Any avid trekker out there will agree with me when I say the Everest Base camp trek is the ultimate. I had it on my list as well but wasn't sure whether I will ever be able to do it. It's one of the best treks in Nepal - correction, world - and a dream for a trekker like me. Imagine seeing the highest peak in the world, and also getting to see peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Makalu – I didn't want to miss it come what may.
Everest Base Camp
Before I could pack my bags and set off, I had a lot of groundwork to do. Some extensive Googling led me to an adventure travel site whose executives helped me out with everything from the Everest Base Camp trek cost to all I needed to do to train for the big feat. When I decided to go, I took up a strict routine of fitness and health. I didn't want to go there and fall ill or not complete the trek. I began running, yoga, cardio, and I ate a much healthier diet. The good thing about the trek is that it helped me to quit smoking as I wanted to be fully fit.
The incredible Everest Base Camp trek made such an impression on me. To this day, I have dreams about it, and I remember it very often. It taught me how important it is to preserve nature as it's something that can never be replaced.
I was absolutely stunned as I walked through alpine forests, with towering pine and oak trees. The Dudhkoshi River was flowing close by, and we trekked past icy glaciers and herds of yaks. The beauty that I witnessed on the EBC trek was overwhelming. It was better than any adventure tours I've ever been on. We spent nights in tea-houses that were cosy and charming, ultimately reaching Mt. Everest base. During this incredible trek, I scaled the Kala Patthar mountain, which is opposite Mt. Everest to experience the mesmerising sunrise view of the Himalayan range
How my days went by
Day 1: Hello Kathmandu!
This trip allowed me to visit Nepal and explore the country. I arrived at the Kathmandu International Airport. From here I was picked up by a tour representative and escorted to the hotel. After taking some rest I spent time exploring the city, visiting their markets and also tried the traditional cuisine and it was delicious. I then retired to my hotel.
Day 2: Flying to Phakding
I woke up pretty early, the excitement of finally doing the Everest Base Camp trek didn't let me sleep. I headed to the airport and boarded a domestic flight to Lukla. The view of the mountains was gorgeous. I along with my fellow trekkers reached Lukla and from here we began our trek to Phakding. The trek felt like walking in paradise with a pleasant view, through forests of pine and oak, chirping of birds and nature to your company. I don't know about feeling tired but I sure had butterflies in my tummy thinking about EBC and the current nature's beauty. I was floored over by this scenic beauty. We reached Phakding late afternoon and stayed at a tea-house overnight.
Day 3: Peeking at the Everest peak from Namche Bazaar
Today was the day when we would get a glimpse of the Everest. We entered the Sagarmatha National park and took the parallel path that leads to Dudhkoshi River. And the moment arrived, when, as we crossed the suspension bridge over the river, I could see the Everest. After a rather uphill climb in the final trail, we reached Namche Bazaar and stayed at a tea-house at Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar
I rested and acclimatized to Namche's high altitude. Saw the famous Everest View Hotel and witnessed the peaks of Everest, Lhotse amongst others. Stayed overnight in a tea-house.
Day 5: Peace at Tengboche
We did quite an easy trek to Tengboche. The route through the forest was filled with pines and magnolia. Witnessed the peaks of Nuptse and Thamserku. Visited the 300-year-old monastery of Tengboche and stayed at a tea-house at Tengboche.
Day 6: Through forests to Dingboche
Visited the village of Dingboche. It's a steady march uphill along with the dense greenery that turns into sparse vegetation upwards. Overnight in tea-house at Dingboche.
Day 7: Acclimatizing at Dingboche
Rested and got acclimatized to Dingboche's high altitude. Took a short hike to the Pangboche Valley. This saw an exciting day as I interacted with Sherpa natives and spotted yaks, it was dreamlike. Reached to Dingboche by afternoon and spent the night in a tea-house.
Day 8: A heavy hearted trek to Lobuche
We trekked from Dingboche to Lobuche. It is an easy trail. En route, we stopped to pay our respect to the mountaineers who lost their lives in their quest to summit Mt. Everest at the memorials erected in their tribute. Stayed in a tea-house at Lobuche.
Day 9: The day we all waited for
This was the longest trek that took us to the Everest Base Camp. The trail was rocky and we walked parallel to the Khumbu Glacier. We reached the site of the Everest Base Camp! Eureka! The moment was finally here. Everything about that place was unreal! Beauty that I've never witnessed before. After almost 30 mins we trekked to the lodges of Gorakshep where we stayed in a tea-house.
Day 10: A sunrise to remember
Reached the viewpoint of the Kala Patthar mountain just in time for the sunrise. Descended to Gorakshep and walked to Pheriche.
Days 11-14: Tracing our steps back to Kathmandu
We descended down all the way to Kathmandu, going through the stunning landscapes, this time being the ones that got to share our stories with starry-eyed trekkers making their way to the Everest.
