Location: Lukla
Altitude: 2840 m
Local Time: April 18, 2007. 20:00
Weather: Fine all day – 20 degrees.
(Posted 12 hours late because of poor reception. We are now in KTM.)
Hi Everyone,
It’s Damien coming to you from Lukla.
The Walk to Lukla
Today we left our luxurious lodge in Namche at 7:30am and headed off for Lukla for our final day of trekking. We arrived here in excellent time at approximately 2:30pm. We were initially unsure if trekking out in three days was going to be too demanding however we found that as long as we maintained a reasonable pace we were easily able to reach our daily destination targets. We also found that the increasing oxygen level in the air as we came down helpful in maintaining our speed. If you were after a leisurely decent however it would be best to allow four days from
Base Camp to Lukla.
Today’s trek took us through the lower valleys of this region. In contrast to the bare rocky landscape of the high mountains, today we were walking through green farming land where healthy crops of wheat and potatoes were being tended to by the local farming families. We also passed by a site being prepared for a new building. It was interesting to see the stone masons at work. They had carted a large pile of rough rock to the area and were stone by stone chipping these into almost perfect rectangular construction bricks. Observing this process certainly made us appreciate the amount of work and skill that is required for the construction of buildings in the region.
Tomorrow
We are booked on the first flight tomorrow to Kathmandu at 7am (weather permitting). Once there we will take advantage of the reasonable prices and do some shopping for outdoor gear to take home before heading out to the airport again to get on standby for a flight to Bangkok to meet our sister.
Our Last Update
As our trekking trip ends today this will be our last update. We would like to thank everyone for the support they have given us both directly and via this website. Reading the messages from you has become one of the highlights we look forward to each night. Thanks for being part of this journey with us and for your continued support of Paul.
Your Messages
Anne Pierce,
Thanks for your message. We really enjoyed trekking to Base Camp with Paul and have had a good decent back to Lukla.
Inna,
Thanks for the message. We have had a great trip up and back and fortunately no storms so far.
MC,
Thank for your regular and thoughtful messages. I will treasure the memories of this trip for a lifetime.
Judy and Max,
Thanks for your message. If you don’t like the stairs in your townhouse I would definitely recommend you avoid a trekking trip in Nepal! We had a great time and it won’t be long before the next shift of supporters arrive at BC to say hi to Paul. I think Paul’s supporters alone are keeping several full-time guides, porters and restaurants in business.
Over and out,
Damien
Hi Damien and Tim,
Great to hear that all went well and that you have reached Kathmandu in good shape for shopping! Thanks for posting such evocative descriptions of your journey through all the different sections of the trek. I’m really looking forward to getting there and recognising some of those places you visited. Keep well and have a safe journey back home.
cheers.
Liz.
Hi Paul,
We have spent some time in our ICT lesson today with Mrs Harvey looking at your website. We have 2 questions for you which we would like you to answer if possible.
How long does it take to reach the summit from camp 4?
How long does it take to come down from the summit to base camp?
Good Luck.
from SCH class and Sue H
Hi Damien – wow the culture and environment really has made an impact on you – you look so different in this photo!
😉 Bubbles
Hi Damien and Tim
It has been a pleasure following your trek to EBC with Paul. I am sure he will miss your companionship. Luckily, Fiona and company will soon be on their way. It’s nice that your families are so close and support each other so well.
Great photo of the basket weaver. I have not seen the baskets, that the porters use to transport, actually being made. It truly is a work of art.
Have a safe trip back to Kathmandu and then onward to your loved ones.
Best regards,
MC
it was most interesting to read what your impressions of the region and trek in are like, as individuals who are more trekker like than mountaineer, on this trail, for those of us who are more casual walkers and backpackers. Hope that you both have a safe & enjoyable journey to your homes…and Well Done….
wp
Hi Paul
Looking good after the shower! It must be a little weird at the moment with Tim and Dame back on Terra Firma and the rest of the crew yet to arrive…
Take it easy on your rest day/s!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOU!!!
Beck R xx