Tues 15th Dec - Namche Bazaar (3,440m) - Kyanjuma (3,600m)
We climbed steeply out of Namche Bazaar to the Everest Base View Hotel. Built by the Japanese this spectacularly situated hotel with a wonderful view of Everest. Continuing the trek, we trekked to the villages of Kunde and Khumjung set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. In Kunde we visited the local school and the Edmund Hillary Hospital and then on to the monastery in Khumjung. Descending back to the main trail we spent the night at Kyanjuma.
Mon 14th Dec - Phakding (2,652m) - Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Heading out of Phakding we folllowed the Dudh Kosi northwards. This day's trek takes us through magnificent forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia, sadly this time of year they are not covered with bright flowers. After Jorsale (2,805m) we cross the west fork of the river, the Bhote Kosi, and start the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. About 300m up this ascent we got our first glimpse of the summit of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. Another 300m of climbing and we reached Namche Bazaar, administrative centre of the Khumbu region.
Sun 13th Dec - Lukla (2,800m) - Phakding (2,652m)
We landed at the mountain airstrip of Lukla, from where we had our first stop at a tea house for lunch. And then set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding, where we spend our first night.
