Day one KathmanduThis was the second time I had visited Nepal, previously I had trekked in the Annapurna Region and this time it was the Himalayas and Sherpa heartland I visited.
As before I started in Kathmandu and this time stayed in the Hotel Malla.
The next morning we were up early for the flight to Lukla, but unfortunately due to poor weather it was cancelled until the next morning, so we were a second night at the Malla.

Day two Kathmandu to Phakding Back to the airport and this time we were luckier and made the very exciting flight and even more exciting landing at Lukla Airport which is 2900 meters high and at the start of the Mount Everest track.
On arrival we met our porters and had breakfast, then it was on with the trekking.
We only had to walk 5 miles to our lodge at Phakding over very well worn paths and on this day it was downhill most of the way.
The Yeti Mountain Lodge was very comfortable with electric fires and electric blanket on the bed, plenty hot water and good food.
Distance walked: 5 miles, Max elevation: 2900 m, Walking time: 5 hours

Day three Phakding to Monjo This morning we climbed the track on terraced hills, past farms and small villages, over wire bridges to Monjo.
The weather today was warm and sunny, but quite cold in the shade.
We arrived in time for lunch, then went out to see the local area in the afternoon.
Each night during the trek we had a happy hour with free drinks before dinner, so no complaints all round.
Distance walked: 4 miles, Total ascent: 327m, Elevation: 2865m.

Day four Monjo to Namche Bazar This was a big day, as today we had to do some real uphill work and cover quite a few miles.
We left at 8.30am, entered the Sagarmatha National Park, crossed the Dubh Koshi River 3 times on wire bridges and enjoyed spectacular scenery along the way.
But now the work began and it was time to climb towards Namche.
After a short uphill section we crossed the highest and longest wire bridge so far and followed the track uphill. Quite often we were overtaken by mule or yak trains and halfway up this path we caught our first glimpse of Mount Everest, a wonderful sight and the reason most of us were here.
Anyway we were not finished yet and more uphill led us to the village of Namche Bazar which was our base for two nights. I can assure you it was a welcome sight after a hard but fantastic day.
Distance walked: 5 miles, Total ascent: 729m, Elevation: 3504m

Day five Around Namche Bazar Accommodation here was again at the Yeti Mountain Lodge and today we walked a short distance along the Everest Base camp track to a Stupa which gave us wonderful views of Everest, although it was still some distance away we enjoyed the moment.
On the way back we visited a Sherpa Museum, did some shopping then enjoyed some relaxation.

Day six Namche to Thame Left Namche at 8.30am for Thame which is close to the Chinese border on the old salt trade route.
The paths now were a lot quieter, and not quite so rough, we passed through woodland and some small villages before stopping for lunch at a tearoom, not only did it serve food but also provided trekkers with other essential items on their route.
it was from here that we met more yak trains than before and the weather felt a lot colder, in fact it was time for the rain jacket at one point.
After a comparatively long day we arrived in Thame to not only the usual luxury of electric fires and electric blankets, but also hot water bottles.
Distance walked: 9 miles, Total ascent: 464m, Elevation: 3815m

Day seven Around Thame Today we climbed up to 4000m on a loose path behind the accommodation and visited a 14th century monastery. On the ridge we could see the track heading towards China and the mountains which surround the village.

Day eight Back to Namche Bazar Today it was reversal of the way in and although we finished at a lower altitude there were still quite a few uphill sections and more yaks.
The scenery again was wonderful and we saw some wild goats and eagles on the way.
After lunch we arrived back at the Yeti Mountain Home in Namche, so it was down to the village and explore the shops.
It was hard to believe that every piece of merchandise here had to be brought on on the back of a porter or an animal, yet there was anything thing you would find in other tourist places and more.
Distance walked: 9 miles, Total ascent: 272m, Elevation: 3504m

Day nine Namche to Lukla then Kathmandu Up very eary today (4.30am) for our flight first to Lukla then onwards to Kathmandu.
The path up to Syangboche Airstrip was very steep but was the only flat bit of ground for miles, we did not have to wait long for the Pilatus Porter light aircraft landing on the rough and duty strip, and we boarded for had to be one of the most exciting rides around, it only lasted 15 minutes but allowed us to see the route we had walked in and experience another landing at Lukla; in a word fantastic.
We did have a bit of a wait on the flight to Kathmandu but it allowed us to enjoy the scenery for just a bit longer.
We arrived back to a warm and congested Kathmandu then went sightseeing to Bhaktapur, some shopping and our final night in Nepal.