Day 02 (29.10.17) – Kathmandu (1,334m) fly 136km in 30minutes to Lukla (2,865m / 9,397ft) and then trek 8km in 3hours to Phakding (2,544m/8,344ft). Difference in elevation: +1,531m
09.30am - We took off for Lukla on a small plane having a 17 seating capacity excluding the crew.
10.10am – Arrived at Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla and adjourned to The Nest Hotel for tea while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters.
11.05am – Start of our trek towards Phakding. At the Lukla village entrance, we were unhappy that we had to pay Nr2,000 each which we felt it should be covered by the agent as it was not mentioned in the agreement.
01.10pm – Arrived at Everest Summiter Lodge & Restaurant for lunch. Our standard Dal Bhat and our own preference of drinks. 02.23pm – Continued trekking towards Phakding. 03.28pm – Arrived at Hotel Beer Garden for the night. It was raining the whole afternoon. We had our dinner at 5.55pm. Briefing was held at 6.30pm. We slept at 7.30pm. Temperature was 8 degrees Celsius.
EBC trek start with the 30 min/136km scenic flight from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip at Lukla. We had time to stroll around while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. We then took an easy 3hr walk to Phakding village for the overnight stop, trekking through Cheplung (2,700m), Thado Koshi and Ghat (2,590m) villages. And the rest of the time in Phakding we looked around the village for local cultural experience. Phakding is a small charming place with some comfortable lodges.
09.30am - We took off for Lukla on a small plane having a 17 seating capacity excluding the crew.
10.10am – Arrived at Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla and adjourned to The Nest Hotel for tea while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters.
11.05am – Start of our trek towards Phakding. At the Lukla village entrance, we were unhappy that we had to pay Nr2,000 each which we felt it should be covered by the agent as it was not mentioned in the agreement.
01.10pm – Arrived at Everest Summiter Lodge & Restaurant for lunch. Our standard Dal Bhat and our own preference of drinks. 02.23pm – Continued trekking towards Phakding. 03.28pm – Arrived at Hotel Beer Garden for the night. It was raining the whole afternoon. We had our dinner at 5.55pm. Briefing was held at 6.30pm. We slept at 7.30pm. Temperature was 8 degrees Celsius.
EBC trek start with the 30 min/136km scenic flight from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip at Lukla. We had time to stroll around while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. We then took an easy 3hr walk to Phakding village for the overnight stop, trekking through Cheplung (2,700m), Thado Koshi and Ghat (2,590m) villages. And the rest of the time in Phakding we looked around the village for local cultural experience. Phakding is a small charming place with some comfortable lodges.
Day 02 (29.10.17) – Lukla (2,865m / 9,397ft) and trek 8km in 3hours to Phakding (2,544m/8,344ft)
Alan Koh and Ong Teik Hong have breakfast at the Thamel Hotel at 6 am.
We had our breakfast at the Thamel Hotel at 6 am.
L-R: The 'A' Team: Ong Teik Hong, Ching Neng Bin and Alan Koh at the Thamel Hotel lounge.
The group L-R: Our guide Prakash Kapri, Simon Loh, Randy Ngatimin, Abdul Rashid, Ong Teik Hong, Alan Koh, Ching Neng Bin and our trek operator Shankar Pandey at Thamel Hotel lounge waiting for our van to take us to airport.
L-R: Simon Loh, Randy Ngatimin, Ong Teik Hong and Alan Koh. We left for the domestic airport at 7.30 am and that place was a pandemonium broke loose which passengers and porters rushed to enter.
L-R: The 'B' Team: Abdul Rashid, Simon Loh and Randy Ngatimin at the domestic airport.
Our Summit Air boarding pass.
Summit Air operates from short takeoff and landing airstrips of Nepal.
We flew to Lukla at 9:30am in a small 17 seater plane.
Fly over the rural villages of the Khumbu Valley from an airplane viewpoint.
Fly over the rural villages of the Khumbu Valley from an airplane viewpoint.
Fly over the rural villages of the Khumbu Valley from an airplane viewpoint.
