After Monjo and the national park gate at Jorsale, the trail runs along the river bed for an hour. At the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi, called Larja Dobhan, it climbs to a high steel suspension bridge spanning the gorge. The present bridge replaced an older, lower one that still hangs below it. It is roughly 100 m above the river at its centre and heavily hung with prayer flags, white khata scarves and bits of tinsel.
Crossing takes a couple of minutes. The deck sways gently, especially when a yak train or a large group is on it, and the wind can be strong. Wait for yaks and mules to clear the bridge before you step on; you do not want to meet them halfway. Keep one hand on the side cable if you are nervous and look ahead rather than down. Photography is easiest from the trail just before the bridge, where the whole span is visible.
The bridge marks the start of the climb to Namche Bazaar, about 600 m of switchbacks that take two to three hours. Fill your water bottle before crossing and eat something, because there are only a couple of tea stalls on the hill. People who dislike heights generally find this bridge less frightening than they expect: it is wide, fenced with wire mesh and walked by thousands of trekkers every season.
Good for
- Families
- First-timers
- Photographers
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Is the Hillary Bridge scary?
It is high and sways a little, but it has wire mesh sides and a firm deck, and thousands of trekkers cross it every season. If you are nervous about heights, hold the side cable, look ahead and walk steadily behind your guide. It takes about two minutes.
Where is the Hillary Suspension Bridge?
At Larja Dobhan, the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi, about an hour beyond the Jorsale park gate on the way from Phakding to Namche. The bridge is at about 2,850 m, at the foot of the climb to Namche.
Can yaks and mules cross the Hillary Bridge?
Yes, and they have right of way in practice. Wait at the end of the bridge until any animal train has crossed completely, then go. Never share the bridge with a yak train; their loads can push you against the cables.
