into the Himalayas

[here's a quick note from the present, rather than the usual backdated blog post]

I'm very excited (hangover aside) to be leaving tomorrow morning for a 16-day trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.  I had initially planned on hiking the Annapurna Circuit after reading a NYTimes article warning of the famous trek's future 'demise' due to road construction.  However, after speaking with travelers and agencies here in Kathmandu I got the sense that the end is already at hand.  Fortunately there are many many other treks, including one to the Mt. Everest base camp.  I'll be following the red route highlighted below, but passing through Cho La pass and stopping in Gokyo on the return.