Start: Thame, 3,776m above sea level
Destination: Namche Bazaar, 3,440m above sea level
Date: 27th March 2023
Start in Thame: 08:00 AM
Distance: 9.28 km
Duration: 2 hours and 57 minutes
Elevation Gain: 283m ascent, 634m descent
Highest Point: 3,787m above sea level
Elevation Change for Sleeping: -336m
Trail Profile: Simple
Accommodation: Unfortunately, I forgot the name
Weather: Sunny, strong wind and clouds around noon
Temperature: Up to 18°C
Flora: Yaks, butterflies, various birds, dogs
Fauna: Rhododendron - we are back in the green high-altitude terrain
Food: Pancake with honey, pizza and cake, momos, and Snickers Roll

Elevation profile Thame - Namche Bazaar (own tracking via Garmin)

Second-to-last day! Today I hike from Thame to Namche Bazaar. I've already bid farewell to the highest peaks, and today's journey is very easy, characterized by the green surroundings. After breakfast, we set out together. However, Josh is quickly way ahead within a few minutes. Giuseppe is enjoying the company of the dogs, and one actually follows us for several kilometers. We both find our own pace again. I cross bridges, pass through the settlements of Samde, Thamu, Theshyo, Kisibook, and Phurte, marveling once again at the stupas, prayer flags, mani stones, and murals on rocks. It's a beautiful path from Thame to Namche Bazaar. The sun shines on my face, and today, I try to walk as slowly as possible. The altitude, now only around 3,500m above sea level, causes no trouble at all. Instead, I want to perceive the surroundings with all my senses before returning to the "big" Namche Bazaar. Today, I'm also a bit nostalgic on the way. That's it then (almost). The many impressions of the last few days run through my mind.

After a good three hours, I stand again above Namche Bazaar. It's nice to know that I have completed the circuit unscathed. I descend the stairs and spot Giuseppe in a restaurant having lunch. How small the world is. We go together into the heart of Namche, and there we hear a knock on a window. Josh is already in the pizzeria, and as a final treat, we each indulge in a pizza. Josh wants to go all the way to Lukla right away. After an overnight stay, he plans to keep walking until he can take a bus to Kathmandu. I find it tempting to travel to Kathmandu by bus instead of a plane, but I already have my ticket. By the way, I could postpone the departure. This was uncomplicated via email. Bad weather is forecasted for the next few days, so I have a bit more buffer. Instead of March 31, I will (hopefully) fly back to Kathmandu two days earlier on March 29. The bus journey would be a bit too tight in terms of time. Next time!

Josh just sold his crampons in Namche to a man heading up, bidding us farewell. Shortly after he left, the weather starts to change. Rain and soon snow fall. I retreat to the Eat Smart Café and enjoy a cup of tea and cake. Later, I meet Giuseppe at the Liquid Bar. We want to watch another documentary. With a serving of fries, we follow the report on an Everest expedition and later find ourselves in our lodge room. I've actually eaten enough today already. Nevertheless, I enjoy another plate of momos, which are simply delicious up here, as well as a fried Snickers for the last time. Mmmmmm. I strike up a conversation with a young Israeli who is heading towards Tengboche tomorrow. In front of the stove, we conclude the evening. I savor the company of the family and fellow trekkers once again today. In the room, I open the curtain and marvel: Namche Bazaar is already covered in snow. I hope Josh has arrived safely in Lukla. Good night.