Mera Peak, October 2009, return to Lukla.

Our return journey to Lukla from Khare took a mere two & a half days opposed to the 7 days taken from Lukla to Khare - however we did remain at Kothe for 2 nights on our way in to Khare.

Iain took many pictures - these are a selection of those taken on the return. The first is a last look at the Mera Glacier with the Hinku River in the forground.

This picture shows our Guide - Kami Nurbu Sherpa. Kami was our logistics organiser for everything outside of Kathmandu - flights, accommodation, porters and food. He did an excellent job and was a great guy to work with. Thank you Kami!

The right hand picture shows the Sabai Glacier flowing down from Kyashar into the Sabai Tsho. This glacial lake burst through its moraine about 5 years ago and its level was lowered by about 100M. The trail of devastation downstream of this is very evident and these events are becoming more commonplace in the Himalayas due to the effects of climate change.

The left hand picture shows a young porter carring an incredible load. Porters typically get paid the equivalent of £5 per day for their services and many of the younger guys carry double loads to earn double pay in a day.

The strain this must put on their backs & knees must be unimaginable but still they carry on with a smile and a greeting of Namaste!

Iain found the Nepalese people to be hardworking and cheerful despite many of them living in near poverty conditions. They couldn't do enough to help you and Iain was happy that he was able to contribute to their economy.

All along the trekking routes there are teahouses where you can stay for upwards of 200 rupees (about £1.60) per night per person.

Trekking clearly contributes a great proportion of income to the the people in the Himalayas even though this trade is seasonal (October - December & February - April) and here at Kothe, a carpenter is hard at work making a door for the new premises behind.

Great care is taken when making these new buldings and all of the stones used in the masonary are handcrafted individually with a hammer & bolster.

This was our last view of Mera Peak from the south as we climbed towards our final resting place before crossing the ridge at the Zatrwa La (4600M)
and beginning the descent to Lukla.

The central summit can be clearly seen with the north summit to the left.

Iain hopes to return here again.