Onward to Namche.

Today was our first big day of hiking. We made our way from phAkding to Namche, where we will be staying for two days to help acclimate to the higher elevation.

Stats: 8.5 miles, 3,415ft gain, With a max altitude of 11,257ft.

Today we officially entered into sagarmatha National Park. This park is not only home to the sacred hidden Valley of the sherpa, several rare species of animal (snow leopards!!) But the famed Mt. EVEREST.

On the trail We were greeted with our first “sneak peek” of the massive snow capped mountains to come. Cameras came out everytime Thamsherku came into view or a string of jhopkya (yak/cow hybrids) or mules made their way past us (or sometimes into us 😅) the trail followed closely to/ often crossed the Dudh koshi River utilizing loooonnng suspension bridges decorated in prayer flags.

Once the group reached namche we puttered around the town (last real “town” to buy supplies if needed), enjoyed dinner, and off again to bed for a early morning.

Tomorrow we will be seeing everest for the first time, and doing a acclimation hike to help everyone adjust.

✌️