On our way to Lukla, we flew through alleys at the top of the mountain.
On the way to Lukla, the propeller plane flies very close to the mountains of the valley.
The views of the Himalayas from a propeller plane from Kathmandu to Lukla are breathtaking. Don't forget to sit on the left side of the plane to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas.
On the way to Lukla, the propeller plane flies very close to the mountains of the valley.
The views of the Himalayas from a propeller plane from Kathmandu to
Lukla are breathtaking. Don't forget to sit on the left side of the
plane to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas.
The airport was renamed in honor of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, two of the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and in honor of their efforts in building the airport. The altitude of the airport is 2845 meters.
The flight became more dramatic as it neared its landing in Lukla. It was the most dangerous airport in the world. Last year, a cargo plane crashed, killing two pilots.
As soon as our plane landed in Lukla, porters came to unload our luggage.
Making our way to the rest point for briefing before starting our Everest Base Camp trekking adventure.
On May 27, 2017, Summit Airlines Flight 409 operated a cargo flight from Kathmandu to Lukla with three crew members on Let L-410, making the final approach to Lukla Runway 06 at around 2pm with visibility deteriorated and the aircraft struck a tree just short of the runway and then touched down on the ground about 3 meters below runway level.
The plane slid down the slope and came to a halt about 200 meters below the runway. The captain died and the co-pilot died in hospital about eight hours later. A third crew member was injured and evacuated to Kathmandu the day after the weather improved.
The plane slid down the slope and came to a halt about 200 meters below the runway. The captain died and the co-pilot died in hospital about eight hours later. A third crew member was injured and evacuated to Kathmandu the day after the weather improved.
The Lukla Runway is 527m x 30m with a gradient of 11.7%. Due to the difficulty of successfully landing at an airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal only allows experienced pilots who have completed at least 100 short take-off and landing (STOL) missions to complete 1 year of STOL experience and 10 missions in Nepal.
The Lukla Runway is 527m x 30m with a gradient of 11.7%.
The sight of planes taking off from Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2845m above sea level) is breathtaking. You can see the runway ending at the slope.
The sight of planes taking off from Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2845m above sea level) is breathtaking. You can see the runway ending at the slope.
The view of plane taking off at Tenzing–Hillary Airport (2845m) is amazing.
The porters sorted our bags while we sat down for tea and a briefing at the Nest Hotel.
The porters sorted our bags while we sat down for tea and a briefing at the Nest Hotel.
Tea time at The Nest Hotel, Lukla.
Prakash our guide briefing us daily on what to expect and the route we are taking for the day.
Lots of flags and corporate flags are hanging all over shops in Lukla.
11.05am – Start of our trek towards Phakding. At the entrance, we had to pay Nr2,000 each which we felt it should be covered by the agent which was not mentioned in the agreement.
Lukla is a starting point for anyone heading to EBC and the 3 mountain passes.
On the street of Lukla a Nepalese toddler just chilling.
Everyone looking energetic and excited before the start of the trekking adventure.
Mountains in the background... not uncommon along the trek to EBC. Randy and Prakash making monkey faces.
How about Everest Burger for lunch?
Noticed the dog in Lukla needs chilling and sunbathing.
Look at this porter carrying a large load.
The archway marks the end of Lukla... and the start of the EBC trek! This is a memorial gate dedicated to Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepalese woman to climb the summit of Mount Everest.
The trek begins as soon as you leave the small village of Lukla. Picturesque landscape everywhere.
Chortens are large white-washed domed structures on a square base and with a steeple crown. They were made in memory of Buddha.
Trekking through the village of Cheplung (2,700m) there were many guesthouses and cafes. The temperature is nice and cool at this altitude.
At the village of Cheplung (2,700m). Ong Teik Hong showing the peace sign to all.
Our guide Prakash Kapri with the two porters on his right - Prakash and Rajendra.
Prakash is one of the porters that helped carry Randy's bag.
This is Prakash our porter. The porters are all young (ages 18 or 20+) and carry bags for a living.
