7.4 miles, 1158’ climbing
Hotel Star Lodge, Phakding, 8587’ elevation
Last night after dinner we walked down to the Yeti Bar in Namche for a Sherpa IPA. By 8pm we were back in our cozy room, only to be awakened around 11pm by what turned out to be lodge guests who were locked out. We weren’t sure what was going on besides the noise, and we tried to sleep thru it.
The night was much warmer than when we arrived in Namche a couple of weeks ago when we could see our breath in our lodge room. After a cozy night and a good breakfast, we headed out of town. Arriving trekkers looked clean but exhausted as we passed them.
After what seemed like 1.5 miles of stone stairs down, we crossed the Dudh Khosi on a swing bridge and continued descending thru the forest. We stopped for a cup of tea, then later for a lazy lunch.
After lunch, we found ourselves among many mule trains going both directions. When they are loaded, a mule could easily slam you with its pack and injure you. We tried to move off the trail when they passed, but they were impeding our forward progress.
Finally we arrived at our lodge, the same one we stayed in after we flew into Lukla. We enjoyed a lazy afternoon in the sun on the patio until descending clouds brought a cold breeze.
Funny how there is more humor on the return trek than on the climbing up trek. That is the nature of the beast - hard climbing up and easier going down. I always found it was harder on ones heals going up and hard on the toes going down. Sounds from your writing a very good time trekking.
ReplyDeleteHeels did ok this trip, toes suffered a little going down, but no blisters!
DeleteThe mule trains sound dangerous. The Yeti bar sounds interesting. A mile and a half of stairs, even going down, is a lot! Easier times now. Love you! Mom xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo many mules!!! Xo
ReplyDelete