We have reached Lukla, we are back in the "civilization"! And wif also noticed that. On our journey so far, we were rather off the beaten track, and now we are full in the stream. Here in the
Khumbu the money of tourists was firmly implemented. That's the way it should be. In the regions where we have been so far, they have not yet had the chance to benefit from the tourists. That's
why our project trip was just right. At first we were in rather simple areas and lodges and then gradually better and better. Not the ones that were bad in the beginning, no, not at all. It was
just always a small increase felt. The food was really always excellent. Everyone was always very excited about what the people here made of the small kitchens.
But back to the project trip. After we split the group, we went straight to Lukla for the 3 of the trip. They ran within 3 days. They also noticed the tourist flow quickly. With Phurna from
Chheskam, they had a good local guide and progressed very fast. The increasing mule and yak "traffic" they were able to dodge skillfully. In Lukla they enjoyed a warm shower and the excellent
cuisine of Nima, the wife of Pasang's brother. In the evening, they enjoyed the final evening with Phurna and her porters. The next day they flew from the spectacular Lukla airport to Kathmandu.
Where they enjoyed the next few days until the flight home.
For us 6, it was after the separation continue to run up. It should go up to 6500 meters this time. But later. First of all, it went higher day by day. The area is breathtaking. And we are
the only ones who walk to Mera Peak. And we enjoy that too. The simple accommodations, the good food, the solitude. Then we soon came back into the route, all of them starting from Lukla over the
Zatrwa La. Nobody had problems with the altitude. Everyone was always doing very well. That is not always self-evident. We were very happy that everyone always stayed healthy. Then came the day
of Mera Peak. The night at 5800 was not so cold. But the day of the peak was very windy. We started at 1:30 with headlamps. Partly it blew us off the narrow path. Many other groups were also on
the way. We split our group of 6 into 2 groups. Slowly and step by step, it was the Summit. We fought, suffered but won. 5 out of 6 have reached the summit tired but full of pride. And at the
right time, because we could enjoy the sunrise. What a sight, what a panorama. We hugged each other with tears in our eyes. What a moment. But also a cold moment. Then we went back to High Camp
to relax a bit. We then ran the same day to the next place to stay. The next days we walked comfortably until the Ampulapsa Pass. Then came another very demanding day. It had snowed at the
lecture, which made the crossing more difficult. We had to climb quite a bit. Which was not for everyone. But we did it. Then the next days we came to Khumbu valley. This we went through to
Lukla. There were very nice days with many impressions. In Lukla we enjoyed a nice last evening with all porters and guides. Very happy we celebrated until the morning. :) Tomorrow we fly back to
Kathmandu and will enjoy the last days of the trip home in the capital.
We would like to thank all our friends who came along. It was an incredible time with many experiences.
Next diary entry will follow in about 2 weeks, then the second house will be finished in Chheskam.
Your Swiss Hope Sherpa Team
Jeannine Maillard and Pasang Rinji Sherpa
(Photos follow as soon as the internet connection is better)