> Or Hillary Tensing Airport (Lukla Airport was re-named in 2008, but most people still refer to it as Lukla)<

I found some pictures and information about this airport today, and wow talk about flying/landing at new heights… This airport is at an elevation at 2800m. The landing strip is only 450meteres in legnth and UPHILL,  halfway up a cliff face. Apparently in hiking season it is a very busy landing strip, seeing as many as 50 flights a day. It  is located at the base camp of Everest and the views are spectacular. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 35 minutes and would be amazing and a once in a lifetime trip. I have a feeling I would get quite nauseous at the realisation how huge and high these mountains are. Actually, I’m getting nervous just thinking about it now. I can’t seem to comprehend the massive-ness (not a word, I know, but it should be!) of the landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image from: http://americanepali.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/scary-tiny-mountain-airport/

 

 

 

 

 

Image from: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/activity/active/up-up-and-afraid-20120907-25i7n.html

Smh also did a report on the airport, and notes that Intrepid Travel runs 15-day Everest Base Camp treks out of Kathmandu. $1230 a person includes staying in mountain tea houses and Kathmandu hotels, guides, porters and return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla(http://www.smh.com.au/travel/activity/active/up-up-and-afraid-20120907-25i7n.html). TEA HOUSES?!? I am a huge tea fan, so the thought of going all the way ‘up’ there for some tea (ok and some hiking I suppose) not only amazes me but also inspires me to do so. Apparently in the Himalayas they produce and grow black, green and white teas. The image below is of the Antu tea plantations nestled between the Himalayan mountains. So who’s game? 😛

Image from: http://visitilam.weebly.com/shri-antu-2328m.html)