Namche Bazzar to Lukla and back to Kathmandu (almost home)

Yesterday was a very interesting and long day. We left Namche Bazzar at about 6:30am and headed back to Lukla. The trail itself descended very steeply for a long time and, for those of us who like downhill treks, was a perfect start of the day. The trail is not at all smooth but covered with thousands of rocks brought one by one by someone a long time ago to create the trail and the MANY steps that lead both up and down the mountain. Our legs were all but solid as we started off with some of us very shaky after the long and hard trek. We crossed numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension bridge as we headed down the mountain. We finally stopped for lunch and were able to visit one of the highest Buddhist Monestaries in the world. Unfortunately, to enter, you have to take your shoes off! I think we scared the monks as they giggled when we removed our shoes! We started down the trail once again only to finally have to go UPHILL, and I do mean uphill. It seemed like miles as we each tried to get in our ZONE to keep somewhat of a pace as we climbed the mountain to reach Lukla. Some were fast, some were slow, but remember, its the journey that's important. Those who finished early waited at the entrance to Lukla and cheered the rest of the team, and other trekkers, as they completed their journey! It was a very joyous time as we were all focused on stopping that only Starbucks in Nepal that just happens to be in Lukla!!!! We stopped in and saw they were the REAL THING! We decicided to check into our rooms first and come back for a drink!

We checked into our rooms and found that the Lukla folks were getting ready for a big tourism celebration. They flew in local talent, set up a large tent, lights and then....ACTION, a giant Nepalese party! Our guides encouraged us to go with them to dance, however, we were all absolutely exhausted after our trek and dinner (I got very brave and had Buffalo MoMo for dinner). We immediately went to our rooms and then, suddenly, the party started and the sound from down the hill echoed up the hill to our rooms. The party went on until about 4:30a.m. and none of us slept very well, however, we did get to hear the entertainment! Each time one said "thankyou" we each thought "thank God, its over" and then...another singer! We could hear the prancing of little claws on our roofs (probably mountain rats, I thought they were snow leopards though!) Finally the music stopped and we closed our eyes only to hear the Norweigan Youth grouop upstairs get up to get ready to head out for the day!

Next step was to head to the airport, the Lukla Airport to be exact, one of the most dangerous in the world! We checked our bags, waited...waited...waited for the clouds to clear and then heard the first shuttle planes of the day approach and land! About an hour later we boarded our flight back to Kathmandu. Once we arrived we boarded a shuttle buds and headed back to the baggage claim area, got our luggage, found our driver and headed through the streets of Kathmandu back to the Shaker Hotel. After being in the pristine and quiet mountains it was quite a jolt to return to the noise, pollution and crowded streets (that remind me of scenes from the video game CALL OF DUTY) of the city. We arrived, got our rooms and here we are. Lunch is coming up, then onto the office to complete our visit and trek to Mt. Everest!

This experience, not vacation, was ultimately the most interesting and emotional thing I have ever done. I cant wait to see where my next journey takes me as this one comes to a close. I will never forget our team, porters, Asst. Guides and Lead Guide from Himalayan Glacier Trekking, who helped make this possible and safe. Tonights a celebration party and a time to remember our trip together. Tomorrow's a new day, new adventures and the start of my trek back home!

The following are pictures of my fellow trekkers, GREAT people, GREAT companions and I hope, FRIENDS FOREVER!