We had a blast in Pheriche! It was now October 25 just in time for Diwali or as they call it in Nepal Tihar. A group of kids were going around the village singing in front of the lodges, it was awesome. We took a stroll through the area mostly killing time. When we got back to the lodge, we had dinner as we started to get our appetites back and then partied, literally! Because we were descending we starting to drink. Back in Namche Amrit introduced us to Nepali rum with hot water, and it was good! So we did the same. Out came a small set of speakers from the hostess, playing some bollywood music and we just started having a good time. I guess you can see it with this picture hah!

Sun burnt
With the party finished, it was picture time, and I was rewarded!

Star trails in Pheriche
Next morning we make the way back to Namche Bazaar through Tengboche and stay at the same guest house. In Namche, we rest, feast and drink. And because the celebrations of Tihar are still going on we could hear music everywhere. The atmosphere was very lively and so we enjoyed a bit and soon after called it a night. With a very rested body, we have breakfast, pack up and trek to Lukla via Phakding. It’s sad that it was only now that we were introduced to chilli chips. With sunburnt lips it didn’t matter. We devoured them! Bellies full, it didn’t take us long to reach Lukla. We stayed one night at Khumbu Resort. Here we drank some more and wandered a bit. There was not much to do here but have even more chilli chips and momos!

Chilli chips in Phakding
The journey finally came to an end when we said our goodbyes to Jeevan and Amrit. Both guys were stellar and humble and we gave them a generous reward (tip) that we seemed fit. The airport in Lukla is hectic. You have to listen for the number over the loud mass of people. After about 2 hours we were boarded and on our way back to Katmandu. It was a relief but sad at the same time as I for sure would have wanted to stay for much longer.

Final lunch with Amirt & Jeevan
Back in Kathmandu, we relax, drink, eat and sight see. And there was so much to see! A lot of areas had small shrines or temples in the middle of the street, in between alleys, in squares, pretty much just anywhere you look you will see one.

Some of the many shrines spread apart in Thamel
I was extremely excited to see all the street food vendors. After watching an endless amount of videos online it was awesome to see up close! Being weary of my stomach, I stayed away however I think next time I will just go for them!
For those that know me I am a Beer connoisseur! The menu at a restaurant called Yak Restaurant had a Beer called Tongba. Damnnnn the taste was insane. It tasted like fermented yogurt. Tongba is a traditional millet based Beer served in a Bamboo mug and its drunk by the people of the Limbu region. I for sure was not able to finish this.

Tonbga Beer
With our final meals of fries and chilli chicken, we head back to KTM airport for our return home. Looking like I’ve been lost in the forest for months with a overgrown beard, and still stinking due to no laundry being done I didn’t care.
Nepal was truly an amazing experience and great place to visit. The people, food, mountains and journey brought light that there is so much more to see on this planet. This was my first ‘real’ vacation or adventure vacation and I now want to travel everywhere! Easier said then done 🙂 There is a greater appreciation for the men and women who live and work on these mountain ranges. The Nepali people that I came across were very humble and you could see it in their eyes. They live such a simple life with an amazing backdrop of the Himalayas!