Day 2-We trek to Namche Bazaar

The trek to Namche Bazaar stretches 7 miles and includes an altitude gain of nearly 3,000 feet. Most of that altitude gain happens in the last 3 hours of the trek. It is a very challenging day. We woke to a sparkling clear but cold morning at 24 degrees and left our tea house at 7:30. We arrived at our tea house in Namche at 2:30. Approaching Namche is very exciting because you get your first look at mountains over 25,000 feet and more, including your first views of Mt. Everest. Lastly, trekkers have to deal for the first time with the burden high altitude puts on the body. Tomorrow is an acclimatization day here in Namche. We will hike up 1,500 feet to the Everest View Hotel and through the village of Khumjung. By doing this, we prepare our bodies for the higher altitudes to come later in the week and avoid the risk of altitude sickness.

This is the view 2 hours after crossing the Hillary Bridge which crosses the river far below. 

This man is carrying 220 pounds up a steep hill most people couldn’t walk up. He gets paid by the weight. He has 3 miles to go. 

Our tea house (naturally) is at the very top of Namche. No treat after 7 hours.  The God of hiking has a sense of humor. 

Jit and I after entering the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park.

A final permit check just before reaching Namche.

I think I have the best guide ever.

One of the many suspension bridges along the river valley. Jit and I had an unusual close call with a long mule train on one of them. 

You can’t make up the beauty here.


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