We are a couple of dreamers trotting round the globe. Follow us here as we share our experiences and opinions as we go!
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Everest Base Camp or bust
It’s John here again. We are a little out of sync with some more India posts still to come but I thought I would write a bit about our Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.
For years I have wanted to do the EBC trek and when we decided to head to Nepal I got all excited thinking that we may be able to complete one of my many dreams. However looking online it seemed that we had missed the trekking season which runs from Sept - end of Nov. On arrival in Kathmandu we soon realized that many companies were still offering the trek and although it was going to be very cold, the end of December would provide us with very clear skies and great views.
Speaking to a few people who had completed the trek, I was keen to do it without a guide, but after chatting it over with Lindsay and reading a few bits of info on doing the trek at that time of year we decided to take a guide from the excellent company Earthbound Expeditions in Kathmandu. After a day of rushed preparations we were armed with rented down jackets, sleeping bags, thermals, water proofs and wind breakers, we were ready. The next day we flew out to Lukla on the scariest flight in the world to begin our 11 day trek. Check the landing out...
Namche Bazaar (3440m)
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla was delayed by two hours due to fog. Fortunately for us we were on the second flight of the day which meant the visibility was good for the landing at Lukla. Many people call the first flight of the day, 'fondly' named, the test flight, which did not fill us with confidence but everything went without a hitch. After our exciting landing at the Tenzing Hillary Airport we started our trek heading for our first nights stop of Phakding 3 hours away. Constantly meeting and speaking with people who were just completing the trek was not such a good thing. Stories of altitude sickness, -20 temperatures and helicopter rescues made us wonder what we had signed up for.
Our first glimpse of Everest!
Our next day walking was great but very tough ending the day with a steep climb of 700m in height. We had very nice weather and just before Namche (3440m) we got our first glimpse of Mount Everest. It seemed so far away and actually not very impressive considering the spectacular mountains surrounding it, particular Ama Dablam (6812m). Our acclimatisation day in Namche was cancelled as our guide was not feeling well so we had to continue on to a small village called Khumjung (3790m) where we met our new guide Ajay. Khumjung is a very small village a little way off the normal EBC route, Lindsay and I both liked it for its charm and lack of tourists. Hilary set up a small school here and in the morning kids could be seen walking for miles to make it to class on time.
No school bus here
The next day, with our brilliant new guide, we continued onwards and upwards, however on a few occasions we had hours of decent only to climb for even longer. At the village of Thengboche (3867m) we were lucky enough to watch Buddhist monks at the monastery taking part in their hours of daily chanting, only stopping to sip their local tea. It was a privilege and great experience, but very cold. The temperatures where already below freezing and we were only at 3900m/12795ft.
Monk at Thengboche
Another day trekking and 500m higher we had our first acclimatization day at Dingboche (4400m/14435ft), this should have been our second but with our guide changeover we missed the first. Basically this is a rest day with a short trek to a higher altitude and returning to a lower altitude to sleep. For our short trek we climbed to a Buddhist stupa at an altitude of 4800m and read our books in the sunshine. Out of the wind and wearing thick jackets it was very nice and warm and so peaceful. It was from Dingboche that I started to suffer with the altitude. Bad headaches, loss of appetite and occasional dizziness were a bit worrying especially since we still had another 1000m to climb. Lindsay however felt fine and seemed to be coping very well with the altitude. Sat round the only log heater in a tea room we were introduced to a Sherpa who had climbed Everest 4 times. We were both star stricken. I had loads of questions I wanted to ask him, but I just sat back and listened to what he had to say.
Two days of trekking later via Lobuche (4928m/16164ft) we were at our final leg. Both excited we seemed to be walking with a spring in our step. It actually turned out to be a very long and hard day. We passed a helicopter which had crashed days before in the thin air trying to rescue someone which brought to light just how high we were. Dropping our bags off in the afternoon at Gorakshep (5150m/16929ft) we set of for the base camp. At approximately 4pm on Christmas day we had made it to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5464m/17926ft, 4 times the height of Ben Nevis. Staying for around 15 minutes was long enough due to the cold and wind. Just enough time to take some great pictures of the Khumbu Ice fall and of us at the camp with our Merry Christmas signs.
We made it - Merry Christmas everyone!
Snug as a bug...kind of!
That night we returned and slept at a tea house in Gorakshep. Here we experienced our lowest temperature at night which was -20’C in our bedroom. We woke at 6 am to find ice on the outside of our sleeping bags and our water bottles frozen solid. That morning a quick (2hr) climb up to the summit of Kala Patar (5550m/18208ft) was on the cards. Starting the trek in the cold and dark was not one of my highlights wearing every bit of clothing I had. After a grueling 1hour 45minutes we were on the summit and a great view of Mt Everest welcomed us. Lucky to not have any wind we stayed on the summit for half an hour taking pictures and soaking up the view.
