Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World

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Namche

Everest 2015  •  March 29

Great day today.  I am writing this from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, which has lots of creature comforts, including WiFi (and killer lattes).

We got up and moving by 8 AM, right on schedule.  The route took us higher up the Khumbu valley, from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.

Horses are used often to haul loads in the Khumbu.
Horses are used often to haul loads in the Khumbu.
Many beautiful waterfalls on today's hike.
Many beautiful waterfalls on today’s hike.
Rainbow
Rhododendrons and rainbows… very beautiful here.

 

Many fruits trees were in bloom... this part of the valley felt like spring today.
Many fruits trees were in bloom… this part of the valley felt like spring today.
Very impressive peaks and ridge lines towered far above this deep valley.
Very impressive peaks and ridge lines towered far above this deep valley.
Blake strikes a pose...
Blake strikes a pose…
Villages nestled into the valley depend on the life-giving water of the Dudh Kosi river, which is water that arises ultimately (in part) from Mt Everest.
Villages nestled into the valley depend on the life-giving water of the Dudh Kosi river, which is water that arises ultimately (in part) from Mt Everest.
The light was filtered by high clouds and the mountain walls on either side.
The light was filtered by high clouds and the mountain walls on either side.
Shrines inspire us during the walk.
Shrines inspire us during the walk.
These bridges are essential for transportation up and down the valley... there are no paved roads.  We must share the way with anyone, or anything, that comes our way.
These bridges are essential for transportation up and down the valley… there are no paved roads. We must share the way with anyone, or anything, that comes our way.
The water of the Dudh Kosi is frigid and beautiful, and filled with lots of granite silt from the grinding action of the glaciers far above.  Sometimes it is called "glacial milk."
The water of the Dudh Kosi is frigid and beautiful, and filled with lots of granite silt from the grinding action of the glaciers far above. Sometimes it is called “glacial milk.”
The influence of Buddhism is evident everywhere, including prayers carved and painted into the very living rock.
The influence of Buddhism is evident everywhere, including prayers carved and painted into the very living rock.
Why are all the kids here so adorable?
Why are all the kids here so adorable?
Our path winds through wilderness but also right through the center of villages.
Our path winds through wilderness but also right through the center of villages.
Never get on the wrong side of these Yaks' temper! Those horns can do some damage.  A wide berth is advised.
Never get on the wrong side of these Yaks’ temper! Those horns can do some damage. A wide berth is advised.
The steel bridges that span the Dudh Kosi are very strong, well maintained, and beautiful.
The steel bridges that span the Dudh Kosi are very strong, well maintained, and beautiful.

Bridge Crossing

Sunny today!
Sunny today!
This was the highest bridge we crossed today (the top of the two seen here.)
This was the highest bridge we crossed today (the top of the two seen here.)
Seen from the trail to Namche.  Tall, cold, and beautiful.
Our objective, Mt Everest, seen from the trail to Namche. Tall, cold, and beautiful.
First sighting of our objective from the trail to Namche.  Great hike with great friends.
First sighting of our objective from the trail to Namche. Great hike with great friends.
Three of our amazing guides, Phinjo Sherpa, Andy Polloczeck, Justin Merle.
Three of our amazing guides, Phinjo Sherpa, Andy Polloczek, Justin Merle.
Namche Bazaar comes into view.  A rest in a nicely appointed lodge is most welcome!
Namche Bazaar comes into view. A rest in a nicely appointed lodge is most welcome!
Tall summits and ramparts surround Namche.  The views are amazing!
Tall summits and ramparts surround Namche. The views are amazing!

In summary, a great day today, a nice chance to stretch our legs and gain some elevation.  Dusty and crowded, but lots of fun as always with this crew.  Just finished a latte, honey lemon water, and half a cheese pizza in a bakery while getting this blog post up… now, back to the hotel for dinner (potato soup, pork chops, and chocolate cake.  And beer.  Yes, we can have an occasional drink of alcohol at 11,200 feet.

Plan for tomorrow: Active rest day with an acclimatization hike of the local hills, and a chance to do laundry, take a shower, etc.  Posh!  More soon.

PS: We are liking the great tea here, so our word of the day is “teabag.”

11 thoughts on “Namche

  1. first view of Everest, yay!

    be nice to those Yaks, they look intimidating

    those bridges are something else….

  2. Great pics! I love the one with Merle in it. Looks like he has a brand new IMG truckers hat. Can you remind him that he owes me one of those? I never got one when we climbed in Ouray. Im sure he isn’t too busy over there with you all and could take the time to send me one in the mail. Thanks.

  3. Magnificent photography! Enjoying your great blog. Sending wishes of good luck, fun, and friendships.

  4. Paul – love your OSM blog! Awesome first picture of E – enormous! Post when you can – I really enjoy it. Savor every step.

  5. Fresh prayer flags up in the trees of our front yard for your family and your climbing party. We look forward to following your adventures, Paul!

    Nine Family
    Nashville, TN

  6. Paul,
    Greg V reports there were no injuries to the IMG climbing team at EBC – Wherever you are stay safe! I know you are doing what you can to assist the others in the EBC and Camps I & II. There will be time to share photos later but I wanted to drop you a line to let you know Mitch, Eleni and Leslie and I are all thinking about you and the IMG team and hope you are doing well. Take care Sir!

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