Through the Three Passes - An Internal Journey on the Everest Trek (Day 15)

 Day 15: 2025/4/30 Namche (3440m) to Lukla (2840m)

Today is my last day of walking as we retrace our steps back to Lukla, where this trek began 15 days ago. We left shortly after 7 a.m., briskly descending the stairs of Namche. Determined not to lag behind, I followed Dawa closely. Amazingly, on my last day, my legs didn’t ache and my knees were pain-free!

Before leaving Namche, we stopped at a spot where each trekker picks up 1 kg of waste to carry from Namche to Lukla, participating in a waste removal program. If every trekker does this, together they could remove 80,000 kg of waste from the trail. I felt this was the least I could do and was glad to participate. 

There were more animals on the trail today than when we ascended - dzos, but mostly mule teams carrying heavy loads, along with porters transporting construction materials. 

We first reached the Hillary Bridge, this time walking in the opposite direction, then followed the white river down, crossing more suspension bridges. We paused for tea at the same restaurant where we had lunch on our way up. Soon, we arrived at the park entrance, where we took a group photo to commemorate our teamwork and the completion of the trek.

I recalled the day we started and how much was unknown to me then. Now, retracing my steps, the scenes-villages, stupas, mani stones, prayer wheels, and bridges-all look familiar.  After walking over 7 hours and covering about 20 km, we reached Lukla at 2:15 p.m. We dropped off our waste packages at the park offices, and received a coin made from water bottle caps as a memento.

Strolling the streets of Lukla again, I finally finished! I began with serious self-doubt but brought myself to the starting line and somehow managed to the finish line. It was not easy, but it’s not impossible! Maybe I am physically battered a little-with sunburn, chafed nose and mouth, a cold, and Khumbu cough, and probably some weight loss-but I feel renewed in spirit and confidence. Above all, I feel humbled and grateful for this opportunity and experience.