The team are well settled in at Namche Bazaar in a really comfortable teahouse to acclimatize for a few days.

Yesterday we went for a day hike, a little off the beaten path over to a village in Thamo were we visited a Tibetan Buddhist monastery run by nuns. It was great to have the trail to ourselves and see some of the less touristy parts of the Khumbu.

Following the earthquake a number of young female orphans were taken in at the Monastery  which gives it an energetic, welcoming vibe. Over ginger tea, we asked one of the elders her story… She doesn’t actually know how old she is, but remembers her mother carrying her across the glaciated Nangpa La pass at 5,806 m (19,049 ft) – as she was too young to walk herself. She’s been at the Monastery ever since.

Today the valley is fogged in and unfortunately the views from the acclimatization hike of Everest from the Everest view hotel aren’t visible but the team are stretching their legs in any case. Tomorrow everyone will move up to Tengboche – a solid 5 hour walk and another gain in altitude.
Namche from above

Tea at the Monastery