Phakdang to Namche Bazaar

The UIt was up at 6:30 to a breakfast of porridge, toast and fried eggs,  and I never eat eggs...hmmm.

On the trail at 7:15 and to a total altitude gain of about 1,000 meters and finishing at 10,500 feet.

Honestly, as far as below the tree line mountain scenery goes,  this stretch of trail is beyond compare to anything I've ever experienced. Photos don't have a chance of doing it justice.  It is also the first day where you can catch a glimpse of Everest.

Here is Everest in all her 29,035 feet glory

From mountain streams to waterfalls and glacial rivers, this stretch just keeps on delivering one stunning view after another.

This bridge was about 400 feet over the river.  Not for the feint of heart as it really starts bouncing around as you get near the center.

That bridge in the foreground (the high one) is the one we would soon cross.

Finally, at around 2:30 we got to Namche which is the Main Sherpa town on the mountain.  Remember that everything you see in the picture below came up at least a 2 day walk on the back of a mule, yak or porter.

This load is probably close to 100 pounds and will net the porter about $3 for 2 days work.  Kids stay in school.

So the next two nights will be in Namche to let the bodies chemistry catch up to the altitude.  

I'm feeling great but still trying to adjust to the 11 hour time change.