EVEREST BASE CAMP (not) FOR EVERYONE!! …..

Have you ever experienced the exhilarating rush of personal growth during your most challenging moments? It's like discovering the unstoppable power within yourself, ready to triumph over any obstacle. In fact, amidst one of my most challenging times last year, I chose to embark on an extraordinary adventure – my first-ever trek to Everest Base Camp (02Sep'23).

Before I knew it, I found myself at the trekking company’s office in Kathmandu, ready for the briefing. Talking about my global squad - we had folks from London, Qatar, USA, Mexico and the UAE (this is me). They all have been plotting and prepping for a year, while it seemed like I casually booked my spot just 8 days prior to the trek - fashionably late to the trekking party, I guess!?

This was the first trek group of the season and fortunately we had no delays to our start - Kathmandu to Lukla was smooth .. just good company, great vibes and mountain vibes…

I vividly recall my mindset before embarking on this trek. When the trekking company warned me about the ongoing monsoon season and its potential impact on our daily routine, I set my expectations to rock-bottom. I braced myself for unpredictable weather, delays, idle time, and even the possibility of falling sick. Now, when the basic noise is completely minimised in my mind, I was now clearly ready for the next level (whether it brings challenges or the rewards)...

• RESISTANCE TO RESILIENCE

The first 2 days of the trek were undeniably tough, with long hours of trekking, landslides, cold nights, and minimal facilities. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the ascent felt endless, pushing upwards relentlessly. Battling physical aches, mental limits, and doubts about finishing, I faced a battleground in my mind. Amidst suggestions to take shortcuts, Jonas, a 63-year-old from the USA, stood out. He reminded me of the lifelong regret I might face if I chose the easy way out.

• SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE

Day 3 brought a fresh start, akin to hitting the reset button on my trek. Waking up in Namche Bazaar tea house after a two-night acclimatisation stay, I refocused on my journey's purpose. Releasing previous limitations, I shifted my focus from discomfort to appreciating the experience: the weather, mountains, scenery, food, water, fellow trekkers, and cultural richness. This shift transformed my journey. We trekked in Namche Bazar, acclimatising to higher altitudes, capturing breathtaking photos, and immersing ourselves in local culture. Tenzing Norgay's words resonated deeply ‘Seven times I have tried, I have come back and tried again, not with pride and force, not as a soldier to an enemy, but with love, as a child climbs onto the lap of its mother. Now, at last I have been granted success, and I give thanks, I am grateful”, reflecting gratitude for the journey's success and etching this day in my memory.

• ADDED MOMENTS OF ENCHANTMENT

Waking up on Day 4 felt like entering a new realm (Namche Bazaar to Debuche). The weather, terrain, stunning vistas, and camaraderie with fellow trekkers were magical. Engaging conversations with trekkers from Boston, Singapore, and Dubai enriched the journey. "Then, as we turned a corner, there it was - Mount Everest emerging against a clear sky backdrop", stretching for miles. Breaks for honey+ginger+lemon tea and lunch with locals nourished both body and soul, thanks to their warm hospitality. Rain greeted us at Tengboche Monastery, a significant Buddhist site in the Khumbu region. Despite arriving just before closing for the monks' prayers, the modest yet essential structure welcomed us. Finally reaching our tea house after another hour of walking brought immense relief, with the prospect of a hot shower adding to the joy. From here on, anticipating heated blankets or dining rooms added a cozy touch to the trek.

• COMRADESHIP AMIDST ADAPTABILITY

Days 5 and 6 found us in Dingboche, a vital stop for acclimatisation. Trekking 16 kilometres daily for 7-8 hours, we ascended to 4,410 metres above sea level. Dingboche welcomed us with tea houses and lodges, offering a haven for rest and relaxation. This was when some of us engaged in profound conversations, hearty laughter, and cherished moments of quietude. A few of us embarked on a mini-adventure, seeking out a more budget-friendly hot shower – not for the savings, but for the thrill of it in -5 temp. A leisurely stroll around the village led us to 'Cafe 4410,' where a sudden rain shower kept us here for a couple of hours, treating us to the insightful documentary 'Sherpa’. Acclimatisation here was crucial as we adapted to low oxygen levels, temp dropping and preparing ourselves for the challenging terrain ahead.

