Trekking Distance: 14.5km
Trekking Time: 4hrs 15mins
Timing:
0825hrs - Left Namche Bazar's (3425m) Himalayan Lodge
1030hrs - Arrived at Sagarmatha National Park office
1215hrs - Arrived at Phakding's (2610m) Namaste Lodge for lunch
1345hrs - Left Phakding
1545hrs - Arrived at Lukla's (2840m)
1550hrs:1610hrs - Arrived at Lukla's North Face Resort
We started the day with a group photo by the Stupa in Namche.
Group photo
The trek out to Lukla required us to cross several bridges and traverse several up and down slopes, though we were generally descending.
After lunch at Phakding, the trek up Lukla was a challenge. The trail was filled with many trekkers including a large group of Australians and Germans. We had to rush ahead to stay away from the Australian team (some were rather noisy and rowdy) to get some peace and quiet on the way out.
Our heroes..
At 3.30pm, we arrived at the last stairway leading up to the entrance gate. We asked Furba, who was ill that day, how long would we need to reach the gate and he replied "15mins". Yew Choon, Agnes and I immediately went ahead, fearing that the rowdy trekkers would catch up with us. True enough we stepped into Lukla at 3.45pm after an exhausting stairway climb. We did a "Woosh" before heading towards our lodge. Yew Hoong and Kin Peng followed shortly.
Finally arriving at the entrance gate of Lukla
Having Latte at the fake Starbucks in Lukla
That night, we had a celebration dinner. For the first time everyone including Furba, Sonam and our 2 porters sat down and had dinner with us (usually we ate separately because the lodge that we stayed in will provide them with sherpa food at around 8.30-9.00pm). While waiting for our meals to be served, Yew Hoong handed out the trekking tips to our guides and porters.
We had a sumptuous dinner of chicken sizzler with fries. Then, Furba came out with a pot of local alcohol mix called the Mustang Coffee, which tasted a little like Baileys. Damn it was strong! We also opened several bottles of Everest Premium Beer offering much to one of our porter who enjoys drinking. After dinner, music suddenly blasted throughout the dining area and the next thing we knew, everyone was out of their seat dancing in celebration! Of course we joined in the fun too! Each time we got tired and wanting to stop, Sonam would pull us out of our seat and force us to dance. It was freaking tiring (though fun) to dance at 2840m!!
Party time....
After 1.5hrs later, we retired for a hot shower before climbing into bed. Yew Choon, who was in the drinking mood, came back into the room with 3 cans of Heineken - for himself, Yew Hoong and me. I opened one can, took a mouthful and started munching on the Pringles Chips. The next thing I knew, my head was spinning and I wanted to sleep. I reckoned it was due to the high altitude dancing and drinking that made me wasted.
In my semi-conscious state I think Yew Hoong did not drink and went back to his room. On the other hand, Yew Choon downed 2 cans on his own. While he was drinking, I was trying desperately to sleep but my heart was pumping way too quickly that I felt it was going to pop out. It felt like hell. I asked Yew Choon to measure my pulse rate and prepare for CPR. He said "Sure, I will get Yew Hoong to do it" -.- If I had any strength, I would have whipped out my ice-axe to clobber him! My heart was beating 120/min. My breathing increased to a pant. Yew Choon looked at me and happily continued his drinking. He knew very well how I felt, having experienced this kind of feeling himself.
I slept soundly till the next day.
Index Page / Day 17: Back to Kathmandu
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