Lukla flight & first hike

An early start — our flight to Lukla left at 7:45, so we frantically repacked to keep individual bag weights under 10kg. In the end we lined our pockets with gear and stowed it after the airport weighing. Thankfully we were not weighed.

We boarded our death pencil and lifted out of Kathmandu, following the valley lines and getting our first glimpse of the Himalayas — countless snow-capped peaks lining the eastern horizon. I can't describe how spectacular they are, so I won't try. The landing at Lukla was among the most frightening of my life: a tiny runway on a plateau with crosswinds. We drifted more than landed. Brilliant pilots.

Today's hike was only four hours to first camp, a steady introductory pace as we wove up and down the ridge through Nepali tea houses and small villages. Everyone is incredibly friendly and eager to help. Tonight we camp at 2,800m, and it's already freezing at this elevation. Tomorrow we head for Namche Bazaar.

P.S. I have never shared a suspension bridge with a herd of pack animals before. You're on a steep and swift learning curve if you do.