We have arrived in Namche after another stunning day. The group at Phakding woke to blue skies and beautiful sunrise on sheer peaks. Breakfast of French toast and bread honey jam coffee and tea at 7 am. Our lodge bakes much of the bread in the lower valley. Pauline was understandably very interested in this. We were away at 8 am walking much closer to the Dudh Kosi river in the lower valley. Again plenty of mani walls and prayer wheels. Several donkey trains passed us with their bells and heavy loads.
After about 45 minutes we learned that Kim's group had already reached Phakding! The cell phone coverage here is amazing. They caught is up in Bengkar. They had almost not got out of Kathmandu because Lukla was clouded in. The helicopter pilot would not fly. By chance Kim met up with Jason Laing a NZ pilot who he had flown with many times and was now working in Nepal. Jason offered to fly then in. Lukla was still clouded out so they landed at Surkey. They took a short cut to Chheplung walking with torches for part of the way. They got up at 6 am today and were walking by 7 am. It was great to see them again in good heart.
We all enjoyed a lunch of dahl baht at Monjo before starting our steep climb to Namche. Our sherpa ensured we climbed slowly with good rests. The whole team moved well crossing the high Larga swing bridge and passing through pine and rhododendron forest. We reached Namche at 3pm in lovely sun. A truly spectacular setting. Our hotel overlooks the town and the view is amazing! Tasty teas and biscuits got afternoon tea and now some students have gone shopping and exploring. Tomorrow is a rest day and we look forward to more shopping relaxing, going for a coffee at one of the many bakeries.
After about 45 minutes we learned that Kim's group had already reached Phakding! The cell phone coverage here is amazing. They caught is up in Bengkar. They had almost not got out of Kathmandu because Lukla was clouded in. The helicopter pilot would not fly. By chance Kim met up with Jason Laing a NZ pilot who he had flown with many times and was now working in Nepal. Jason offered to fly then in. Lukla was still clouded out so they landed at Surkey. They took a short cut to Chheplung walking with torches for part of the way. They got up at 6 am today and were walking by 7 am. It was great to see them again in good heart.
We all enjoyed a lunch of dahl baht at Monjo before starting our steep climb to Namche. Our sherpa ensured we climbed slowly with good rests. The whole team moved well crossing the high Larga swing bridge and passing through pine and rhododendron forest. We reached Namche at 3pm in lovely sun. A truly spectacular setting. Our hotel overlooks the town and the view is amazing! Tasty teas and biscuits got afternoon tea and now some students have gone shopping and exploring. Tomorrow is a rest day and we look forward to more shopping relaxing, going for a coffee at one of the many bakeries.
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| Kim, Bryn Hugh and Dave entering Nache Bazar |
great going guys love the photos and updates. Tell Bryn his green jacket looks great
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Liam - have a great day!!!
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