Off to Island Peak

Today we started our journey to Island Peak by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, a tiny airstrip at the base of the Khumbu region. I have spoken to a few people who have done the flight into Lukla but nothing could have prepared me for the most amazing scenery on the 25 minute flight as the plane passes over ridges and down steep valleys. The airstip is only about 400m long and is quite steep (see photo) so the landing is very quick, comes in with a thud and then very quick deceleration. As soon as one plane lands another one takes off - it is quite an operation. After collecting our gear and leaving most with our porters we headed off to Phakding which is about 7km up the Dudh Kosi valley. This was mostly downhill, but apparently we will make that up tomorrow when we walk to Namche Bazaar. This afternoon we are justing taking it easy, though mainly indoors at the moment since it is freezing outside - and were only just starting our journey up the valley.