Some of us took the short walk up to Sagarmatha National Park for one last magnificent glimpse of Everest and the surrounding mountains before we headed down.
Several of the other runners were staying in our hotel so came down to say goodbye and hold the torch. We have all become friends, and some even knew of Sri Chinmoy already through doing our races in Australia and around the world!
Pemba Doma Sherpa is the pride of Namche. We hoped to receive her blessings and receive even an iota of her courage and strength!
Leaving Namche was a bitter sweet departure, we could easily have spent a few days in this charming and beautiful place!
The animals along the way gave us some sweet respite from thinking of our tired and sore legs!
Savoring every bite of most expensive bananas you could buy in Nepal!
Samosa time! We were all hungry today!
Everywhere we stopped, Karma would be found in the kitchen, chatting to the locals and helping prepare whatever we had ordered- it was so sweet and charming!
Here is one way to stop the goats eating your crops!
Everyone loves to hold the Peace Torch!
Our Head Guide, Sonam, has fully embraced the Peace Run, sharing the torch and philosophy with people we pass and even calling ahead organising school visits!
We were delighted to visit Shree Pema Chholing Primary School, located in the beautiful rural landscape enroute from the Phakding to Lukla.
Sweta always leads with such enthusiasm!
Its not hard to feel the peace in such beautiful surroundings!
In Nepal, the kids are quite disciplined, often lined up in class and height order- even equally spaced- you would not find that in most places!
The kids here always seem to treasure their little cards with so much respect and genuine enthusiasm.
Time to run!
This was our last school visit on the mountain, we we treasured every moment with these adorable kids!
Laxmi enjoying the sweetness of her little Nepali sisters and brothers!
Thank you Shree Pema Chholing Primary School! we treasure the opportunity to meet these children!
Arriving into the charming town of Lukla!
Back in Lukla we had a special gathering with all our sherpas and porters since it was our last night together! Our Head Guide, Sonam Sherpa, expressed his gratitude for being part of the Peace Run journey- we were a unique team for him to guide!
Sweta as always spoke with all her heart to express what a deeply moving and blessingful experience it was for all of us to be part of a team with these incredibly humble, strong, self offering, hardworking, sweet and good people!
We will never forget the smiles and hearts of these people!
Our eternal gratitude to our Head Guide and honorary father, Sonama Sherpa; our sleepless service hero Sherpas Kami and Karma; and our super strong, small and sweet Porters: Tika Tamang, Tendi Sherpa, Rale Tamang, Sante Tamang, Lhaxman Rai, Rat Rai, Rames Rai, Braman Tamang!
Celebratory cake for all!
The next morning we were all offered a Khaka, a traditional ceremonial Tibetan scarf symbolizing prayer, purity, goodwill, auspiciousness, compassion and sincerity of one's offering.
This Statue of Hillary and Tenzing at Lukla Airport was unveiled only a few days earlier, in honor of the 70th Anniversary.
The shortest airstrip in the world! It was Sir Edmond Hillary who first conceived of the idea to put an airport here! Many years later it has been slightly lengthened and upgraded from the small dirt strip of land it started as, but still remains a great wonder for all who have the chance to watch planes taking off and landing!
One final sweet and grateful moment together with our expanded team- we wish we could take you all with us and it will be a hard adjustment not having you!!!
Some of porters enjoying watching the planes land and take off. The turnaround time is fascinatingly fast!
To travel, to experience and learn: that is to live. -Tenzing Norgay.
It is an act of worship just to sit and look at high mountains. –Sir Edmund Hillary.
The silent profundity of the mountain reminds us of our own origin: peace in infinite measure. -Sri Chinmoy
