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Phortse to Pangboche: More great views, fun downtime in the afternoon

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Phortse @ 3,800m to Pangboche @ 3,900m (dist: 5km, asc: 390m, dsc: 220m)

After two long days on the trail we were looking forward to a short day. Hence there was no rush in the morning and we had a relaxed breakfast at 8am and set off by 9.15am. Rory & the Irish gang even had plenty of time to entertain the village kids with an early morning frisby game.

The trail continued in a similar nature than yesterday. With ups and downs (starting with a decent uphill section upon leaving Phortse) on the trail bending around the gorge. Soon brilliant views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest in the very background emerged. Great stuff!

The trail was a little busier today and we had to overtake several trekking groups. There were slow and walking so close together that it wasn’t always easy to ey past. When I decided to take the whole group in an uphill sprint … I paid for it dearly. Pumping stuff! But good to know that our entire group is in way better shape than what trekkers we met on the trail. Throughout my hike I was listening to Huck Finn again. 
After 1:45h I got to Pangboche were thankfully Laxman guided us to the meeting point at Hermann’s bakery. Pangboche is split into an upper and lower part of the village. Quite spread out and without guidance it wouldnhave taken me some time to find Hermann’s.

At the bakery we all enjoyed a real coffee (U$3,5 for a latte) and pastries/cakes. Nice place be it not cheap. By lunchtime we were at Namaste Lodge for lunch. The afternoon was free downtime. Finally!

Berny – Arsenal fan, but otherwise a great guy

Jon, Sami and myself went to town. There was a shop, the first one I been to in almost two weeks, and we got some beers (at R500 for a large can a bargain) and set out to explore town. We saw the local rubbish dump (not nice … wonder how the plastic bottles will ever get disposed properly), the monastery, the travellers inn (chatted to a large Japanese group) and explored whatever there is in town amidst good chat amongst the three of us. 
Had I not forgotten to put my memory card into my camera, I’d offer a few snaps here too ;o) Anyway, the best afternoon yet. Decent downtime had been too limited so far for my taste, but the short day tomorrow to Dingboche (2,5-3h) and restday afterwards should improve that. 

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