It’s Oct 2014 Everest Circuit Trek Day 1 and we’re pleased to report that Peter, Suzanne, Laurie, Darren and David are ON THEIR WAY!
Our Follow Us Live map is this morning showing our team at Lukla and if you zoom out (or in depending on your browser) you’ll get great views of Lukla and the Tenzing-Hillary Airport and runway. The Himalayan weather gods were kind today and our team enjoyed the stunning mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Experience this flight for yourself by watching our video.
After some solid technology training pre-departure, Peter has enabled our satellite tracker and we have our team’s first check-in at Lukla. Great work by Pete and we can almost see you all tucking into breakfast at Namaste Lodge.
The team were up at 4.30 am this morning and were met early by our Sherpa trip leaders Gyan and Yam. An early start essential so as to be out at the domestic terminal (Kathmandu airport) for their early morning flight. This time of year we generally enjoy stable weather in the mornings with visibility usually deteriorating by early afternoon. Hence the reason the local flights carrying trekkers and climbers from Kathmandu to Lukla begin early.
Everest Circuit Trek day 1 begins
After breakfast the team will begin a gentle 3 hour walk from Lukla at 2800m to Phakding at 2600m. It’s a great way to begin and given the weather a number of impressive 6000m peaks – including Kusum Kanguru at 6367m – will already be in view. A great job by everyone to get some photos to us on day 1 and please keep them coming. You send them and we’ll post them!
Our trekkers will arrive in Phakding around midday and they’ll settle into their lodge accommodation right by the beautiful Dudh Kosi river. Given their early start they’ll have plenty of time to relax, take in the sights and begin preparing for their trek to Namche Bazaar tomorrow. They’ll be working harder tomorrow with plenty of “up” but great views, hot showers and the best hospitality in the Khumbu will be waiting for them.