My Everest Base Camp Trek

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.

44 Comments

    • 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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