Everest Trail Hike Day 8

Most visitors to the Everest region pass through Lukla. It is the gateway to the frontier and the last town you visit on the way out. It is a sprawling town just a cut above towns further up the valley due to being the center of commerce.

We departed Phakding at 8:30 AM for the last hike of our Everest region trek. The trail rose and fell as we passed through temperate conifer forests (remarkably like in Ontario) and into the main agricultural area in the valley.

Small farm plots in foreground and terraced fields across the valley

We crossed two more suspension bridges. The ascent to Lukla (150 meters higher than Phakding) gave my lungs one more good workout.

As we entered the town, I spotted another technological contrast. Amidst a town of Internet, cell phones, and helicopters, I passed a teenager carrying a horse-drawn plough made entirely of wood. It is likely that the same device was in use in this area hundreds of years ago.

We reached the town by 11:30 and hiked through its slate-slab streets to our lodge beside the airport. I marveled again at the skill of the pilots as they flew in and out—about four planes an hour at peak times. The nearby heliport was busy too.

I ensconced myself in a Starbucks that offered free wifi—the first free access I've found in Nepal. The place was bright with natural light. It had comfy chairs and good coffee. I did some blogging and caught up with emails.

Lukla main street

After 7.5 days of sun, it began raining, heavily at times, just after we entered our lodge. Wet snow mingled with the rain. While it melted in Lukla, the white veil remained on the trees above town.

I hoped the weather cleared by dawn. Planes cannot land in Lukla if clouds or fog hide the runway.