Tibetan trader
26 April 1986
One of the many interesting characters at the Namche Bazaar Saturday market.
More kids at Kenja, Everest trek
19 April 1986
The sherpa kids all had necklaces bearing the Dalai Lama.
Bridge washed away
23 April 1986: Day 6 – Everest trek
“On 4 August 1985 Dig Tsho, a moraine-dammed glacial lake in the Khumbu area of eastern Nepal, burst above Thame. For the region close to the origin of the outbreak the consequences were catastrophic. The destruction of a newly built hydroelectric power plant, 14 bridges, about 30 houses, and many hectares of valuable arable land, as well as a heavily damaged trail network, resulted from 5 million m3 of water plummeting down the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi valleys. The breaching of the moraine was triggered by wave action following an ice avalanche of 150,000 m3 into the lake”.
The 1985 Catastrophic Drainage of a Moraine-Dammed Lake, Khumbu Himal, Nepal: Cause and Consequences. Daniel Vuichard and Markus Zimmermann
Mountain Research and Development Vol. 7, No. 2 (May, 1987), pp. 91-110
Left Nuntale at 6.45am heading down to the Dudh (milk) Kosi (river) in 75 mins. Crossed it on a precarious ‘bridge’ made out of branches, stones and the like.
Sirdar and guides on a World Expeditions trek – with two women from Melbourne only.
Young boy at Kenja
19 April 1986
Day 2 of the Everest trek from Jiri. Reached the village of Kenja and waited an hour for lunch of dahl bhat. Used my telephoto lens to capture some of the locals including this one.
Took off at 2.30pm heading straight up the first part of the Lamjura Pass. An ascent of 950 metres from 1,630m altitude to 2,575m at Sete.
Less sherpas and porters on the trail today. A number of trekkers coming back including Alain! Last saw him in Singapore [February]. He gave me the usual run down on all the best places to stay and eat at and good advice on the route. His 23rd day, a great trek.
Another 20 minutes and arrived at Sete, the site of a defunct monastery. Staying at the Sagamartha Lodge – as recommended.
Monkey temple, Kathmandu
12 April 1986
Lots of folks selling flutes. This was at the top of Swayambhunath – the monkey temple – perched wonderfully above Kathmandu and hard won via 365 steep, stone steps.
Quite fine and warm when I started walking to the ‘monkey temple’ a few k.s due west, up and down a few hills past some interesting scenery: the Bishnumati River; a house being built by the hands of nearly the entire village. A bright, clear valley with hills in the distance. [Consigned to history I’m afraid – the city now stretches right to the base of the steps].
Had to climb a long series of steep steps to reach the summit complex. Past all the beggars patiently beseeching “Namaste” and holding their cups aloft. Had to fend off large Macaque monkeys jumping up at me making a grab for my mandarin.
