30 September 2013 – Tough Walking Day To Namche

Eagerly awaiting our first full day trek we woke up at 5 am. It was difficult to have breakfast at 6:30 in the morning but since we had slept really early the previous night…we had growling stomachs. We were heading to Namche which was a 7 hour trek and would take us to  12000ft.. We were going to gain a lot of altitude over one day. The first half of the trek was along the Dudh kosi river and within the pine wood forests. It was gorgeous at every point and we were lucky to have pleasant weather through the course of the day. There were many other groups trekking along with us and it is a really nice friendly and safe environment. The trek really tests your physical stamina and you really wish that you had spent a few more hours on your treadmill working out. It really challenges your body with the descends and the uphill stretches. We also crossed many huge hanging bridges and water streams, horses, cows and porters walking with large heavy luggage of tourists and with food items to be reached to the higher parts. We stopped for lunch at Monjo and we then enter the National forest. We have some great lunch,rest for sometime and then start trekking again.

Water fall View bridge

Monjo Check Point

The second half is very steep and the uphill stretches carry on for kilometers. We crossed 3 check points where we need to show our trekking permits and then carry on. The muscles are aching and paining but then you see a 60-70 year old Eurpoen couples zooming past you and feel absolutely useless. But Sam was fantastic and kept encouraging us to take it slow and kept asking us to stick to our pace. We took quick breaks and kept sipping on water.  We finally entered Namche Village and I felt like I was in Goa. There was an Irish Pub and many bakeries, pool tables and great coffee being served. Suddenly the entire trek of  15 kilometers  for the day was forgotten and we checked into our tea house called Kumbu Resort had dinner then our briefing session and we all retire into our rooms.

Bridge across Larcha Daban

When you have a day which has been so physically challenging where you have pushed your limits and reached finally reached your destination. You just sleep like a baby!

Climb upto Naamche Bazaar

Dodging the Yaks upto Naamche