29 September 2013 – Early Morning Flight To Lukla

Marking the First Day’s trek, we eight intrepid trekkers set out along with Sam, our Trek Leader, from the hotel at 6:30am, running only half an hour late.  Reaching the airport, we were overwhelmed by the entire experience & turmoil of the Domestic airport in Kathmandu.  However, with smooth efficiency we were checked in and whisked through security to wait patiently for our very own private plane that was to take us to Lukla.  Contrary to the numerous frightening Lukla videos on Youtube, our flight was really fantastic, offering us brilliant views of the Everest range with hardly any turbulence.  The landing on Lukla Airstrip was truly an amazing experience.  Blue skies, bright sunshine, crisp mountain air and the brilliant smile of Chirri Sherpa ( our trekking guide) greeted us as soon as we landed.  After a Hot cup of Tea, we started our trek from Lukla towards the most unusually named town I have ever come across, “Phakding”. Though the trail was really beautiful and scenic, as we plodded on, we could really feel the altitude on the uphill stretches. Muscles that had not been used for a long time began to protest after the first 3 hours but fortunately we soon reached Phakding to enjoy a good home cooked ‘Nepali Set’ comprising of Rice, Dal and Vegetables.  After some much needed rest (during which, Sam forbade us from sleeping), we took a leisurely walk down to the Dudh Kosi river where we ended up spending over an hour.  An early Dinner, and a detailed briefing after, brought to end our first day in the mountains.

Group arrived at Lukla Tenjing Hillary Airport

Mani Stone at Ghat

Group Picture before Phakding