Namche Bazaar

Today had a bit of everything.

We left Phakding under a perfect blue sky and started the long climb towards Namche. The views were spectacular and, for the first time, we caught sight of Everest in the distance. That definitely made the legs feel a little lighter.

One of the big landmarks of the day was crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, hanging high above the river. It is every bit as impressive as it looks in the photos.

Shortly afterwards, things became slightly less majestic.

A convoy of donkeys was waiting to cross the bridge when two of them decided to have a fairly serious disagreement. Cue a full donkey fight, a growing traffic jam and five of us standing watching what was probably the best entertainment available in the Khumbu Valley.

We also discovered an important rule of trekking in Nepal: when a yak or donkey is coming towards you, you do not have right of way. Ever.

The final climb into Namche was hard work, but arriving in the town at 3,440 metres felt like a real milestone.

And, naturally, we finished the evening in the world’s highest Irish pub playing pool.

First sight of Everest, the Hillary Bridge, donkey road rage and an Irish pub a