Bridge at Phakding. Keep and eye out for the turnoff here on the way back (I know I missed it!)
There is a very long bridge across the river at Phakding which you would be well served to give the yaks first turn at, and maybe count how many others are aboard before you venture forth your feet. It is not near so high as the highest ‘double bridge’ just as you begin the climb up the mountain towards Namche (below). ‘Tully’ reckoned it to be 150 metres down to your death on the sharp teeth of the river far below. I did not demur – being too fearful to look down!
Old and new bridge.
Tully surges off the high bridge. I can guess why.
On the slopes climbing up to Namche (and elsewhere) there are some interesting plants – many extensively gnawed by yaks or hacked by folk for kindling. Others appear sacred to man and beast alike. This one (a crab apple?) for example. I noticed a beautiful blackberry with pure white canes too.
Whiteberries.
Coming up the rise in to Namche
Namche is quite a large town with plenty of ‘hotels’ and very many shops, including a pharmacy, a mobile phone repairer – pretty much everything you can think of. If you start the trek at Lukla with only your credit card you will be able to buy everything needful along the way. This is not a wilderness trek such as I am used to. This is a well-supplied highway for feet!
See also:
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/i-followed-my-footsteps/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/i-saw-below-me-that-golden-valley/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/to-the-roof-of-the-world/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/everest-base-camp-three-passes-trek/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/cold-weather-face-masks/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/my-life-was-wide-and-wild-and-who-can-know-my-heart/
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