The challenge begins - or does it. An early start to Kathmandu airport for our internal flight to Lukla. Bad news there is mist/low cloud and there are no flights. The flight displays and tannoys tell us delayed until 9 then 10, some highs and lows as some flights start out, but not to Lukla. At noon it's a full cancellation, Kathmandu is clear but they can't fly into Lukla. Bearing in mind that Lukla is one of the most dangerous airports in the world, better to be cautious.
So still at the airport the group discuss the options for tomorrow; the following days booked flight passengers will have priority over us. We'll only be able to fly once all that days bookings have flown and if there is limited flying because of fog, we'll not go then either. After a lot of discussion, the decision is to charter helicoptors, as they can fly in less visibility. Quite simply, if we don't get there by Tuesday we'll not make Base Camp
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| The smiles belie the nervousness |
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6 Guys on the flight, we literally cram ourselves into the helicoptor, I'm in the middle in the front next to the pilot, trying to keep very still & not touch anything I shouldn't.
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Take off, is it going to lift!!
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After a 40 minute flight we arrive and land safely, then on to our first lodge in Lukla.
An hour or so later the 2nd group arrive, however the 3rd and final group including our sherpa don't make it today, conditions have deteriorated.
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| Lulka main street, inscribed mani stone on the left |
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| Sunset in Lukla |
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