• DEEP GRATITUDE

Maintaining a steady pace and staying well-hydrated were crucial, particularly on Day 7 heading to Lobuche. The air was getting thinner and the terrain tougher as we climbed higher. The path started off easy but got harder near the Thukla Pass, where there are memorials for climbers who lost their lives on Everest. That powerful moment that added meaning to our trek. Despite lagging behind, I found solace in the unwavering support of our guides, who ensured no one was left behind. Our team was top-notch, including a trekking guide, an assistant guide, and five porters. It's important to note that not all trek conductors are called Sherpas; that term specifically refers to a Tibetan ethnic group. Our guides not only lead the way but present in every moment. They offered invaluable trekking knowledge, ensured the group's overall wellbeing, coordinated our schedules, and at times, even shouldered our day packs to help us navigate tricky terrains. Their ability to maintain such a pace in these challenging mountain conditions while carrying hefty 20 kg loads left me in awe. Lobuche was the final stop before the push to Everest Base Camp.

• MAGNANIMITY & THE ADRENALINE?

Day 8 was the most challenging yet rewarding part of our trek, taking us from Lobuche to Gorakshep to EBC and back to Gorakshep—an arduous and longest day. The trail was rocky, windy, and grey next to the Khumbu glacier. I saw a determined dog accompany a lone trekker all the way to EBC, a sight that left an impression. A fellow trekker, an older Australian woman, undeterred by a previous leg fracture, accomplished her EBC goal, riding a horse on Day 8. Every step felt like an epic effort, but the emotional reward and the adrenaline high was immeasurable; the feeling of standing at the base of the world's highest peak was a moment I never imagined, yet there I was.? The base camp experience itself was surreal, surrounded by towering peaks, including the mighty Everest, though its summit remained hidden. My friends held off on celebrating until I arrived. It was not only a moment for photographs, but also for contemplation—about the journey, the hurdles, and the sheer magnificence of the world's most iconic mountain range.? Retracing our steps back to Gorakshep, our lodging for the night was equally demanding, especially as fatigue set in, but the sense of accomplishment carried us forward. Gorakshep offered bare minimum accommodation, making rest was a cherished necessity—we had certainly earned it. Day 8 marked the emotional and physical high of our trek, a memory forever that will stay with me forever.

• EMOTIONAL PAYOFF

The last 4 days - Day 9 greeted us with a delightful surprise in Gorakshep - a sky full of clouds yet a sunrise painting the mountains, and the outline of Kalapathar, with the tip of Mount Everest aglow in the background. Over the next three days, we made our descent back to Lukla. The air grew denser with oxygen, making each breath more effortless and lifting our spirit. While descending is gentler on the lungs, it can be tough on the knees. My trekking poles, a valuable addition (thanks to my Mexican friends for their guidance and help in acquiring them), proved indispensable. As we arrived in Lukla, mixed emotions filled the air - it was time to bid farewell to our dedicated trekking team, our guide and the porters. We shared a final dinner together, expressing our deep gratitude for their invaluable assistance. On Day 12, we embarked on an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, treating ourselves to breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, a fitting adieu to the mountains that had been our companions throughout the 12-day trek.

The Everest Base Camp trek transcends mere trekking; it stands as one of the most mentally stretching adventures I've ever undertaken (having experienced solo trips, biking, and skydiving expeditions). This trek challenged the very core of my beliefs, lifestyle, conduct and basic mindset, offering a truly humbling experience. On to my next adventure!!!

#resilience #teamwork #adaptability #perseverance #leadership #determination #courage #goal-setting #self-discovery #humility