On The Way to Namche Bazaar, Nepal
Trekking to Everest is not exactly a stroll in a secluded park, (remote, yes...secluded, no) quietly enjoying the forests and birds. It resembled the Chicago Kennedy Expressway at Rush Hour! There is only one trail used by one and all, including the Yaks and Zuikos, a cross between a Yak and Cow. They are big animals and you had just better keep out of their way.
And forget about watching your steps to avoid all the "Yak/Zuiko poop"...impossible...it just wore off our boots as we huffed-and-puffed along.
The forested trail led to Jorsale where we officially entered Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park. Sagarmantha was established in 1976 to safeguard the unique landscape of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Of the 14 peaks over 8,000 metres (26,000+ feet) in the world, four are within this park. Brochures at the entrance and the group trekking permits were shown to the officials. Have you read...Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
ex-Marine and Sheila entering Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park
Moving right along, we came to another swinging suspension bridge. This bridge is the only one remaining from the original six "Hillary Bridges" in the valley. I froze in the middle as two "Zukio's" lumbered toward me. Shouting curses at the lady herding her Zukios, Lo Pa, our Sherpa, threw himself between me and them, pushing me up against the steel cables. Their very large horns passed within inches of my petrified body (almost impaling me) while the rest of our group looked on in horror.
Now ex-Marine's method of crossing swinging bridges created minor hold-ups every time we came to one and there were many to cross. ...View image.... He cannot, and will not cross a long suspension, unless HE is the only person on the bridge. The more people and animals, the bouncier and swingier the bridge becomes, and he has been known to turn white (under his tan) with fear. (We all have our little quirks!) So, we'd stand there....and wait...and wait...until the "all clear" signal was given...and then he'd hightail it across. This swinging/suspension was not as long as some of the others and he just left a good distance between him and the other people before stepping on it!
Up and up the steep hillside, finally some glimpses of Everest and other Himalayan giants. Every now and then a little flower adding a touch of color, and growing through the rocks...View image... Your best chance of seeing the mountains is always in the morning because the clouds form in the afternoon and roll-in, obscuring the views. There were many rest stops for the porters and group....we all needed them!
rest stop on trail
Then, through the streets of Namche Bazaar, the unofficial capital of the Khumbu, and local center for trading and supplies. It is also an important "cash" market for the Sherpas who exchange their trekking money here. Namche is at an altitude of 11,270'...and we're gaining every day...still up to the courtyard of a guesthouse owned by Head Sherpa to make camp for two nights.
Throw down the packs, thighs burning, collapse, wait for tents to be set up and watch our Yaks and Zukios ambling around the camp until a Sherpa led them off...somewhere. ...The Yaks had beautiful, fluffy tails. We even saw Yak Tails for sale in the market...in case you're interested.
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