My two extreme adventures. Two incredible feats. Accomplished.
My climb to Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain of continent Africa.
My trek to Mt Everest base camp, the highest base camp in the world.
I did these with resolute. So can you.
In this post I am guiding you on certain aspects that are to be taken care of, during both treks, while sharing my experience in brief.
Mt Everest Base Camp trek and Mt Kilimanjaro climb were the ultimate test of my physical fitness. And my mental toughness. At certain junctures when my limbs felt too tired, refused to move, then my mind reigned and pushed my body forward. These extreme adventures taught me the significance of body and mind unison. Else I would have lost either my limbs or my life.
So many similarities between both adventures. Both are high altitude ascents with low levels of oxygen. And both are physically and mentally demanding as far as endurance part goes. Beyond these similarities there are striking differences that I am highlighting to you all aspiring trekkers:
-Topography of Kilimanjaro is totally different. Kilimanjaro trek route comprises rain forests and vast stretches of desert.
Everest base camp trek route crosses through Himalayan range of mountains.
-Kilimanjaro trekking trail passes through uninhabited region. And there are different trekking routes which take between five to seven days to finish the trek. Five days trek is without acclimatization and I chose five days trek to test my limits.
Everest base camp trek runs through inhabited areas. The distance to cover up to Everest base camp is long. Fix route and it takes ten days to complete the trek. I did the same as no other option.
-Last phase of Kilimanjaro is steep with loose scree. Difficult to ascend. And descend equally hard on toes. On top there is glacial trail.
Last phase of Everest base camp trek is all glacial. Icy trail gets slippery. Each step has to be taken with caution.
-Kilimanjaro top is at higher altitude then Everest base camp.
-Kilimanjaro final climb takes place at midnight with minuscule oxygen in air. Gasping for each breath. Following guide step to step under a tiny ball of headlamp light. At sunrise reaching top then immediately descending back to base. Extremely exhausting.
Whereas no night trek during Everest base camp.
-There is no restaurant or lodge on Kilimanjaro trekking route. Huts for night halts are available only on one route. Otherwise high altitude tents are required. And all material required for cooking is carried along for entire trek. Cooking is done by the cook only who accompanies solo climber or group of climbers. I was solo climber so I had my individual cook.
There are plenty of lodges, restaurants on Everest Base Camp route. Variety of meals are available to choose from.
-Kilimanjaro climb I did as solo climber, with one guide, one cook and two porters.
My Everest base camp trek was in group with trekkers from different countries. But I did solo trek for Kala Pathar on following dawn of EBC trek.
All in all I would say that Kilimanjaro climb and Everest base camp trek are unique in their own ways. For detailed study on both trekking adventures pl read series on my Everest Base Camp trek and my Kilimanjaro climb.
Awesome Experience. Feels like want to hit the road.
Thank you.
I really would like to climb to Kilimanjaro and Everest. I appreciate so much what you do with passion. Congratulations!
Wow amazing! So impressed you’ve done one- super impressed you’ve done both!!!
Thank you for your appreciative words.
It seems nice experience 🙂 Keep the jacket on it is too cold hehe ;P Nice pictures. Keep traveling and posting.
Thank you dear friend.
Wow, I really want to do Kilimanjaro, but don’t think I could handle Everest! You’re an inspiration 🙂 .
congratulation on your achievement! Everest basecamp and Kilimanjoro are not for amateur at all…..
Congratulations on your big achievements! It looks like you did it in style too!
Well done on your achievements! I am heading to Nepal next year and hope to do the Three Passes including Everest Base Camp, so this post was great for me, thank you! 😀
I think that is your biggest accomplishments. You were in Nepal, just 45 min away from my country. Do visit Bhutan next time to see tiger’s nest, Takstang.
I have spent many years of childhood in Bhutan as long back my father was on deputation as electrical engineer in Bhutan. I remember serenity, stunning vistas of your country very well.
It was always my dream to visit there, Kilimanjaro, I am coming, thanks for the beautiful article.
You must climb Kilimanjaro.
A great adventure! Wish to read many more advtures like this.
wow, you’ve been on some excellent adventures. Your blog is great, well done Indu.
very good and interesting article very beautiful pictures
Thanks Prachi.
verry nice places i will tavel there one day
Good and interesting article post.
Good information
Wow…climbing must be fun. I hope to do same one day. Thanks for sharing
Thanks.
Thanks, Indu, for sharing your adventures! What a way to embrace the wonderful path of life. Congrats on your treks!!
Thank you Evelyn.
Wow this looks amazing! Congratulations on you’re achievement!!
Thank you.
Wow, that’s incredible! What an experience to have!
Wow, what an amazing and unique experience! It’s so interesting to hear how this was similar to your other climbs.
Unique ones indeed.
I can’t even imagine doing that. You take the most exciting trips!
Thank you Beth.
My friend did this a few years ago. Both sound like absolutely amazing experiences that should be seen in a lifetime.
Indeed.
This sounded like such a cool adventure! Not very keen on climbing any mountains any times soon; but hey, never say never! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Yes, never say never.
Really well done for doing these. I’m really not as fit as you, so I would need to address this before doing it.
Fitness is needed. Both physical and mental.
What an absolutely incredible and unforgettable experience…definitely a bucket list adventure and one that must feel so good to tell! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Incredible experience.
Oh wow, that is so impressive. Not something I think I’d be capable of doing. It must have been amazing to have done this.
Absolutely amazing experience.
This would be quite the adventure, it is so amazing you get to do things like this!
Exhilarating experience indeed.
Wow what a truly remarkable experience. Thank you for sharing about your experience and for highlighting information about the base camp and trek.
Thank you for appreciating.
It must be an amazing experience climbing Kilimanjaro. I would love to climb it too sometime.
Indeed amazing experience.
This looks like it was such an amazing experience. I don’t know if I could ever do that myself.
Anyone can do with firm resolve.