Day 3-4 Pangboche
Today we hiked from Namche Bazar (11,286 ft) to Khumjung (12,400 ft) and then back to Namche. We got our first view of Mount Everest from the hills above Namche! Very exciting! We also viewed Lhotse, which is just to the right of Everest, and is the 4th highest peak in the world. Other peaks were impressive also, especially Ama Dablam. We got back to Namche Bazar around 2 PM and sat in the sun after a late lunch for a relaxing afternoon. The temperature when we got up this morning was about 33 degrees. In Namche around 2 pm the temperature got as high as 50 F. Great hiking weather.
Day 4 - Pangboche
We began the loop today. We started the day climbing from Namche. Exhilarating to walk with a river valley a few thousand feet below, almost straight down and snowy peaks all around. We stopped at Tengboche for lunch, elevation 12,500, 6 miles and 6 hours since departing Namche. We had a wonderful view of Everest Ama Dablam. There is a beautiful monastery in this village.
The trail traffic is not bad anymore. We now pass yak trains. For a while we took a shaded side trail that was very small and saw very few people. We were in a rhododendron forest, which later gave way to some juniper trees. Everyone in our group was quiet. We were able to enjoy the gentle sound of the wind in the trees and the river far below. Sweet! Peaceful. We stopped for the night in Pangboche (13,000 ft). It was a long day, but so beautiful! At dinner in the dining room, they stoked the stove/heater with yak dung.
Day 4 Pangboche
We stayed in Pangboche. You can see the trail leading to Ama Dablam Base Camp and the peak.
Day 3
Route Day 3
Namche in the Morning
The morning sun shines on Namche Bazar, which is a village carved into the mountainside.
Namche
This village is carved into the hillside. Toiday, we hiked above the village to views of Everest.
First View
This is are first view of Mt Everest! Everest is the peak with wisps of clouds in the center. Lhotse is the one to the right.
Everest
Mt Everest is to the right with a plume of cloud blowing off the peak. It looks smaller than peaks that are much closer.
Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam dominated our view for the first several days. This mountain was stunning!
Big Three
Everest and Lhotse are the tallest and 4th tallest peaks in the world. Ama Dablam is the most striking.
Everest View
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Hillside Village
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Three Passes of Everest Trek
We hiked above Namche for the day. Eventually we came to the village of Khumjung.
Group Shot
...but I am taking the photo.
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God's Eyes
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Load Carrier
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Hilltop View
After visiting Khumjung, we headed back to the hills and views.
Krishna on Hillside
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Prayer Flags
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Ama Dablam
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Back to Namche
We got back to Namche around 2 PM. The sun was still warming the day.
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Everest and Lhotse
The morning again gave a clear skies and a gorgeous view of Everest.
Yaks
At this elevation, yaks are used to transport supplies, though these are not loaded.
Tengboche (12,664′) Vista
"Tengboche (or Thyangboche) is a village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, located at 3,867 metres (12,687 ft). In the village is an important Buddhist monastery, Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region." - from Wikipedia. This is the view from the courtyard next to a monastery. Mount Everest is to the left in the clouds with Lhotse just to the right, also in a cloud. Ama Dablam is the prominent peak on the right.
Tengboche Lodge
This is the view from the steps of the monastery to the hotel where we ate lunch.
Tengboche View
This is the view from our lunch at the lodge.
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Trekking Nepal
Ama Dablam rises above the river in the Everest region of Nepal.
Lakpa
Lakpa is holding my camera case and poles while I take some photos.
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Knit Hat with Tales
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Thumbs and Tongues
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