Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

This morning everybody was feeling happy and although most of the group had gone down with sore throats, the level of morale was very high.

We began the nine hour walk back to Namche at a very good pace. As we lose altitude the amount of oxygen in the air makes it much easier to breathe and the students are starting to feel much better.

Although we were descending to Namche Bazaar, it is what Danbar calls Nepalese flat - in other words lots of up and down! There was a steep climb up to Tengboche and the monastery, followed by a steep 600m descent to Phunki Tenga. This left many sore knees within the team. After lunch we were faced with another climb from Phunki Tenga (3250m) to Namche at (3440m). It might not sound a lot, but after seven hours of walking and at this altitude it is no mean achievement.

At Sanasa we split into two groups. The faster and stronger group climbed higher to 3880m and the Japanese Everest View Hotel, where we had tea and hot chocolate. There was no view unfortunately as the mists had closed in, but it was a worthwhile experience nevertheless, if only for the snowball fight.

For once, the faster group arrived at the lodge well after Team Turtle, as they have named themselves.

Now we are back in Namche Bazaar, taking a rest day.

One more day's walk to go - the long hike to Lukla where we will spend tomorrow night before flying to Kathmandu.

So far the expedition has been a tremendous success. The students are happy and in high spirits. It has been a privilege to work with such a great group of young people.

Sorry that this blog has been so short. Now I am going to find somewhere warm to thaw out.

More from Kathmandu.