Mountains camoflaged in skyes were welcoming us during the flight to Kathmandu. Although arriving before sunset, it was dark to drive to the hotel (efficiency for issuing visa, and general procedures are very slow although many people are involved). The streets in the Thamel region are full of small shop packed with stuff – especially many selling tracking gear. A fake North Face down jacket for 25 euros, but hopefully warm enough for the coldest days.

It’s obvious that people are poor and limited, considering western standards – however very welcoming and smiling in restaurents. I doubt they can be totally displeased with such smiles.

Small airplaines can currently not fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, so we had a close to 5 hours drive to a nearby airport. We drove by lots of slum, again with many small shop along the road. A bunch of plastic everywhere, but also scenic views of mountains and rivers.

We slept in really warm tents nearby the airport, so we could get up early for our flight. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, it was not possible to fly yesterday, so we are in a 3 hour line for our flight to Lukla.