View from plane over Mt Everest.

This is the view over Mt Everest as I approached Kathmandu. The view on flight to "Lhasa" was even more impressive.

Great Night with Team

Great night out with the team. Really good dynamics and energy about the group...

It's going to be a great expedition.

Victor, Felix, Neil and I stayed out for a few extra beers tonight. Great buzz about this place. Just past 12 and up at 06:30 and flying straight to 3500m.

Might not be able to tell if the headache was booze or altitude related!!!

Thamel

This morning we all took a walk into Thamel to get a few last minute bits of kit before we depart tomorrow. This place is mad! You have cycles, motor bikes, cars, vans and people everywhere - horns going off like you can't imagine. The atmosphere and buzz is amazing!

It was great to take in a bit of local culture....

4 of us decided to head to the Shyambu Narh monkey temple. The taxi journey was an experience on it's own. I can't describe the carnage on the roads here! You need to see it to believe it.

Arriving at the temple I was amazed by the amount of prayer flags that hung on the surrounding trees. The temple was stunning, the gold roof glistening in the afternoon sun - it actually took my breathe away.

I walked around the temple and experienced a feeling I can't explain. I felt a rush of blood around my body which made me feel so energised and also to think how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing.

Monkeys were all over the ground, jumping into pools of water from overhanging trees. It was fantastic.

We headed back to the hotel for lunch and the 4 of us each told stories of our experiences in the mountains.

Tonight we have a team dinner at an Italian in town. Tomorrow an early alarm call to catch the flight to Lhasa. And then the Trek begins....

First Briefing

Met with the whole team, Guides and Sherpas. Went through agendas for next week and finalised visa applications for China.

A very strong team surrounding us. The 5 Sherpas have 40+ Everest summits between them. Unbelievable! Blessed and privileged to be in their company.

Dinner, a beer or two, and an early night...

Shanker Hotel

Arrived and staying at Shanker hotel in Kathmandu.

http://www.shankerhotel.com.np/

Kit sorted and split and it's now ready to be sent to Chinese base camp.

Arrived in Kathmandu

Arrived in Kathmandu, views from the plane of Everest were amazing. It's crazy here and I can't wait to go off and explore the town.

Off to check into our accommodation...

Bit of drama...

Greeted Neil and we had a chat. He mentioned spare passport photos???
I have none, needed for visas to get into Kathmandu. Shit.... 20 mins till boarding.
I had to go through immigration and passport control to get to check in side, get photos done in booth and go back through security, all in 20 mins.
Job done, now sitting second row from the back on the plane. What did I do to deserve this!!!!! Although it seems nearly everyone has boarded and I have 2 seats to the right of me.
Result!
Kathmandu here I come.