This is Rajendra our porter carrying Ching Neng Bin's backpack and a box of fruits.
Prayer wheels... According to the lineage texts on prayer wheels, prayer wheels are used to accumulate wisdom and merit (good karma) and to purify negativity (bad karma).
This is Prakash Kapri our guide. Spinning a prayer wheel clockwise, building a chorten, carving a mani stone, reciting prayers, displaying prayer flags—all of these gain greater merit toward a more fortunate rebirth.
Donkeys were used as beast of burden to carry many commodities beside the porters.
Horses/donkeys can be hired along the way when you are tired or are unable to move any longer... roughly around US$80 per day... can be more expensive at higher altitudes.
Sanskrit inscribed stones piling up along the way.
There are many guesthouses/cafes along the EBC route.
Horses/donkeys eating their fill while they can.
There are many guesthouses/cafes along the EBC route.
The first suspension bridge to cross before reaching Phakding.
All these suspension bridges cross the Dudh Koshi River.
The first suspension bridge to cross before reaching Phakding.
Donkeys were also used as beast of burden to carry many commodities.
Picturesque landscape everywhere.
Picturesque landscape everywhere.
You’ll often encounter these mani walls of stones carved with the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum which loosely translates to Hail to the jewel in the lotus, but the meaning is much more complex.
Sanskrit inscribed stones can be seen all along the way.
Another bridge... this time a truss bridge.
Crossing the truss bridge.
Crossing the truss bridge to the other side for lunch at the at Everest Summiter Lodge and Restaurant in Thado Koshi.
The Dudh Koshi River. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi meaning milk river.
Picturesque landscape view at Sherpa's View Point Lodge in the village of Thado Koshi.
Picturesque landscape view at Everest Summiter Lodge and Restaurant in the village of Thado Koshi.
In the village of Thado Koshi.
01.10pm – Arrived at Everest Summiter Lodge & Restaurant for lunch.
Our standard Dal Bhat and our own preference of drinks.
Their fried rice and fried noodles are good for 2 person...! At the start of the trek... our appetite is still huge and we were very hungry after trekking for 6 hours a day... This portion of fried rice with cheese is nothing.
A hot mint tea after a heavy meal is always good for digestion.
02.23pm – Continued our trekking towards Phakding.
A western cowboy playing his guitar on the EBC trek.
Yaks were used as beast of burden to carry many commodities on the EBC trek.
Trekking through the village of Ghat (2,590m) with its picturesque landscape.
Picturesque landscape through the village of Ghat (2,590m).
A typical Tibetan house on the EBC trek.
Yaks are common at higher altitude of above 3,000m.
The guesthouse usually harvest their own veges (eg. cabbage etc)... meat is usually carried from Kathmandu/Lukla to higher regions.
Boy taking a rest by the prayer wheels after carrying heavy load for some time.
Rest point for all the porters/goods transporters. The T-shape stick is useful as both a walking stick and a single-legged stool to rest on.
Boulder-sized Mani stones are often painted in bright colors. The Sherpa create these works of art to show devotion to their gods and Buddha’s teachings. When local people come upon them, they circumambulate clockwise as a prayer for health, peace, and protection.
They are the most important sources for the history of Nepal. A vast majority of the inscriptions found in Nepal are from the Kathmandu Valley where they are an ubiquitous element at heritage sites.
They consist of royal edicts and dedicatory notes on Hindu and Buddhist temples, stupas, statues and other architectural structures.
Chortens are large white-washed domed structures on a square base and with a steeple crown. They’re created in the memory of Buddha.
The rocks are carved with the Buddhist chant “om mani padme hum” as an offering to the spirits.
A new Sherpa Guide Lodge.
03.28pm – Arrived at Phakding Hotel Beer Garden for the night. It was raining the whole afternoon. We had our dinner at 5.55pm. Briefing was held at 6.30pm. We slept at 7.30pm. Temperature was 8 degrees Celsius.
Phakding is a small charming place with some comfortable lodges.
