Day 10 - Monju - "Joining the circuit / circus "!

After 7 days of trekking and looking decidedly the  worse for wear, we joined the main Everest trail after a solid 45 minute climb out of Sukre to within sight of Lukla.

You could tell you were on the main circuit as the number of trekkers had quadrupled, the prices had risen and the path had widened.  The tea houses were also many and some trekkers looked like they'd just stepped off the plane in their brand new designer gear !

Here the scenery also took on a new look  changing from the steep green hills and valleys of Siri to the huge blocks of granite that now dominated the skyline

We took lunch, crossed a suspension bridge or two and were soon immersed in a wonderous landscape of forest trails reminiscent of Canada with one exception - gone now were the granite rocks and in its place were some astounding snow capped monolith's towering over us with fast flowing rivers way below !

We finally arrived in Monju after a typical end of day breathlessly steep climb

We'd discussed en route with mixed feelings the  accessibility of this amazing area now making it an easy get from Lukla  - this in turn has helped sprout the development of many reasonable quality guest houses and shops

I guess after 7 days on the nose we could hardly complain as our guest house had rooms with an en suite hot water shower - bliss at last !

To show that the world is indeed small, when having dinner a Nepali guide leading a Japanese group came over to Introduce himself - this person (Donka) was the very same person who as a new employee had participated in our Annapurna trek  back in 2009. - amazingly he'd recognized Monika ( I'd lost way too much hair!) and had come over to say hello !

Some apple pie and we're on our way to Everest !

Mike -

Wow what a day, soaring Mtns, sunshine, forests & glacial rivers spoilt slightly by the numbers of trekkers and hotel style guest houses !

Still can't complain as had first hot shower in days - now I don't smell as bad as my socks !

Monika -

Finding myself getting stronger as we head further into the Khumbu valley. Everything is now very different with the trekking trail at tines resembling Flinders St in peak hour !

Magnificent scenery and a hot shower .... need I say more !