We were aware that somewhere along this route was going to be our first glimpse ofMount Everest, and this kept us motivated for the first 2 hours until we reached a flat viewing area with several trekkers milling about. It was obvious by the activity and the hawkers selling fruit this was the first Mt Everest viewing point. It was certainly impressive to see at a distance, with clouds wisping off its summit. Following a legthy rest stop with many photographs taken, it was time to continue the slog the remaining way up to Namche Bazaar. My first doubts at reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar crept in.... read more

The guides use Kerosene as fuel to provide us with boiling water for night time water bottles, morning time bowl washes and day time safe drinking water. Whilst I am hugely appreciative of this essential service, the fact they were doing this directly under my bunk room last night was less than appreciated. Trying to sleep with the overwhelming smell of Kerosene was difficult, so I had to endure yet another night of fitfull sleep. There was little point in complaining – it was just part of the experience. Today was the first of the big trekking days, with a 4 hour trek to Namche Bazaar ahead of us, most of which was up very steep slopes. We criss-crossed over several suspension bridges which traversed the Dudh Koshi River. I should at this point give 3 ... read more

Following a heart lunch we embarked on a hike up the hill behind Monjo for some views and “acclimitisation”. Although I had stripped down my day pack to its bear essentials, it didn’t seem much lighter than earlier. The climb through the pine forest was steep and I could feel my calm muscles stretching with every step. For our efforts we were rewarded with magnificent views of Thamserku (6618m).... read more

It was not long before we attracted the attention of a small group of children, probably no older than 7, playing nearby. Their game of choice was throwing small apples at one another. The game soon spilled over to our group and we returned fire on our young foe. Their leader clearly had superior strategic skills than us, as he directed his band of warriors onto higher ground. This advantage plus their superior ballistic skills proved to much for us, so we beat a hasty retreat and continued on the trail to Monjo.... read more

My thoughts were broken by the gentle swaying of the bridge as three young porters with their empty wicker baskets began to traverse the bridge, and I guessed on their way to Lukla to restock with supplies for the journey back to some destination upstream. I wondered if they would pass me in the days to come, and concluded if they did I probably wouldn’t recognise them, nor them me. I greet them with a cheery “Namesty” as they pass and each in turn response with the same hearty greeting and beaming smiles that light up their dark faces. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, it lighted up the top of the peak Kongde Ri like a lighthouse beacon. More Nepalese people crossed over the bridge heading to wherever they needed to go to ... read more