16 April 2002 - Lukla to Surke (Camp 1 - 2300m/7513ft)

An ‘interesting’ but uneventful hazy 40 minute flight from Kathmandu brought us to the rather ‘scary’ airstrip of Lukla (2827m/9234ft), built by Sir Edmund Hilary and Sherpas in the 1960s. Not a place for overshooting the runway!
(photo:  Arriving at Lukla airstrip)

Two things were noticeable ........ the altitude change which had given me a slight headache, and the distinctly cooler temperature compared to that in Kathmandu.
(photo:  Descending to first camp)

We had lunch at a Tea House near the airstrip, then at 1400, started out to our first camp of the trek. We followed a path alongside the runway, until the end, at which point it descended into the valley towards the Duhd Kosi River. After about 2 hours of descent, we crossed a wooden bridge to reach our camp on the banks of a stream.
(photo:  Arrival at the camp site)

After an excellent ‘candle lit’ 3 course dinner - the food was amazing - it was time for my first night under canvas. Fortunately for me, one guy failed to arrive at Kathmandu which meant I had a two-person tent to my self. ‘Billy Bargain’ I though, as I would have plenty of room to spread out!
(photo:  Riverside camping)