Kathmandu (4,600 ft.) to Lukla (9,320 ft.) - Flight
Lukla (9,320 ft.) to Phakding (8,560 ft.) - 4 1/2 miles (lose 760 ft.)
It was an early morning to get to the airport in time for our flight to Lukla. The earlier the better to try to get the first few flights to Lukla. The later it is, the higher the chance of the flight being cancelled due to the weather conditions. The Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) is rated as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The runway is only 1,509 feet long with a 12% gradient and is able to accommodate only small, fixed-wing, short-takeoff-and-landing air crafts. All your bags, including hand-carried bags, are weighed. Due to the weight limit, we wore our hiking boots and as much clothes as possible to decrease the weight of our bags.
Next to the Lukla Airport runway.
We were a little overweight with our luggage and so one of our bags had to go on the next plane. While we waited for the arrival of the bag at this tea house next to the airport, we were able to catch the sun rising over the peak of the mountain.
Our two guides, K.C. and his son, at a checkpoint getting our permits checked.
Looking out at the houses and farms while on the trail. The elevation was still low enough that there was plenty of green plants and the temperature was warm.
A look at some of the snacks and drinks they sold along the trail.
The flowers on the trees were beginning to bloom and it just wasn't possible to capture how beautiful it was in pictures.
Donkeys were used to transport goods but dzo (yak mixed with domestic cattle) were more common.
Along the trail.
Along the trail, mani stones. The stones have "Om Mani Padme Hum", a Buddhist mantra, written on them. You walk to the left and clockwise around the stones.
Arrived at Phakding which is across the bridge.
Relaxing at the river below the bridge.
The porters and dzo carrying the gear and food at Phakding.
The bridge to Phakding.
Our first campsite. Most of the campsites were close to lodges/tea houses in case the weather was bad or in case something happened. We usually finished the day by early afternoon and had time to rest, wash-up, and change before dinner. Once the sun set, it was usually too cold to be washing and changing clothes.
