#club5050 | Landscape photography - Living in the shadow of the hig...

Some years ago I went on a trek in Nepal - to Everest Base Camp. We started by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small village in the Himalayan mountain world. From start to finish, I spent 12 days with a small group of 5 people in total. A hike that gave the opportunity to spend all this time in spectacular nature among some of the world's highest mountains. The view every day was snow-capped mountain peaks. Each day had its highlights and also some downturns: snow, cold, altitude sickness tea breaks, chocolate and even a beer on our 12th day - to celebrate that we all made it to base camp.

When I look back at the photos I took, I am impressed by all the small villages and settlements we passed. There are no roads. No cars. Everyone has to walk between the villages. Any items or goods they have to get in Lukla or a neighboring village must be carried on jack oxen or on their back. I assume, however, that some goods are flown in to Lukla, but from there they must be carried. There are not only small villages but also Buddhist temples and at least one hotel is located at an altitude of over 3000 m. I do assume that guests are flown in by helicopter. That also goes for medical equipment etc. to Periche where there are doctors and a small hospitalHere is a small selection of accommodation in the Khumbu Valley in Nepal.

Namche Bazar

Namche Bazar is the largest village on our way to base camp and also the largest of the Sherpa settlements in this region. Because there are bakeries, cafes, tourists shops etc. makes it feel as being in a «city». It's situated at 3440 m.above sea level. Most people stay overnight in order to acclimaize.

Phortse

To reach Phortse, where we spent the night, we had to cross a river. We walked along the mountainside, but then had to go down to get to the other side. Once the river is crossed, it goes up again to get to the village. Phortse can be seen in the middle of the image. The buildings at the bottom left are a hotel.

Periche

While walking on the mountain ridge we can look down on the small settlement called Periche. Set in the Khumbu valley surrounded by mountains, it offers a spectacular view from here. Periche is important for climbers and trekkers. This small place has a hospital, doctors and pressure chambers for the treatment of altitude sickness.

These houses once served as shelters for yak herdsmen. No one lived here when we passed by, so possibly they are no longer in use. We are at a height of approx. 4,400 m. Imagine waking up here in the morning!

Gorek Shep (5.170 m)

Gorek Shep is the last place we stay overnight before base camp. It's not really a village. The houses are accommodation for climbers who are going further up the mountain. If there is no space in the cabins, you lie in a tent. But here it was called so it was not tempting.

Periche

Tengboche Monastery

We are on our way down and back to the starting point which is Lukla. We are going through the small villages Orsho and Pangboche, which means crossing rivers again. At Tengboche Monastery we take a break. It is not the only monastery located in the region, but probably one of the largest. There is also nothing to say about the location! It is located in absolutely stunning surroundings with views to Mt. Everest.

Fantastic nature, but it was just as impressive to walk through villages and see how people live and work in a mountain world where they have to walk to get around.

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