DAY 11 NAMCHE BAZAAR 3,440m/11,283ft to LUKLA 2,800m/9,184ft

950m descent 250m ascent

Walking Distance: 16km (6-7 hours)

We were sad that it would be our last day of walking with our team, but happy as we would be heading downhill. After a breakfast of toast at 7.30am we left at 8am. It was a beautiful day with the previous night's snow still on the ground and in the trees. The path wound up and down through the forest, crossing a few bridges. There were noticeably more porters going uphill carrying building materials, and climbers' supplies, than ten days ago. All getting ready for the climbing season. Some people may struggle with so much descent, reputedly to be hard on the knees, but we were fine. Again we passed through the checkpoint showing our passes for the final time.

Arriving in Phakding we at lunch again at Pasangs' house. Here he told us stories about his life, including from the age of 8 he used to walk the 5km from his house to school in Lukla each day with friends from the village, very different to the school runs back home. We arrived back in Lukla, checking into The Nest at Lukla Lodge where we had stopped for drinks previously. Exhausted from the trip, we again ate pizza, and had a few drinks to celebrate the trip, but were still in bed by 9pm. There are several bars in Lukla if you fancied a party, some with happy hours.

"Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you’ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet". Quote from Himalayan Wonders.

DAY 12 - LUKLA 2,800m/9184ft TO KATHMANDU 1,350m/4,428ft

Flight time: 35 min

We were up at 5.30am for the flight back to Kathmandu, breakfast at 6am. After sadly saying goodbye to the Sherpas, there was just a short 200m walk to the airport. It was pouring in rain, and all planes were delayed due to the cloud and rain .

Eventually the flight got underway, with the Sherpas all standing outside the lodge to wave goodbye. If I thought the landing was frightening I actually think taking off was even worse. The plane begins at the back of the runway against the cliff, then has only one attempt to take off, as the runway ends with 100ms of drop into the valley below. Fortunately it did not stall! As previously the stewardess had given us cotton wool and sweets before strapping herself in securely for the journey. The plane seats about 16 peop

journey back, flying over many valleys and villages, before arriving back in Kathmandu, situated on a wide valley floor. We were again very relieved to have landed. We collected our luggage and caught the taxi arranged by the hotel. It was great to be back in our room with a shower, some electric, and some WIFI. We went for a wander and lunch in Kathmandu.

Meeting at 6.30pm in the hotel we were all trying to look our best for our farewell meal, which was hard given the lack of choice of outfits!! We went to The black olive Restaurant-a steak restaurant-together with our fellow trekkers, David who runs Himalayan Wonders and a couple of other people. It was a delicious meal, but I could not manage it all, as I think I was still feeling ill. The six of us then headed off to an Irish Bar, before going to a night club with a band playing western music. It was a great night out. Culture shock hit me when I heard a woman in the lovely complaining that there was a lack of soap. Compared to where we had been this would have been the least of her problems. I did remark that at least there was running water, she looked strangely at me. I thought I could not begin to explain the unsanitary conditions we had experienced over the previous 12 days.

We said our final sad goodbyes to Bryce and Steph who had decided to go for the luxury option of a different hotel to us. Adam and Steve were last seen heading for another bar.

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