Update from Namche Bazaar — Team to Begin Descent Tomorrow
It’s been quite challenging the last few days but the team has stayed safe and been looking after one another during this horrible tragedy. We had just reached Namche Bazaar on the 24th and done an acclimatization hike on our rest day on the 25th when the earthquake hit. Saying we were lucky is an understatement.
The whole valley shook back and forth with buildings in town swaying in a surreal fashion like they were made of rubber despite their stone and wood construction. We happened to have just returned to our comfortable lodge, Camp de Base, so were well protected under the circumstances. Other parts of town were hit much harder with old stone structures crumbling under the stress.
Namche Bazaar
Since then, we have been riding out the after shocks and gleaning information from other teams about the condition of the trail below and above. We have determined it is now safe to descend so will be heading down to a lower town near Lukla tomorrow.
All members are doing well, are safe and healthy. We have only experienced the minor belly and head bugs that are common with a foreign expedition.
Our hearts go out to those that have suffered from this massive catastrophe, including some of our staff members who no longer have functional homes to go back to.
We will keep you apprised of our descent and look forward to seeing our loved ones again in the coming weeks.
~ Stewart Wolfe, MM assistant guide