Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

October 9, 2015 – From Hong Kong to Kathmandu - Our First 15 Hours in Nepal

On Thursday, Alison, Leah, Chuck, Gordon and Rob flew into to Kathmandu on the Dragon Air flight from Hong Kong that landed at 10:15 PM. They were met at the airport by Pasang and Min and were in the lobby of the Yak and Yeti Hotel shortly after 11:00 PM.

It was exciting to share a couple of beers and catch up in the hotel lounge before they went to sleep.

First thing on the agenda after breakfast on Friday morning was gear check. Wally and Temba made the rounds of everyone’s room to do a visual on what was brought and offer some advice on packing.

Then it was off to explore a bit. Our first stop was Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple". Weather is clear in Kathmandu now and it is always exciting to look down upon this famous valley from a very special spiritual place.

Then we went into the renowned trekker and climbers’ district known as "Thamel". Always an interesting place to check out. Chuck bought a new hat for the trek and Rob got a flat Coca Cola.

After a stroll down Asan Tol, a narrow bustling market street, we climbed up the steps for lunch at terrace restaurant which overlooks the Palace Museum. Leah wanted to try the Nepalese national dish, Dal Bhat - rice and lentils - but we ended up having salads and wood-fired pizza instead. It was a beautiful afternoon.

Now we are back at the Yak and Yeti not that many hours after our arrival in Nepal. We will spend another night here but it will be a short one. Our van for the airport leaves at 5:00 AM, so that we can make it in time for the first flight to Lukla. Here we go!