Lukla Airport -
Dulles International it's not
The photo above is of the airport at Lukla - the one perched
on the side of a mountain which local watch planes swooping into
on the mountain air currents. It's been improved from the photo
- there is some pavement on it now.
Still, you may find trekking the trail in from Jiri a far more
tranquil experience. Especially if you don't know exactly how much
experience your pilot possesses.
Bypass
Lukla
The Jiri Trail is the old way of entering the area
above Namche Bazaar and to Kala Patar
If you travel in by walking the Jiri Trail, you'll be taking
the route originally taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and his crew when
they went to Everest. It's easier now, due to the trekking lodges
you'll be able to stay in.
But the fact is, when I've been on this trail there are very
few other Westerners on it. The lodges are mostly empty. Most people
fly to Lukla these day. They look at it as a time-saver.
A
Dose of Nepali Culture
Above Lukla to Kala Patar, and below
No matter where you go in Nepal, you will have a good time.
The entire Everest region is great. Above Namche, there is high,
rocky terrain - real Himalaya high country.
Down below Lukla is some of the best of the Nepali mountain
culture. We discovered it in Himalaya Moon, the book already mentioned.
Either way, you win. And you may just want to enjoy both!
Lukla
to Goyko - Great Himalaya views
|
