Mt Everest from Gokyo Ri Part II

Day 9: Thagnak (15,420 ft) to Dole (13,287 ft), 6-7 hours via Macchermo

As the news surfaced that snowfall was going to increase and the Lukla airport was closed for 3-4 days. We decided to divert our trail back to Lukla. After having breakfast we planned to reach Dole via Macchermo.

I enjoyed this secluded trail clicking pictures.

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Day 10: Dole(13,287 ft) to Khumjung(12,435 ft), 4-5 hours

We left early in the morning towards Khumjung. I could spot Phortse on the ridge of a tiny mountain, another rest spot for the trekkers.

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Spotted unique birds of the Himalayas as I reached Khumjung

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Reached Khumjung and stayed with the same family and this time we learned a lot about each other’s culture and the popularity of Bollywood in Khumjung 😉

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Day 11: Khumjung(12,435 ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,290 ft), 3-4 hours

Namche to Khumjung had a steep ascent. So while returning the trail was steep descent. I could see people struggling to breathe as they were climbing and there was big smile on my face as this part was already accomplished by me 🙂

We waited near this viewpoint near a Japanese tea place. Probably the last point where I could see all the peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Nuptse, Mt Everest, Mt Ama dablam.

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After having lunch, I headed to do some street photography in Namche.

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Day 12: Namche Bazaar (11,290 ft) to Phakding (8,600 ft), 4-5 hours

At 7:30 AM we left the guest house. After walking for about an hour, it started to rain. We waited at tea house till the rain stopped and had some delicious food. Coming back to the lower altitude awakened by taste buds. I was so much satisfied by the taste of the food that I went in to kitchen to compliment the cook 🙂

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Day 13: Phakding (8,600 ft) to Lukla(9,300 ft), 4-5 hours

When I started the trek, Phakding showed some signs of cherry blossom and in 2 weeks the whole place was full of flowers. We started towards Lukla around 8:30 AM.

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We reached Lukla at 1 PM. I was bursting in to joy but kept quiet 😉 Spending two weeks in the Sagarmattha Zone, I was adapted here, with its beauty and the simplicity.

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After reaching Paradise lodge, I cleansed myself. Had a nice cup of coffee after 2 weeks of caffeine break. This lodge was full of different nationalities. In the diner we were saying good bye to each other.

Last day in Lukla was full of socializing. Applauds from different tables grabbed everyone’s attention, some for successful summits, some for cheering up for the expeditions. My day ended playing cards with some Americans, whose names I didn’t even know.

Day 14: Lukla (9,300 ft) to Kathmandu

At 4.30 AM I woke up to get ready. At 5 AM, keeping fingers crossed, I slid the curtains hoping to see the clear sky, as we could fly from Lukla only if there were no dense clouds. And….there I saw sun-rays falling on some unknown peak.

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Now the wait in the diner started. Runway was visible from the window. I needed no beverage to keep myself warm. The situation was so tensed as aircraft not operating at all for many days was normal in Lukla, if weather changes.

In few min I header chopper noise getting louder. Dawa quickly came to me and we held the backpacks and ran towards the airport.

In 5 min we were in the airport and within 10 min I was in the aircraft and took off.

20 min in the air, in this duration I felt completely opposite to what I felt on the first day of the trek. In just 14 days, I experienced something which I could have never experienced if I would have not pushed myself to discomfort. And some amazing people I met; a polyglot French guy, an English lady who was about to summit Mt Ama dablam, had a dinner with an old couple from New Zealand, played cards with the Americans and trekked with the Mount Everest climber(twice). What are the odds to meet such unconventional people in regular life 🙂

In few min I landed to Ramechhap and took public transport to Kathmandu. Couple hours of nasty bus ride to Kathmandu and I entered the smog again.

Summary:

• My Trek Period was March-April 2019
• Guesthouse+Camping experience
• Gokyo Lakes are frozen in March-April
• Only Cash accepted during trek.
• ATM only in Namche
• WiFi, Charging, Hot water shower – Extra charge for each.
• Indian currency not accepted during trek.