Everest Expedition (Day 2) - Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a city of five million, seemingly set up to cater to the country's second most important source of revenue - tourism. I've never seen so many sporting goods stores selling outdoor gear ranging from hiking poles to sleeping bags to footwear. Still, despite the overabundance of tourists and commercialism, Kathmandu has its charm.

As part of my trekking package, I visited a couple of the city's famous sights, including Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath Stupa.

Pashupatinath is considered to be the most holy Hindu location in Nepal. It's where the dead are brought to be cremated, next to the holy river.

On the other hand, the stupa is one of the most holy sights for Buddhists, worldwide. A stupa is a shrine containing relics, often the ashes of Buddhist monks, that is used as a place of meditation.

It's the largest in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world.

The eyes on four sides represent the all-seeing eyes of the omniscient Buddha.

Before the cultural tour, I received my pre-hike briefing. It's obvious that the guides and the company's director know what they're talking about, which put my mind at ease.

I'm looking at trekking days ranging from 3-7 hours. That much hiking, especially with my bad ankle, makes me nervous, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Tomorrow, I fly to Lukla - home of the world's most dangerous airport - to begin my 12-day adventure. I hope you'll join me for the thrill ride.





Note: These are the exact, unedited journal entries I wrote during my trip. Because of limited internet access in the Himalayas, I am posting them now, rather than during my actual journey.