Phakding: March 31, 1996 - 9,186 Feet Summary and Analysis

From Lukla, the group hikes to a small village called Phakding to spend the night. From there, they travel to Namche, the home of many Sherpas. They stay in an inn called the Khumbu Lodge, where Krakauer meets Mike Groom, a quiet Australian and the third of the guides for his group.

Krakauer describes the Sherpa culture. There are about 20,000 Sherpa people in Nepal he states, many living in the Khumbu region where his group is staying. They were traditionally herders and traders, but after the first major Everest expedition used Sherpas as helpers, their economy shifted to serving as guides and helpers to climbers. Sherpas that have reached the summit are highly respected in the community, Krakauer says, and can demand the highest fees. The job is dangerous, however. Sherpas make up a third...