At the Eco Lodge in Lobuche

As you may have noticed by now, the higher in Altitude I go, the worst my writing becomes. Please note this for safety reasons: If I started writing complete gobble-dee-gook, its time to call in the rescue chopper

The whole “Dingboche troupe” got scarved this morning by my aunt and we headed up the hill toward Eco Lodge in Lobuche (4950). This lodge is owned by my family and is part of the Asian Trekking Group. As we climbed the 500m up the hill today, we were completely surrounded by the most awe inspiring view. Far in the east, stood the pointed curved peak of Makalu, to the south stood Ama Dablam, Khang Tega and Thamserku, to our west, stood the seemingly overhanging east face of Mt. Taboche and the jagged tower of Mt. Cholatse, and straight in front of us, to the north, was Lobuche Peak, capped with icy summits; Lobuche, east and Lobuche west.

As our path started to level out towards the bridge at Thukla, it converges with the path from Pheriche. Exactly there, as if planned, we met with Bud and his personal climbing Sherpa, Puchhanga. Together, we traversed the rocky terrain and crossed the log bridge over the small stream to arrive at the lodge in Thukla. Thukla is located at the very end of the Khumbu Glacier. Almost every year, during the hot and wet summer months, the bridge at Thukla is washed out. In 2007, in the same flood that destroyed the Phunki Thanga bridge below Tengoboche, one lodge at Thukla was completely washed out without a trace. Luckily there were no fatalities.

At the top of Thukla hill is the famous Everest Memorial, remembering those who have perished in these mountains. Boasting the most amazing views, and populated with numerous cairns and chortens it is a stark reminder to those who challenge the mountains to respect them at the same time.

In Lobuche , the Eco Lodge seemed more like a cattle market than a mountain lodge. The sheer number of visiting trekkers has meant that there isn’t a single room available in the entire village. Trekkers and guides are shouting and wooing, arguing and rationalising with the lodge managers to give them a room. In the end of course, it all works out, some will sleep in private rooms while others will have to sleep on tables and benches. Just another good argument to organise a trip through a trekking agency who can book rooms ahead of time. We had bookings.