Go On Down to Namche – Go Ahead and Wreck Your Health

Thanks Nancy.

The agricultural land around here is fertile and gathering food for the heavy influx of tourists was well underway.

Looking down the valley from Pengboche the clouds were forming over Namche.

Our walk would take 6 hours or so and it consisted of downhill, uphill, downhill and uphill. Approximately. And back in the frame we are delighted to announce the return of the king, Shane MacGowan!!!!

As penance for failing to appear Bikram was to carry two rucksacks together on the first downhill and uphill section. He was very relaxed with that. Work hard play hard that lad.

We dropped down the valley quite quickly and crossed the footbridge over to the left bank. A touch of the old Quartier Latin there. Great value Vietnamese restaurants but that’s over four thousand miles away.

Bye hills. It’s been a gas.

Our first uphill section involved climbing up the left side of the valley to a pass at the top, next to the biggest Buddhist monastery in Nepal at Tengboche. Here Bikram could halve his load. I thought Dan might be seeking entry to the order. Would he really forgo earthly desires? He can’t even pass a pub. Then blames me.

Over the top of the pass and our second downhill section. A long and steep one. This hole in a tree provided endless amusement. Well, it ended after ten minutes actually. You have to throw in a rock that doesn’t fall straight back out. Better than Lara Croft and all the other artificial crap. Except Spider Solitaire.

Back down to the river, had lunch and set off on a long, steady climb up to the top end of Namche. The river drifted below and away from us.

Then finally Namche arrived on our doorstep!

A trip to the bank, got loaded and swept aside the saloon doors as we strode like conquering heroes into the Irish Bar. And emerged much later after singing and carousing and pool playing. I don’t know where Nir got that gesture from!

Oh dear. We all got a little messy .

Night night.