Day 299: Big Adventure

Post from Michelle:

We are showered with Namaste, the traditional Hindu greeting, wherever we go in Kathmandu. We arrived in Nepal a couple of days ago and are still overwhelmed at the friendliness of the people. We've had little time to sight see though because our days have been full running errands and preparing for our next adventure. Tomorrow, joined by two friends we met in Thailand, we take a plane and helicopter to Lulka, a small village nestled in the Himalayan Mountains in the Kimbu region of Nepal. There, we will begin a three week trek to the Mt. Everest Base Camp as well as other surrounding trails.

Spring is coming to Kathmandu - flowers are blooming, fruit hangs on trees, and during the day the temperature reaches 70 degrees. But we are heading into some of the highest mountains in the world. Trekking at heights over 18,000 feet, where sudden snow storms and extremely cold nights are the norm, we have to be prepared for these conditions. So we have rented -20 degree sleeping bags and down jackets, and bought gloves, scarves, thermal underwear, and camping gear. Trekking is the number one activity of visiting tourists and Kathmandu's streets are lined with plenty of shops selling gear. We will be sleeping and eating in basic lodges and teahouses along the trails, so thankfully we won't have to carry much food and water or tents.

So we apologize for our site being quiet for the rest of the month. Picture us high up in the mountains, trekking among beautiful lakes and mountain peaks, in view of the highest mountains in the world. When we return we will be sure to update the site with stories and photos of our time with Mt. Everest!

Photos From This Location

Butter lamps burn on the stairs of Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Butter lamps burn on the stairs of Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Crowds climb the stairs to the Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Crowds climb the stairs to the Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Buddha's eyes peer from behind prayer flags at a stupa near the massive Bodhnath temple.
Buddha's eyes peer from behind prayer flags at a stupa near the massive Bodhnath temple.
Crowds and incense smoke circle the stupa at Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Crowds and incense smoke circle the stupa at Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
A woman sells dried chilies, garlic, ginger, and other dry goods from a booth in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
A woman sells dried chilies, garlic, ginger, and other dry goods from a booth in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
People gather to talk and buy vegetables from a market in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
People gather to talk and buy vegetables from a market in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
A collection of brass Buddhas and other religious items for sale in Kathmandu.
A collection of brass Buddhas and other religious items for sale in Kathmandu.
A sadhu, or Hindu holy man, poses for a photograph in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
A sadhu, or Hindu holy man, poses for a photograph in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
Sadhus are Hindu holy men who live beggar-like existences in their search for enlightenment. This one lives a profitable existence in Kathmandu, charging tourists for photographs.
Sadhus are Hindu holy men who live beggar-like existences in their search for enlightenment. This one lives a profitable existence in Kathmandu, charging tourists for photographs.
A rickshaw carries its bloody passenger through Durbar Square, located in the center of Kathmandu.
A rickshaw carries its bloody passenger through Durbar Square, located in the center of Kathmandu.
Nepalese Buddha eyes peer from the stupa of Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath).
Nepalese Buddha eyes peer from the stupa of Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath).
A slaughtered goat gets butchered in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A slaughtered goat gets butchered in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Two men try to keep the stupa at Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) brightly whitewashed during an important Buddhist celebration.
Two men try to keep the stupa at Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) brightly whitewashed during an important Buddhist celebration.
A woman stands next to Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
A woman stands next to Kathmandu's Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) during Buddha Jayanti, the celebration of Buddha's birthday 2545 years ago.
Four rickshaw drivers wait for business on a busy Kathmandu street.
Four rickshaw drivers wait for business on a busy Kathmandu street.
A woman buys oranges from a vender who carts his goods around on his bicycle.
A woman buys oranges from a vender who carts his goods around on his bicycle.
Colorful decorations adorn the back of a Nepalese rickshaw.
Colorful decorations adorn the back of a Nepalese rickshaw.
A view from up high of Kathmandu's skyline.
A view from up high of Kathmandu's skyline.

Audio Recordings From This Location

Kathmandu Monkey Temple

Buddhist / Hindu chanting at one of Nepal's most famous temples, the Monkey Temple.

Kathmandu Monks Chanting

Young monks chant with elders at a monastery and school near Bodhnath (outside Kathmandu).

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