Mighty Mt Everest and Everest Base Camp trek fascinate every intrepid traveler and I was one of that league. Aspiring and ever ready for the challenge.
I had been on many mountainous treks, earlier. I had been on high altitude glacial treks also. So no major doubts in my mind, still I had to be assured of my success before embarking on my trek. Because once I took up any challenge I always completed that.
My journey commenced from Kathmandu. Then a short flight to Lukla, one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Lukla is the gateway to Mt Everest. From here thrilling adventure begins and that continues for the next many days.
First day weather was rough though trekking route was well defined. Next day weather was beautiful and nature in full splendor. Crossing over long suspension bridge, body swinging all the way, it was a fun experience in itself. Trekking continued through dense forest area. Then had to stop for permit check to enter Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage Site that includes Everest region.
Third day I got first majestic view of Mt Everest at Namche Bazaar at 13000 ft. And then the acclimatization day on day four. Fifth day trek followed along gigantic Himalayan mountains with incredible view and culminated at monastery with divine chants. Sixth day trekking trail passed through blooming rhododendron forest, and breathing in the aromatic air, was a fabulous experience. But all of sudden weather changed and everyone was caught in a blizzard. No place to take shelter. No option except kept on moving but taking each step and maintaining body balance was getting harder and harder. Seventh day trek came with awesome views but trekkers were feeling the toll of high altitude. Here another rest day for acclimatization. Eight day trek passed through a bravery memorial dedicated to climbers who lost their lives to Mt Everest. I bowed my head in respect.
On ninth day as I neared Everest Base Camp things got harsher. High altitude trekking at 17,000 ft was very tough. And got tougher while trekking through glacial moraine and treacherous rocks. Above that blizzard to endure and visibility near zero. A perfect thriller script!
And the much awaited epic moment arrived. I was part of the great climbers’ legacy, unbelievable! I was at the Everest Base Camp. My mission accomplished. I felt so contented. A special feel that I treasure within me.
Lucky me, at the base camp weather got better, so visibility improved. I was spellbound at the breathtaking panorama of Everest Base Camp. At an altitude of 17,598 ft, with low oxygen level and the life risk involved at icefall, did not deter me from wandering around. I stepped in Khumbu icefall as longed to see myself on the route climbers take to scale mighty Mt Everest.
On my way back to Gorek Shep, my night halt, I was all lost in my moments I spent at Everest Base Camp. As I reached my lodge, I realized I was fully covered with snow. Lodge lady came rushing to me and helped me with my raincoat. She instructed a person to dry my raincoat and dragged a chair to make me sit near fireplace. Two trekkers were already at the fireplace. One of them glanced at me and complemented, “you have set a record for climbing, we used all gears still couldn’t manage and you did in your normal shoes”. I smiled shyly.
My trek to Everest Base Camp had magical effect on me. I felt like a bubbly teenager, who was full of energy and ready to conquer the world. I had rediscovered me. All memories of my Everest Base Camp trek are captured in my photographs. I get emotional every time I look at. Even while writing this post I am getting little carried away.
I have covered my Everest Base Camp trek extensively in series of posts under Adventure category. Enjoy reading.
Wow, that is a really brave thing to do and I can see why it makes you so emotional. I am sure I am not able to do it, so thank you for sharing your experience
Thank you.
What an amazing hike to take on! For a second, after looking ar your pics, it almost looked easy. But I bet it’s super challenging though!
You are right Monica. Super challenging.
What an amazing achievement! You must be so proud! The photos are stunning and I bet in person it was even more beautiful
Absolutely Jem.
Did you really do the EBC. You are my hero now. Wanted to do the EBC last Nov. Somehow things didn’t work out. Will try again this window. Nice pic. Thanks
Thanks Sreekar. I did EBC in year 2015. When you plan finally for EBC you go through my EBC series so that you are fully prepared for all the unpredictability. Also take care of your fitness for trekking 10 days in high altitude.
I love your adventurous spirit. These pics and video are amazing!
Thank you Taryn.
You are just amazing. Every post I read I just fell in love with the thought that you have traveled all the places which I think are next to impossible for me. Well done 🙂
Thank you Heraa. Friends’ wishes are blessings.
Though it’s not something I would personally do, it looks like a really cool experience!
It is thrilling experience.
Wow, congrats, I can’t begin to say that how thrilling your description was. I wanted to go to EBC this year but ran short of money. This blog has motivated me and I will visit EBC and may be Kala Patthar next year.
Thank you Anshul.
Interesting article thanks for sharing
Damn, Mt. Everest, must thrilling and challenging in order to hike a huge icy mountain. I sure hope someday I’ll be able to climb it.
Surely this is friend
This is such a cool thing to do. Love your pictures of your adventure! I hope to do this some day also. How cold was it?
It was great! You must do.
You have achieved something that only a select group will ever do. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you Elise.
Some great post you made here, I was actually looking forward to seeing something like this. Thanks for sharing, I’ll pass it on immediately
Thank you Regina.
Congratulations on your achievement. I can understand that being there can be such a euphoric feeling. I am planning to do the EBC next year. Will definitely take some tips from you.
Great. You must plan.
I lived in the mountains of Alaska for several years, but Everest is crazy, and what an accomplishment!
Thank you Ashley.
Wow, you are so brave, Everest is really challenging, this reminds me of the movie Everest.
Thanks Crisly but Everest final climb is much more challenging than Everest Base Camp trek.
This must truly be an amazing experience! Very hard and intense I believe! Thanx for sharing this experience with us!
Intense experience indeed.
Well done! Must have been amazing to have completed the trek and also to have set a record for climbing! What a challenge! So inspiring!
EBC trek Inspired me too as I felt so energetic. Thanks.
Great article, Everest is certainly one of the most alluring places on the planet, would love to go there one day, thanks for sharing !
Thanks Jack.
Visiting this place is so tempting! Base camp is one of the legendary locations every traveler should visit in their life.
Absolutely friend.
Some really excellent content on this web site, thank you for contribution.
Definitely, what a fantastic site and instructive posts, I definitely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Fantastic achievement! keep going.
Thanks.