A Flight Into Lukla and The Trek Began!, Nepal
The group transferred to the airport for our Lukla flight. Good news...the weather was slightly cloudy but considered "good" and all flights were a go. Only STOL's fly to Lukla at 9,200'...because the landing strip is exactly 1,729' long with a 65' runway...perched on top of a mountain...surrounded by more mountains. This had to be one of the most visually spectacular, not to mention thrilling landings we've ever experienced! (Watching our approach as that very little runway came closer, and closer...thinking..."are we going to land on that?"...was amazing.)
After getting off the plane safely - we watched plane after plane come in...unload passengers...reload the outgoings and take off again ...View image...- the sherpa guides, porters and pack animals were waiting for us...ready to start the trek after a fast breakfast. Organized commotion in a tiny area.
The Khumbu (Everest) region is inhabited by Sherpas, people who migrated from Tibet over 500 years ago. The area is traditionally Tibetan Buddhist and the people dress in the same Tibetan style.
daypacks lined up and waiting
porters getting ready
Finally organized, it was down the trail (then up the trail) with the Village of Phakding our first camping destination, passing mani walls (boulders with carved Buddhist prayer inscriptions), small villages, Sherpas and porters everywhere, toting heavy loads on their backs. There are no roads in the Himalayas, yaks are expensive, and every single item must be carried in and out. A constant flow of locals and trekkers.
first swinging (suspension) bridge
Phakding camp was at about 8,875', along the Dudh Kosi River. This was definitely my kind of trek: an excellent cook, porters and Sherpas who would make and break camp, erect a toilet tent, etc.. All we had to do was get out of sweaty clothes, drink tea and schmooze with each other. It was very hot in the high-altitude sun but cooled down quickly in the evening or when clouds rolled in.
Poor husband is still feeling the altitude and fell into his sleeping bag, out like a light.
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