After 3hours of trekking from Lukla... finally arrived at our guesthouse in Phakding for the night at Hotel Beer Garden.
Most of the rooms in the guesthouse is a 2-bed room. Hot showers requires payment (~US$4) and it goes up as you go higher in altitude.
There are a few shops in Pakding selling essential items for the trek.
The trek from Lukla to Pakding is actually not difficult as it is generally a descend from 2800m to 2600m. Everyone is still energetic and happy.
The common room at the Beer Garden Lodge in Phakding.
Mixed Spring Roll.
The standard Dal Bhat.
Ong Teik Hong had Mushroom pizza for dinner.
Randy Ngatimin had Chicken sizzler for dinner.
The 15day ground trip in Nepal is USD1,050 per-person excluding the flight to Kathmandu from KL.
Cost Inclusive: Exclusive medical kit bag, All government and local taxes, All domestic airfares as per the itinerary, Everest base camp trek permit & tims card, Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag, Airport arrival and departure by private vehicle, 2 star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, 1 English speaking guide and (porter) and their payments, Sagarmatha National park entry fee and necessary permits, Comfortable accommodation on tea-house/lodge during the trek, Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) in during the trek.
Cost Exclusive: Personal trekking Equipment, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Travel and rescue insurance, battery re-charged, Tips for driver, guides and porters, hot shower, pot of tea or coffee. Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters.
Cost Inclusive: Exclusive medical kit bag, All government and local taxes, All domestic airfares as per the itinerary, Everest base camp trek permit & tims card, Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag, Airport arrival and departure by private vehicle, 2 star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, 1 English speaking guide and (porter) and their payments, Sagarmatha National park entry fee and necessary permits, Comfortable accommodation on tea-house/lodge during the trek, Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) in during the trek.
Cost Exclusive: Personal trekking Equipment, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Travel and rescue insurance, battery re-charged, Tips for driver, guides and porters, hot shower, pot of tea or coffee. Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters.
click below to view:
EBC trek Day 01 (28.10.17) – Kuala Lumpur KLIA to Kathmandu (1,334m/4,375ft)
EBC trek Day 02 (29.10.17) – Kathmandu fly to Lukla (2,865m) and trek 8km to Phakding
EBC trek Day 03 (30.10.17) – Phakding trek 10.4km to Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 04 (31.10.17) - Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 05 (01.11.17) - Namche Bazaar trek 10km to Deboche (3,867m/12,684ft)
EBC trek Day 06 (02.11.17) - Deboche trek 10km to Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 07 (03.11.17) - Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 08 (04.11.17) - Dingboche trek 12km to Lobuche (4,931m/16,174 ft)
EBC trek Day 09 (05.11.17) - Lobuche 8km to Gorakshep trek to EBC (5,364m/17,595ft)
EBC trek Day 10 (06.11.17) - Gorakshep to Kalapattha and fly back to Kathmandu
EBC trek Day 11 (07.11.17) - Kathmandu 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
SJ Echo - the Subang Jaya's FREE community newspaper
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EBC trek Day 02 (29.10.17) – Kathmandu fly to Lukla (2,865m) and trek 8km to Phakding
EBC trek Day 03 (30.10.17) – Phakding trek 10.4km to Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 04 (31.10.17) - Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,445m/11,299ft)
EBC trek Day 05 (01.11.17) - Namche Bazaar trek 10km to Deboche (3,867m/12,684ft)
EBC trek Day 06 (02.11.17) - Deboche trek 10km to Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 07 (03.11.17) - Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4,412m/14,471ft)
EBC trek Day 08 (04.11.17) - Dingboche trek 12km to Lobuche (4,931m/16,174 ft)
EBC trek Day 09 (05.11.17) - Lobuche 8km to Gorakshep trek to EBC (5,364m/17,595ft)
EBC trek Day 10 (06.11.17) - Gorakshep to Kalapattha and fly back to Kathmandu
EBC trek Day 11 (07.11.17) - Kathmandu 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’
SJ Echo - the Subang Jaya's FREE community newspaper
///
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