Arrived at Kathmandu about 4pm, quick check in and then to explore the town. Needless to say, the Mills/Buick combo got distracted by Diwali and got lost in the similar looking streets. Any excuse to get a decrepit tuk tuk with not enough bum room for a gnat.

After a great dinner at Gaia of tikka massala, the early night went out the window and many beers were consumed. Some more intrepid members of the crew went out to discover Nepal's 11th most popular bar according to Geoff - rum doodles. This was closed so the intriguingly signed 'dancing shower girls' seemed a logical, if not restricted choice. A dark pit of a place with uncomfortable-looking girls 'dancing' on stage in jeans and shirts.

After about 3 hours in bed it was time for an early flight to Lukla. A simple plane that was older than me that flies metres away from mountains and lands on a 100m long run way.

After breakfast it was time to do the first 3 hour trek. Amazing weather and beautiful scenery - a fantastic start. We roll in to Phakding in time for a relax in the sun and dumplings for lunch. A quick power nap preceded a leisurely walk along the river, beautiful.

Dinner was an initiation to Dhal Bhat - chickpea 'soup', rice and curried potatoes. Also happens to be the only thing on the menu that serves as a buffet, with eat-as-much-as-you-like rules! A couple of beers, a little dance show by local school children and many a card game concludes day 1.