The Highest Marathon in the World
The Highest Marathon in the World
Everest Marathon - Nepal
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Arrival & Fun Run  |  Kathmandu Tours  |  Kathmandu to Namche  |  Namche & the Thamo Loop  |  Trek to Gokyo
Trek to Gorak Shep  |  Race Day  |  After the Race  |  People of Nepal  |  Competitors & Helpers

Kathmandu to Namche

After Kathmandu we fly to Lukla before a two day trek to Namche Bazaar, the finish line of the race. Please click on a photo to see a larger image

Boarding one of the planes for the 45 minute flight to Lukla.Everybody is still smiling - they obviously don't know about the airport at Lukla!The flight follows the Himalayan chain, offering magnificent views North towards the mountains.Coming in to land at Lukla. The runway is built on a slope which helps the planes to stop before they run into the mountain at the end.
A plane coming into land. The runway is just 450 metres long and is 60 metres higher at one end than the other."Welcome" to Lukla, gateway to the Everest region.The start of the trek - leaving Lukla.Locals playing Carrom.
Leaving Lukla. Although we fly into Lukla (2860m) our first night is actually spent at Phakding (2652m).It is a 4 hour walk from Lukla to Phakding.A loo with a view. Toilet facilities are basic and Approaching the first lunch stop at Choplung.
The bridge at Choplung. Most of the bridges have been replaced in recent years; this is one of the few wooden decked bridges left.Lunch at Choplung. On trek all meals are provided by our trekking staff but they are usually based at existing lodges.The trail from Lukla to Phakding goes through the fields and settlements on the East bank of the Dudh Kosi river.Looking up a side valley towards Kusum Kanguru (6369m).
Smoke rising from one of the trailside houses.Approaching Phakding. The yellow dome tents we will be using for the rest of the trip are already pitched and waiting for us.The first campsite. People unpack kit bags and sort out their tents, something which becomes routine after a few days.Each tent is shared by two people. At higher altitudes this
Therm-a-rest's and camping mats are invaluable to insulate the cold floor of the tent.Our first evening meal inside a lodge. Wherever possible we use the dining rooms of lodges for evening meals and breakfasts as they are warmer and create a more sociable atmosphere.Mornings in camp always start with bed tea being brought around by our trekking staff.Immediately after bed tea kit bags get packed and distributed between the yaks and porters who will take them to the next overnight stop.
Looking up the Dudh Kosi.Approaching Monjo (2835m).Between Phakding and Namche Bazaar the trail crosses the river several times on a series of long suspension bridges.Porters carrying the distinctive purple Everest Marathon kitbags across one of the suspension bridges.
The entrance gate to the Sagamartha National Park.Welcome to the Sagamartha National Park.After the National Park entrance the path descends again to cross the river towards Jorsale.Porters move everything up and down the trail ...
... carrying loads which put us Marathon runners to shame.The whole route up to Everest base camp is served by lodges which offer food and drink. To help you to acclimatise to altitude it is important to take your time when trekking and to drink large amounts of fluids. Stopping at these lodges is an important - and very sociable - part of this.A local drying grain outside her house.The trail is dotted with carved mani stones and walls containing the Buddhist prayer "Om Mani Padme Hum". "Om Mani Padme Hum" has no direct English translation, but often described as meaning
It is tradition to always walk around mani stones and walls in a clockwise direction.Prayer flags are another very common sign that you are now in the Khumbu region, a predominantly Buddhist area.A Buddhist chorten.Marigolds growing in a field near the trail.
Lunch at the bottom of the hill before the final climb to Namche Bazaar.The final bridge across the river before the climb to Namche Bazaar.The first view of Everest comes on this climb, as good a reason as any for getting the cameras out.The first view of Everest. Here it is seen with its distinctive plume of cloud streaming off the summit, created by the summit just sticking up into the jet-stream.