Nepal

Lukla airport In the distance, we spot a flicker of a plane, the loud hum of its engines purring as it approaches. It rises up through the Khumbu Valley and lines up for the painted guidelines on the runway, then descends sharply and a loud roar emerges as it touches …

Hanging bridges of the Khumbu Valley We are crossing one of the five steel hanging bridges over the Dudh Kosi river en route from Namche to Lukla. It’s about ten metres above the raging glacial waters below and swaying haphazardly in the wind. I take my time crossing, conscious that …

Yak attack Daisy and Kat cautiously inch their way up the dusty Himalayan track, nervously eying the yak which has taken a sudden interest in them. Roused from munching happily on the grass verge above by the sound of chattering voices it is now stalking them. It plods slowly up …

Yak caravan We are wedged into the side of the mountain giving the yak train a wide berth. It’s a caravan of yaks that herds trekkers’ bags from village to village throughout the Himalayas. Fair warning is the sound of their bells gently tinkling and warning you of their arrival. …

Tears well up in my eyes, my throat feels constricted and I’m struggling to catch my breath. I feel like I’m about to have a panic attack and I’ve barely been walking five minutes. I turn to the guide sobbing and am ushered on to a rock to catch my …