This is the third guest post by Mike, sharing details of his trek to Everest Base Camp. You can find his previous posts here and here.
We left Namche Bazar, working our way through the township and skirting around the side of the valley. Stopping for a photo, we were told that behind the clouds was Everest. Not quite sure where, but it was good to know. ;)
It was an easy morning stroll to Kyangjuma where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view.
Heading off, we crossed a bridge and started the steep, dusty climb towards Tengboche. Our guide Maski promised me the best pizzas on the trek for dinner at the top of the hill.
We arrived in Tengboche mid afternoon which gave us time to visit the local monastry. Some group members decided to stay to observe the evening prayers, not realising how long they lasted. The most hardy excused themselves over an hour and a half in!
View of our guest house (white building) from the monastry.
We had our promised pizzas for dinner and yes, they were good. As we chatting over hot chocolates Omar, our second guide, pointed out a photo album in the corner of the room. Just sitting there, for anyone to look at, was Tenzing Norgay's personal scrapbook. Complete with Christmas cards from the Hillarys and documentation from that famous first summit of Everest, it was understated but very special. Turns out, the lodge is owned by one of Tenzing's daughters.
Overnight altitude: 3860 metres / 12660 feet.
