Starting out on day two in Phakding, we set off through a narrow valley divided by the Dudh Khosi River, passing terraced crop fields, small villages and ever-present prayer wheels (always pass on the left and spin them clockwise!).
As we approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, we were greeted with sensational views of massive snow-capped Himalayan peaks, such as Thamserku and Kangtega.
Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a wide range of plants and animals.
After lunch, we made a long and grueling climb up to the village of Namche Bazaar, home to the world’s highest marketplace and incredible 360° views.
Friday (or day three) was an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. We hiked to view Mt Everest With its remote alpine setting and outlook across to Kongde Ri at 6187 metres (20,298 feet) and surrounding peaks, Namche Bazaar is one of the most beautiful villages in the Himalayas – a great place for a relaxed, acclimatization day.
Namche Bazaar is a fairly small town so you can wander its narrow, cobbled streets to explore the monasteries and tea houses without worrying too much about getting lost.
This place was historically an important stopping point for trading expeditions across the Nangpa La to Tibet and is still an important supply point for mountaineers and trekkers today.
That afternoon we hiked above Namche Bazaar for a great panorama. It’s a steep trail, but the views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam are brilliant and make the effort thoroughly worth it.
The next morning we shipped out early set off early, with fantastic views of Everest and head back down to the Dudh Khosi River.
We stopped at a local Sherpa tea house for lunch, and took in all the surroundings before carrying on along up the trail. As we got closer to Tengboche, we were greeted with even closer perspectives of Ama Dablam 6856 metres (22,493 feet) and Nuptse 7861 metres (25,791 feet).
Looking south, we had a view of numerous other peaks such as Kangtega, Thamserku and the jagged ridgeline of Kongde Rim before finally arriving in Deboche, where we stayed at the Rivendell Lodge.
Visit Active Adventures for more Everest Trek information.
Watch the Featured Everest Base Camp Trek video if you haven’t already.
