We had breakfast at a bakery in the middle of Namche Bazaar before we continued down the valley. Again the weather was perfect and the walking so much easier than two weeks ago. The steep descent out of Namche being the biggest challenge for the day.
We reached the viewing platform where we now get our last look at Everest. It hit home at this point, that my adventure was drawing to a close. Two more nights would remain before catching the plane back to Kathmandu.
The route now had more activity with fellow walkers setting out on their own adventures; all clean and shiny! Yak trains were more frequent and Sherpas carrying their wares on their backs towards Namche.
Criss-crossing the river in the low autumn sunlight was blissful. We passed the tiny single storey buildings with their small veg gardens, that again reminded me of the Shire. The day’s walk was over far too quick as we reached Prakding, the small village we stopped after our first day of walking. This time our rooms were an upgrade from our first visit, it had en-suite toilets!
After dinner and a pub quiz, most of the group retired for the night. Myself, Andre, Brydon and Nigel went to another teahouse in the village for a couple of drinks. The whole group has now wound down from the adventure and are looking forward to returning to the comforts of our hotel back in Kathmandu.
All but me. Passing through the small homesteads, I truly appreciated the slow pace of life here. No electrical gadgets or motor vehicles, no pollution or the hustle and bustle of life back home. I felt so relaxed with the simplicity and basicness of life here. No office politics or annoying bosses on your back. Everyone you meet has a smile on their face.
The Sherpa people are friendly and welcoming, good humoured and laugh a lot. I do miss being amongst them and hope to return one day.
Stu's Camino 