Everest Base Camp, Three Passes Trek, Travel
Kathmandu to Toronto, Everest Base Camp Honeymoon (Day Nineteen)
DESTINATION: Toronto
ELEVATION: 76 m
ELEVATION GAIN: -1,324 m
DISTANCE: 20-hour flight
OXYGEN: 99% of sea level (previous 85%)
On the previous morning, we got to the hotel we reserved pretty late as our flight from Lukla to Kathmandu was canceled and we had to hire a helicopter to get us to Kathmandu the same day. For our return, and the last stay in Kathmandu, we booked ourselves one of the more expensive suites in the Hotel Ganesh Himal, and we were so happy we did. This boutique hotel is a sanctuary that protects you from the noise of the busy streets of Thamel and calms you down with the chants of “Om mani padme hom”, small water fountains, and marigold flowers everywhere, it was just what we needed upon return.
It was our honeymoon, and after all the adventures we have faced on our three passes trek and the Everest Base Camp trek, we sure did deserve a hot shower, and a soft king bed… If you’re doing the trek, I’d highly recommend treating yourself to a nice hotel room upon return and before leaving to reward and inspire yourself. On our first night in Kathmandu, we stayed in another awesome hotel.
The following day was the last day in Kathmandu and our flight was scheduled around nine pm so we had time to explore the two famous places we didn’t have time for when we arrived: The Boudhanath Stupa and Phashupattinut.
The Boudhanath Stupa Visit
This was the place we started with. We took a taxi there as it’s a little far to walk from the area of Thamel (about eight kilometers). Boudhanath Stupa is one of the landmarks in Kathmandu visible from the Tribhuvan International Airport and is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu valley, and one of the largest in South Asia.
We didn’t have a lot of time to spend there, but we were lucky to catch the daily Thibettan monk chant as well as have a quick lunch with the view on the stupa. If you didn’t get a chance to buy souvenirs on your way down from the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll find all you need in the little shops encircling it. You can check out more info on the Boudhanath Stupa here.
The Pashupattinut Experience
We’ve heard from other trekkers that this is a must-see but people had mixed feelings about this temple. Pashupatinath is the largest temple in Nepal and it stretches on two sides of the Bagmati River. There are a few sections of the temple, most of which non-Hindus cannot visit. It can get a little confusing so we hired a tour guide for 1,500 rupees (which is pretty pricey but worth the money as he walked us through the temple and explained the meaning behind each section of it).
This temple is also a place where cremations of Hindus takes place. When we were given a tour our guide explained the process of the cremation and we have seen it happen. It was one of the most unique spiritual and cultural experiences which left us a little shocked. You can learn more about the Pashupattinut here.
Dinner and Flight Kathmandu – Toronto
Our flight was late in the evening so we thankfully had the chance to eat local Dhal Bhat for the last time in Kathmandu and then headed to the airport. The things you are shocked by when you arrive in Kathmandu grows on you over the time you travel in the high Himalayas. The culture you’ve experienced and the people you’ve met, that feeling of being on the go, on the mission to see our planet’s wonders, the spirit of a traveler, disconnects you from the worries and the routine. And when the time comes for that flight back, you start to miss the chaotic streets of Thamel, but mostly the mountains and that thin air that made you ill at times. I really wish we had more time to explore and enjoy it to the fullest, but I was thankful we had this opportunity to travel to the sacred lands of Nepal.
At the Kathmandu International Airport
The ride from Thamel to the airport is about 30 minutes. Then you have to wait in line to get checked in, and then you wait until it’s your flight when you’ll be taken on a bus to your plane. The flight back was long and we arrived back home way skinnier than when we left. I remember that for the first full week back home we kept on eating non-stop. I guess the mountains and the altitude drained our bodies. However, after this hike I was in the best shape I have ever been and my lung capacity was impressive!
A trip like that really pushes you to the limits as well as brings you closer to the person you are traveling with. We were sad to be back and going back to do the Three Passes Trek and to the Everest Base Camp is definitely on our bucket list.
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Everest Base Camp Trek Series:
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- Day 1 – Toronto to Kathmandu
- Day 2 – Exploring Kathmandu
- Day 3 – Kathmandu to Lukla
- Day 4 – Namche Bazaar
- Day 5 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Day 6 – Tengboche to Pangboche
- Day 7 – Pangboche to Dingboche
- Day 8 & 9 – Dingboche to Chuchung
- Day 10 – Chuchung to Lobuche (over the Kongma La Pass)
- Day 11 – Lobuche (and the Italian Pyramid)
- Day 12 – Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp
- Day 13 – To Kala Patthar and Dzongla
- Day 14 – To Dragnak (over Chola Pass)
- Day 15 – Gokyo (with Gokyo Ri ascent)
- Day 16 – Back to Namche Bazaar
- Day 17 – Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 18 – Lukla to Kathmandu
- Day 19 – Kathmandu to Toronto
