Kathmandu - Lukla (2800m) - Phakding (2650m) Alarm set for 0500. Wake at 0200, 0400, 0430... Tings has left us some yoghurt, bread and bananas- dutifully consume with a cup of tea. Dhana collects us in a taxi, strap bags on roof rack and we take a speedy 20 min drive in the (sort of) dark to the airport- the taxi has these weird lights in the back window that are attached to the brakes, every time he brakes (often) the blue disco lights flash maniacally. The only other light is that of fires by the sides of the roads- preferable at 0530 to blue disco lights. Go through the 2 obligatory pat downs at the airport and score the first flight out to Lukla, it's 0814 and i am strapped into the first row seat
... read more