The trek from Namche to Tengboche was quite challenging but rewarding. The first half of the day we made for Khunde, where there is a small hospital. A few inches of snow had fallen the night before so the trail, trees, and buildings were covered in white. From Khunde we headed towards our next stopping point, Tengboche. First we dropped down into a valley to cross a river. Next we began a long, steep ascent. it was slow going, and we were exhausted but thrilled to reach our destination. There is a monastery in Tengboche with beautiful buildings and grounds. Lots of prayer wheels and stupas all around. Plus, Tengboche is situated on a high saddle (3840m) between mountains that gives tremendous views north and south.
We took tea, mo mos, and then some Dahl bhat in the tea house there. A large group of Norwegian students were also at this tea house and Chris (the other doc) ended up evaluating and treating one for a nasty viral infection that had essentially immobilized the group in Tengboche for a few days. The next day the student was evacuated by helicopter to KTM because of his weakness and dehydration. The rest of the group seemed to have recovered. We took rest early and slept quite soundly after our toughest trekking day yet.
Finally, we began our last day of trekking towards Pheriche. This was perhaps the most pleasant day of trekking. We gained about 400m elevation but it was spread quite steadily over the day. We essentially followed a river through the khumbu valley. For lunch we ate chicken and veggie noodle soup and sipped lemon tea on a terrace. The weather was warm and sunny - pretty much ideal trekking weather!
Within just a few hours we reached pheriche pass, a high point overlooking pheriche, and then descended into town. Ah, to reach our new "home!" We dropped our packs at the aid post and without delay ordered a round of everest beers at the himalayan hotel!
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