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Everest Introduction
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Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar We at breakfast early and journeyed in the early sunlight toward Namche Bazaar (about 6 hours away). The early part of the walk (along the Dudh Khola) was very winding with a lot of up-down, but no significant gain. The settlements tapered off further along and once pass the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (where I had to pay 1000 rupees), the rushing river was surrounded only by pine forests. This part of the trek was delightful. And then we came to the first significant climb of this trek. The trail zig-zagged its way up a hillside, through pine forests. We stopped briefly for some "donuts" and tea at a shop and before I knew it I was at Namche. Namche Bazaar is sort of the urban metropolis of Khumbu. Tourist hotels, shops, and houses occupy a semicircle of levels climbing the hillside. Here is a view (later on) of Namche from above. Suk did not know the villages of Namche so we had to look around until we came to the Buddha Lodge. Most lodges in most towns have a setting such that it feels you are in a remote village. In Namche, it feels as if you are in the middle of Thamel almost, which isn't necessily a bad thing, it is just a change of scenery. I immediately ordered a yak steak which was only 170 rupees (with fries) and soon attempted a short nap. The afternoon grew cloudy fast as the weather rolled in from the lower elevations (the daily norm). Clouds hugged the land, bring a depressing cold fog. Late afternoon was spent shopping for small items likes snacks and books. I had a shower which was very nice and a second yak steak for dinner. There were only a couple of other people at this lodge including a Canadian (John) who would show up here and there throughout the rest of the trek. That night I was somewhat sleepless as the alititude (3400 meters) began once again to affect me.
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