The Road [trail] to Everest, 1977 (No.5 in a series)

This is what I thought of as "CHECKPOINT NAMCHE", a point along the trail from Lukla to Everest Base Camp where trekkers had to sign-in and have their trekking permit, issued by the Nepal Government, checked for validity and be imprinted upon.

In attendance at least three local police and several local onlookers. The rudimentary checkpoint consists of a wooden desk and two chairs, one broken, and an old long-carriage typewriter.

The location is the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar at over 11,000 ft. elevation; a few of the rows of houses can be seen in the background. It's considered to be the gateway to the high Himalaya, the 'Khumbu Himal'.

Back then tourist services were non-existent, but I read that now luxuries such as internet cafes, a bank, small hotels and even a beauty salon have infiltrated what I felt was near the very edge of civilization in those days and what lay beyond was exciting, relatively untouched territory.

 

I took these photos on a trekking holiday over 40 years ago from London via Kathmandu, Nepal (see earlier uploads) for a flight to Lukla where the only road-trail begins for most trekkers.

The route follows the steep-sided valley of the Dudh Kosi River, alternatively crossing the river in its gorge then along bench lands and through scattered Nepali and Sherpa villages.

 

Pentax ME. Epson V500 scan of 35mm Kodachrome 25 slide.

 

Done