We got up at 4:30 and walked out the front gate of our hotel. There was a water truck with a hose running in to fill the cistern at the hotel. Most buildings have water tanks on top. I guess the water supply is like the electricity supply, slightly undependable.
the airport was bustling with groups of trackers with their backpacks and piles of waterproof duffle bags. Most of them were flying to Lackla for the 16 day trek to Everest Base Camp. The same company that arranged our tour also had a deal on Everest treks and sold over 35. Mary, only $1100.00 plus air to Kathmandu.
The planes hold 17 passengers so everyone has a window seat. From Kathmandu we flew east along the Himalayas for about 1/2 hour turned and came back. The flight attendant had quite a bit to do. She gave us all maps with an outline of the range with peaks identified. She not only stopped at each of us to point out the peaks we were passing and she guided each of us up to the cockpit where we could take pictures over the shoulders of the pilot and co-pilot. Quite amazing given that she kept it up during all of the flight until we took our seats for the landing.
What a spectacular sight. We were probably 5 miles away at 20,000 feet. It was amazing how many of them we were looking up at,.
The field of mountains is so wide that we could see how Everest and others remain hidden to trekkers until they get very close. It is also amazing how many are over 8,000 meters (about 25,000 feet) or over twice the height of the Rockies. Everest still towers over the others at 29,028 feet. Lotse is the flatter peak to the right. Pictures really don't convey the feeling of seeing them.
Unlike hiking in the Rockies or the Appalachian Trail, most treks are dotted with tea houses that offer accommodations and food. Let's start planning….who's interested?
Wow!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe we'll see you guys tomorrow night!