference.
Entering the gate to Sagarmatha National Park. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Everest, which roughly means the head in the great blue sky.
Perfectly turquoise water.
Mazes were meant to keep cattle off this section.
The Edmund Hillary memorial suspension bridge.
Many people are deathly afraid of these suspension bridges. To us they were bouncy and fun to cross.
Mules, cows, yaks, and hybrids are all used to carry supplies up to the villages.
At the end of the day we entered Namche Bazar, a picturesque little town nestled in a foggy valley.
Our teahouse for two nights while in Namche Bazar.
Day 3: Acclimation Day-Hike to Everest View Hotel
Morning Tai Chi session to warm up and loosen muscles.
Our first yak sighting. They only live above a certain elevation, so beyond this point we would be seeing a lot more yaks.
On day three we spent the day doing an acclimitization hike up to the Everest View Hotel.
Rabin the porter led the way. He took us on the steep and direct path straight up the mountain. Over the course of this trek we would really start to miss switchback trails.
Another dog joined us for part of this hike. We named him Black Panda.
A partially built airport above Namche Bazar.
This was our first view of Everest. It always looks small when your'e down in the valley. In this picture, it's the peak in the upper left.
We didn't see many flowers, but there were some hidden along the trails.
The steps to Everest View Hotel. People fly in on helicopters to stay the night. We just came up for the view and some acclimation.
Everest.
After a snack at the cafe, we had to hike back down to Namche Bazar for one more night. Hike high and sleep low.
Amazing views down Kumbhu Valley.
Approaching Namche Bazar.
We decided to have one final real meal, with spaghetti, pizza...
...and chocolate cake!
We took a little trip around town to see the Tenzing Norgay memorial.
Finally, to end the day, we hiked up near the helipad on the west side of the town to capture a timelapse before the clouds rolled in.
Kieron and Rabin were down in town playing some volleyball. Not sure how they had the energy after all that hiking!!