15 Apr 2014 – Pangboche to Namche

Overnight low in room 24F. Beginning altitude 3930 metres (12900 ft). Ending altitude 3330 metres (10900 ft).

Today’s trek would take us back to Namche. Our trekking distances were lengthening. On the way down, we were doing as much distance as we did in 1.5 days on the way up, and the way up included occasional overnights for rest and acclimatization. We got an early start.

Sunrise over Pangboche

We had descended below timberline, and we now walked on trails lined with magnolia or pine. Our route for some of the time followed a glacial river, tinged turquoise from the rock flour generated by the movement of the glacier over the stone below.

The presence of yaks remained more or less constant

And this, too, naturally.

Ama Dablam!

Our route on the return took us along the opposite side of the river from our route on the way up. This allowed for a visit to a hilltop monastery in Tingboche.

Ornate on the outside

We had a nice opportunity to kick off our boots, which was a requirement to enter the monastery temple.

Ornate on the inside

In my opinion, however, neither the outside nor the inside of the monastery compared to the view across the valley from the front porch.

Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam

The long ridge on the left is Nuptse. Two thirds of the way along Nuptse from the left is the peak of Everest, with a snow plume blowing off of it. To the right of Nuptse and Everest is Lhotse, with its own snow plume. And to the right of them all, Ama Dablam.

From the monastery, the trail went downhill to the river, and then back up the other side of the valley. It was a bit of a grind. But once we had regained the altitude up the hillside, the trail flattened out more or less.

Namche would be around one of these bends

In early evening, we arrived at the familiar horseshoe amphitheater of Namche Bazaar.

As we wound our way around town, I heard a strange beastly noise. Something I had not heard for a very long time. Coming down the narrow village pathway toward me was an unusual creature – not shaggy, not shambling.

What can you tell me about… yak sans cor?

What a magical place was Namche! Seriously. They had so. much. stuff. I mean it. Above Namche, the availability of stuff – whatever stuff it is you might be interested in – drops off precipitously. It was a return to the Land Of Plenty. And in the Land Of Plenty, there is this, courtesy of the Everest Café.

Best. Mochas. Ever.

One more trekking day left.