Day 3: Trek Day 2 – Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Tok Tok to Namche Bazaar
3,440 m / 11,286 ft; 6-7 hrs
I woke up early in the morning and readied myself for the next day of trekking. At 7 a.m. we had tea and toast. The sky was clear and the weather pleasant. Looking into the clear sky, I thanked God for the trouble-free passage of the first day. Saurabh encouraged me by appreciating my pertormance on the first day, which he felt was beyond his expectations.
We resumed our walking even as the scenery was becoming increasingly beautiful. A few clouds were seen over the mountains while the sight of a sheet of pure-white snow that had covered the valley stunned us. Our guide said that many parts of the valley were still inaccessible and untouched by human habitation.
It was little warm and we were nearing the Namche village in Solukhumbu district of north-east Nepal. At its checkpost, we presented our IDs and then proceeded towards the village bazaar which is the main trading hub in the region. The village is located at 3,440 m. (11,286 ft) at its lowest point, and is populated on the side of a hill. Most of the Sherpas engaged in the tourism sector, come from the Namche area.
Namche Bazaar is frequented by the trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for high-altitude acclimatization. It is the gateway to the high Himalayas. There are a lot of lodges, restaurants and shops catering to the different needs of the visitors. A popular local treat is yak steak for the non-vegetarians. Every Saturday, a weekly market was held in the centre of the village where a variety of consumer goods of Chinese make are put up for sale. Here, the sun sets late.
To the west of Namche Bazaar is the Pangali Riche peak at 6,18/ m (20,994 ft) and to the east is rhamserku peak at 6,623 m (21,29 ft). The Everest base camp trek takes nine days of trekking, including two days to acclimatize to the weather.
At 2 p.m. we checked into a nice hotel which also had a bar. its owner, a much-respected person, was also the village chief; his wife doubled up as the cook when the regular cook was absent. Food and other facilities at this hotel were comparatively better, though it had only a common bath.
We didn’t fuss over it as we were, by now, used to the local ground realities. We utilized the afternoon free time talking to many foreign trekkers who were going to or returning from base camp. A trekker from Lebanon, Ryan, whom we befriended was in Nepal for the last two months.
We had planned to trek to Kala Patthar to be able to get a good view of Mount Everest. I was hesitant but looking at my physique, Ryan assured me that I could do it. I grew concerned of my erratic night sleep, possibly due to the altitude, as continued insomnia could affect my stamina for this arduous activity.
Day 4: Trek Day 4 – Thursday, March 10, 2022
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
20 min by helicopter
We freshened up early in the morning, ready to undertake the next 2-3 km of trekking to the Everest and Ama Dablam viewpoints. It was very chilly with clear skies. We reached the Everest view point. Amid, the tranquility and snow-covered mountains, I sat down to do my dally morning Pranayam.
We returned to our hotel and had a good breakfast. The path was full of snow. We were scheduled to continue on our trek. At this point, I learnt of a helicopter service which took just twenty minutes to reach to our starting point, Lukla-a distance we covered in two days! It costs Rs 35,000 for 5 passengers. To experience a helicopter ride was an additional attraction for us and we immediately booked it for the next day.
While waiting for the chopper at the small helipad, I was attracted to a small bird flying towards us, it’s sweet chirping becoming louder as it neared us.
Lo! the chopper was there! I sat next to the pilot to have an unrestricted view of the mighty Himalayas. After a short while, we were on our way to Lukla. I was overwhelmed by the view of the mountains and did not even close my eyes lest miss even a single frame of the fast-changing scenery.
Within minutes, we landed at Lukla. What a miracle it was I was so relievedthat I did not have to return by foot; the joy of helicopter ride was more than enough for me.
We returned to the inn. I could hardly believe that my first-ever trek was over. By now, – gained enough confidence.
“Well done, I congratulated myself.
We lazed around at the inn. I saw few children roaming near the inn, but they did not have anything to play with.
I bought a ball for them from a nearby shop; getting it, their faces beamed with joy as it they had gotten the whole world!
The value of the gift was just nothing when compared to the amount or happiness it brought on the faces of these innocent kids. It was my small gesture to bid goodbye to Nepal and its beautiful inhabitants for bestowing on us the best hospitality they could offer.
Day 5: Friday, March 11, 2022
Lukla – Kathmandu – Chennai
Our flight to Kathmandu was early in the morning. Flights generally are scheduled in the morning hours as the weather is more suitable during that time. We spent the day sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting Bhaktapur, the old capital of Nepal.
Bhaktapur, which literally means the City of Devotees, is located about 13 kilometres from Kathmandu. In terms of area, it is the smallest city in Nepal. In the 2015 earthquake, several of its ancient landmarks were heavily damaged. It is one of the most visited places, attracting hordes of tourists in Nepal.
Due to its medieval structures, UNESCO has given the city of Bhaktapur the tag of a World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its pottery and handicrafts, which are also in high demand in Nepal.
That evening we caught our flight to New Delhi too. We were happy and blessed to have undertaken this trek. And, with a sense of achievement and relief, we headed home.
