25/11/2024
Everest Base Camp - a tourists perspective!
A daily blog of EBC written by one of our customers.
We thank her very much for sharing this honest and eye opening account of her journey.
DAY 2 -
To Lukla and Beyond
The alarm sounded at 5am, although there was little need, as I was already wide awake.
Despite the comfy hotel I didn't sleep overly well - a combination of jet lag, apprehension and excitement - I think!
After a quick bite to eat we set off to Kathmandu domestic airport to fly to Lukla.
After a short wait we boarded the plane and left for Lukla around 7.30am.
The plane journey was certainly an experience and not nearly as scary as I was expecting. The views were incredible and like nothing I have ever seen before. Just WOW!! The landing at Lukla was exciting!
Upon landing we had breakfast in Lukla and met the rest of our team before starting the trek.
Walking through the streets of Lukla was an experience. There were groups of cows (I believe called Jyos - yak x cow) carrying supplies walking along the main street.
After leaving Lukla the first part of the trek was downhill. The views were stunning.
We passed lots of mani stones and mani walls - important prayer stones / walls in scripted with Buddhism tibetan script. The guides explained to always where possible go round the stones and walls from the left to right.
The guides also taught us about other aspects of Buddhist culture such as prayer wheels, prayer flags (to blow the blessings in the wind), stupas and monasteries.
We also got to cross our first suspension bridge which was certainly an experience. They are very bouncy.
We saw lots of transport donkeys carrying all sorts of loads.
After 6 hours or so we arrived in Phakding. Our stop for the night and enjoyed a lovely daal bhat meal.
The hike today was enjoyable and not too much of a challenge - perhaps lulling the group into a false sense of security?
I slept well... Relaxed, comfortable and cosy.