Namche Bazaar is a flourishing village bustled with trekkers most of the year round. Many lodges and hotels are under construction to cater for the increasing number of trekkers and tourists. It is also an essential acclimatisation stop for those who plan to trek / climb to higher ground.
The following day, we trekked up to Syangboche (at 3,900m) and Khumjung (at 3,790m) before heading back to Namche Bazaar. The purpose of this ‘side trek’ was to acclimatise ourselves (to avoid acute mountain sickness or AMS, which is common at altitude beyond 3,000m) before ascending further.
At Syangboche, we had our first glimpse of Mt. Everest, together with other peaks such as Ama Dablam and Lhotse draping in snow. It was uplifting and rewarding to have such magnificent view after hours of hard labour. It was an exhilarating moment.
While in Khumjung, we visited the school which was established by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man who set foot on the peak of Mt. Everest in 1953. The team members brought some goodies, such as pens, pencils, sharpeners, T-shirts, sweets, etc. for the children. It touched our hearts deeply when we saw how simple things like pens and sharpeners could bring so much cheers and broad smiles on the faces of these children.
As we left the school, we could hear the laughter and the tumultuous chattering of the children tailing off in the distance.
On the way back to Namche Bazaar, part of the trail was covered with snow. While it was a welcoming sight, it was indeed no fun walking on one. It was very slippery. We walked with much care and very slowly to avoid any fall or injury as many long and tough days were still ahead!
Overall, it was a good workout and acclimatisation.
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