Gokyo, Day 3: Epic Bridges to Namche

April 1st, 2019

Phakding (8700ft) to Nanche Bazaar(11280ft)

Third time in the same area, I am still discovering and learning new things, the white structure here is the `incense box’ where locals gather and burn juniper sticks which fills the surroundings with sweet woody fragrance.

The day hike to Namche is one of the longest and toughest ones. The trail is steep and the elevation gain is quite a bit. The fun part is that you get to criss cross over many suspension bridges, including the most iconic one, called Hilary Bridge, which hangs high above the old bridge.

As much fun it was for me to cross these, it was nerve wraking for some of my friends; they struggled as the bridges swayed side to side, but it was all about overcoming personal fears and pushing the limits, everyone gladly accepted the challenge and rocked their way.

It took us a good seven hours to get to Namche Bazaar. We took many breaks, including the one for lunch at the riverside and the one at the Sagarmatha National Park check point. There is a view point along the way where on a clear day, you get to see the first glipse of Mount Everest, we weren’t lucky enough to catch the views this time due to the low clouds.