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After the Puja it was, sadly, time for us to leave. It was, in all actuality, the perfect time for us to leave as the serious work of climbing was truly beginning for the expedition. The walk home took us 5 days, though we could have done it more quickly had we wished to leave the amazing scenery more quickly.
Children in a small village along the way back to Lukla.
The Tengboche Monastery, the most important Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu Valley, with Ama Dablam peak in the background.
Mina, from near Phakding.
Another constant site along the trails of the Khumbu Valley are the people ferrying loads between the villages. With no cars or other wheeled vehicles, all goods are transported either on the backs of people or the backs of yaks.
Mani stones are also seen throughout the valley--each reciting the Buddhist chant, "Om Mani Padme Hum," a most common prayer to the gods. Carved in relief from stone, many are often painted as is the one here.
Every morning at around 6:00 a.m. we were greeted by one of the Sherpas as they called out, "Good morning. Morning milk cofee". It was not long before they delivered a hot bowl of "washing water". After we packed up our belongings, they folded up our sleeping bags and packed up our tent. Everyday they set up an elaborated camp and prepared delicious meals for us. We got to know our Sherpa staff very well. They are wonderful people. This photo depicts our kitchen helpers: Kharma, Khumar and L.G, as well as our cook in the bottom right hand corner: Pasang.
Meet our Sherpa friends. Top row: Khumar, Pasang, Kancha, Dendi, Kelly and Pancha. Bottom row: Maker, Kharma, Dike, Ram, Jir, L.G. and Haste Kumri. |
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The
last night of our trek was bitter-sweet. Although we were excited to get
back to the land of beds, hot showers and thick air, we were sad to say goodbye
to the 12 people who took care of us during our 18 day trek in the Himalaya.
We had a fun going away party, consisting of chang (a Sherpa wine), singing and
dancing (Rich loved that). 