So, my 8th visit to Nepal and the Everest region. In all my previous visits, I have never flown in and out of Lukla on my booked dates. Weather has always delayed me on at least one or both of the legs! But not this trip!! We flew into Lukla on time 6 days ago, and flew out the same today. No weather, no fog, no delays, just perfect. And then throw in 5 days of brilliant weather for our trek with excellent scenery and I'm suddenly thinking of returning my treks to January and the Nepalese winter...!!! Although still minus25 at Base Camp!!
We were farewelled by our guide and porters at Lukla airport this morning, and yes there were more tears. Our news to Mingma that we are planning to look into sponsoring his daughter for higher education in Kathmandu had him turning away wiping tears, which in turn had the rest of us blubbering...!! A truly special moment.
I am right now sitting in the Kathmandu Guest House front garden cafe having a well earned cafe latte. I've had my shower and am awaiting the rest of the team to do the same and join me. (We weren't "on the nose" but there is still nothing like a hot shower after a trek in zero temps).
Given we have flown in and out of Lukla on time, we are now faced with having 6 days spare up our sleve. Some of the group have already hinted they may bring their return flights forward (not sure why anyone would be in a rush to leave Kat!), while the others may chose to head down to Pokhara for a few days. We may even run into that Annapurna mob (who after 10 days trekking WILL be on the nose!!)
Thanks again for your comments and support. There is nothing better than being in the middle of the Himalayas, huddled around a lodge heater and reading your comments aloud.
We were farewelled by our guide and porters at Lukla airport this morning, and yes there were more tears. Our news to Mingma that we are planning to look into sponsoring his daughter for higher education in Kathmandu had him turning away wiping tears, which in turn had the rest of us blubbering...!! A truly special moment.
I am right now sitting in the Kathmandu Guest House front garden cafe having a well earned cafe latte. I've had my shower and am awaiting the rest of the team to do the same and join me. (We weren't "on the nose" but there is still nothing like a hot shower after a trek in zero temps).
Given we have flown in and out of Lukla on time, we are now faced with having 6 days spare up our sleve. Some of the group have already hinted they may bring their return flights forward (not sure why anyone would be in a rush to leave Kat!), while the others may chose to head down to Pokhara for a few days. We may even run into that Annapurna mob (who after 10 days trekking WILL be on the nose!!)
Thanks again for your comments and support. There is nothing better than being in the middle of the Himalayas, huddled around a lodge heater and reading your comments aloud.
