In Phakding



Dropped off a high camp gear bag with 8K Expeditions, who will transport it straight to Base Camp—one less thing to carry on the trek ahead!

Before heading out, I visited the Pashupatinath Temple, a tradition I’ve followed on every trip to Nepal. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude before the challenge ahead.


The day, however, didn’t go as planned. My 8 AM flight to Lukla was delayed due to bad weather, and with Lukla shutting down flights after 9 AM, we were left waiting. The airport was packed with travelers scrambling for flights or helicopters, each hoping to make it out.

Finally, at 3:30 PM, we managed to get a helicopter ride—a six-hour delay, but we made it!


I met Vivek, a helicopter reservation agent who had studied in Fort Worth, Texas. He knew Austin well—6th Street and The Oasis. He was instrumental in securing a spot for me on a chopper.


Starting from Lukla 

Touched down in Lukla by evening and wasted no time. After a quick meal, we hit the trail around 5.30 PM, making our way toward Phakding.

We arrived in Phakding around 8 PM, with the final hour of our hike lit only by headlamps, trekking through the darkness. After a long day of delays and travel, we’re finally settling in for the night here after dinner.

Adding a few highlights from the day

Kathmandu view from hotel


My Hotel 



 Patiently waiting to fly 

                                            
Lukla airport






Comments

  1. Renu RoyApril 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM

    Up up and away! Jiten best pics look great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ManojApril 9, 2025 at 9:19 PM

    Best wishes Jiten. Keep this coming. Nice to see Gambu with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anil KApril 9, 2025 at 9:28 PM

    All the best Jitendra ji. What a great undertaking. 👍

    ReplyDelete
  4. rosyhemantApril 16, 2025 at 6:56 PM

    Good to see your pictures bhaiya

    ReplyDelete

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