5.4 miles, 1565’ climbing
Runway 24 Inn, Lukla, 9444’ elevation
After a comfy night and a good breakfast, we set off on a rolling walk to Lukla, the village where we will catch our flight out of the Everest region. The walk wasn’t too long, though the cobblestone-like surface and stone steps are a little hard underfoot. We passed a dozen loaded mule trains and one train of dzopkyos headed uphill. Lots of helicopters were headed up the valley. Lots of local people were sweeping in front of their houses, doing chores, and children were playing.
We passed a lot of villages today, some blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, apples, and peach trees. We made a short stop at the police checkpoint before Lukla where Bire did his paperwork, then we checked into the Runway 24 Inn in time for an early lunch. From the deck we watched planes and helicopters landing and taking off. Ed and I walked through the village, had a coffee in a shop, changed a little money, had hot showers. Overall this is a leisurely day.
Tomorrow we will fly to Ramechhap, provided it is clear, then take a jeep ride for several hours back to Kathmandu. Because there are so many flights to Lukla in high season, they were monopolizing air traffic at the Kathmandu airport, and now travelers must go thru Ramechhap in high season. Because we arrived pre-season, we were able to fly from Kathmandu on our way here.
At dinner, we dined with Bire and Deepak who usually eat separately. It seems like the lodges won’t serve guides and porters until all foreign guests are served. We exchanged photos, had a beer and some chocolate, toasted the success of our trek. Deepak returns to his village tomorrow, and Bire flies to Kathmandu with us, where he and his family live, but only has a 1 day turnaround for his next trek.
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