First report from Kathmandu

I'm in Kathmandu finalising all the logistics for the trip and going up to the villages to check on all the projects, meet all my friends and so on. I've been asked to meet a lama for a divination for a safe expedition on Everest. This is done through the monastery Moving Mountains started repairing two years ago and is now in the final stages, the plan being that if all goes well on the mountain it will be a chance to celebrate the opening of the finished building.

I have my permit and there are only 12 expeditions on the south side this year I will also be kept busy reporting for www.everestnews.com ... A lot of people seem to be holding back because of situations here in Nepal but I have to say Kathmandu is just the same as usual. Food and fuel is more expensive and the road blockade is mostly on the main road to Pokhara and some areas further West, but the city centre is absolutely fine. The airport was easy and I was expecting to see soldiers, but I haven't. Thamel is full of the usual travellers, trekkers and climbers and the locals are mostly in support of the Kings move.

Gavin