Nepal - Sagamartha Trek - 050 - porter on trail above Namche
A typical porter carrying his heavy load up the trail.
The backbone of the transportation system, the army of porters carried everything needed up from Lulka - trekkers' gear, food and supplies for the guesthouses, even all the building materials of plywood, rebar, hose and rocks. They use yaks as well, but 80% of everything needed is carted up by these tough men and woman. We didn't see a wheel the whole trip.
The weight they carried, from 30-80+ kg, was phenomonal and it is all carried from a strap on their forehead. The stick he is holding is used as a prop, perfectly cut for his height, to take the weight of the basket when he stops for a rest.