Apr
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Everest Base Camp Trek 2010- Daily Dispatches

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Day 3 20th April, 2010

Greetings from Namche Bazaar.   It is my turn (Alan) to do the update.  My wife, Penny, was with me in Delhi and Kathmandu so I missed some of the early group meeting which explains my absence in some of the pictures posted yesterday.

We started off this morning in Phakding with a hearty breakfast of apple porridge, eggs, and toast.  We started the hike around 8:20 am.  Phakding is at an altitude of around 8500 feet.  After crossing 3 suspension bridges which were a bit intimidating for those of us with a fear of heights, we reached our lunch destination around 11:30 am.  By that time, we had reached 9200 feet.  Lunch was great, potatoes, spring rolls, and a vegetable medley.

The hike after lunch was the toughest we have had so far.  Two more suspension bridges (one with a drop of about 500 feet) and a climb up to 11,200 feet when we reached Namchee Bazaar.

Namchee Bazaar  is a beautiful place.  Lots of two to three story buildings built around the mountainside.  Our hotel is first class.  Comfortable rooms, great views, and even a hot shower.

Everyone is doing great.  We all hiked strong, no one is sick, and we are having a great experience.  I don’t know who will do the update tomorrow, (only that it won’t be Dave), but we’ll report in.

Read Full Story: 20th April, 2010- Greetings from Namche Bazaar

Apr
20
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Everest Base Camp Trek 2010- Daily Dispatches

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Day 2- 19th April, 2010

Kathmandu – to Lukla & Phakding

Our wake up call came at 4:15 am as we were to leave the hotel for our flight to Lukla. Don and Tim did not set their watches to the correct time so they arrived late and created pandemonium in the hotel at departure time. Now with the group 20min behind schedule the entire trip was in jeopardy due to the tight timing. However due to some creative driving through the streets of Katmandu we managed to get to the airport in time to make our flight. At the airport this time we were met by monkeys and chickens as we made our way to the tarmac.

The trip to Lukla was memorable for the views and the landing. For anyone that has not seen the Lukla airstrip I can only say “holy @#$%”. The airstrip is built on the side of a mountain with about a 25 degree pitch going uphill to help the plane stop after it has basically fallen from the sky.

In Lukla we were met by our porters that would accompany us for the balance of the trip. From Lulka we started our trek up the beautiful chaurikharka valley. After 2 hours of trekking we stopped for lunch in the small village of Thadokhosi. We had a home cooked meal of noodles and enjoyed the views. It was amazing to see local women talking on their cell phones. After lunch we continued our journey up the valley past yaks, chickens, horses and lots of other trekkers.

We have ended our first day of trekking in the small village of Phakding. Here we are staying at the Tashi Take lodge. The lodge is beside the river and we are looking forward to a good night sleep after our first day on the trail. Elevation 8,600ft.

Read Full Story: 19th April, 2010- Kathmandu to Lukla & Phakding

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