Sunrise over Everest - she is the dark one on the left...honestly it is the highest mountain in the world!
The next three days descending where some of the hardest and longest days we had faced yet, covering the same distance as we had on the 8 days up. Having to make our scheduled flight meant we had to put in the hours with early starts and late finishes. We had met some amazing people throughout the trek, in particular a group of lads from Canada and Ireland and a Scottish girl, Clare. We all seemed to be walking at the same pace back down to Lukla and so stayed at the same tea houses in Pheriche and Namche. This was a great laugh, even more so in Namche where we decided to visit the local pub. The night ended messily with Nepalese dancing, getting trapped in someone's garden and being locked out of our tea house and waking up our land lord in the early hours. Needless to say the last days trek to Lukla was tough with a pounding headache, but we were welcomed with a cafe latte at the world’s highest Starbucks.
Would we recommend the EBC trek? Definitely. It was one of the best things we have ever done. A lot tougher than I ever imagined but well worth the sickness, pain, freezing temperatures and long days. We have been left with wonderful lifetime memories of the stunning scenery, the friendly and resourcefulness of the local people and the unbelievable strength of the porters & sherpa people.
Amazing local people
Everything has to be transported by porters - they can carry up to 110kg. Incredible.
This is an absolute golden words that you have posted about Trekking in Nepal.This is very nice which can impress anyone and tempt to post a comment.Really great contribution.Thanks alot.I am appreciated to see such a huge and useful information regarding Trekking in Nepal. Thanks dude.
trekking in Nepal is unlike anywhere in the Himalayas complemented by clear air, views of green farmland belts, forests, blooming rhododendrons, riverside walks, and most importantly because it is trekking in the ambiance of world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest . Trekking has been the most popular holiday activity in Nepal as there are the best and varied trekking routes because elevation of Nepal ranges from 60 meters above the sea level to highest, i.e. the top of the world, Mt. Everest standing tall at 8850 meters. trekking in Nepal varies from easy and short some hour’s day hike to moderate and even challenging and adventurous long treks. You can select your ideal trekking in Nepal package that matches perfectly with your fitness level, holiday period, previous trekking experience and interest. Trek through the great Himalayan trails, you will discover Nepal is the most beautiful country blessed with unlimited natural splendor and adventure opportunity. trekking in Nepalcan be enjoyed all the year around, but the best season to trek in most of the trails of Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, Manaslu, area is spring (March to May) and autumn (mid September to December) as the weather is best and you can get clear views of mountain in these time of year. You can trek along the rain shadow area like Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang during monsoon season too. Monsoon does not affect these areas as these are rain shadow area. For organizing your trekking in Nepal holiday, you can trust Icicles Adventure Treks & Tours since it is run by a team of experts those have decades of experience in trekking and tourism sector. Please surf through our website to select a standard program that interests and suits you. If you are looking for a tailor-made program for trekking company in Nepal, just write us with your interest details, we will be right back to you. Our itineraries are well designed keeping in mind there is adequate time for acclimatization with the growing altitude in our programs. Being responsible to the area where we work and earn from, we choose our guides, porters and all other staff from the local community. They speak English, are well trained, licensed, professional, and knowledgeable regarding the environmental care. So, why not plan right now for a must to do thing before you die? Yes, it’s treks in NepalHimalayas through Icicles Adventure. We will make your trekking in Nepalone of the commendable thing that you can talk about with conceit among your friends and a lifetime memory.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most preferred trekking site for all trekkers, the combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) commonly known as Annapurna sanctuary, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. You can enjoy with mountain views, bamboo, deep rhododendron forests, Snike River, water falls and a mix of unparallel cultures as you venture deep into the Annapurna Himal. Our Annapurna Base Camp trekking from beautiful town of Pokhara, cross river beds and terraced hillsides, blazing rhododendron and oak forests, to picturesque Ghandurung, the principle village of Gurungs. We go to the deep narrow corridor of Madi Gorge, entrance to sanctuary, a spectacular mountain amphitheatre formed by the towering peaks of Annapurna south, Fang, Annapurna I & II, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhree. Then, you descend though the gorge and cross Deurali Pass from which you can have a bird's eye view of the Kali Gandaki valley.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a celebrated walk at the foothills of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges which takes you through a lot of captivating sights and finally to very heart of the Annapurna mountain ranges that will keep you absorbed in the moment. Mt. Annapurna, being the tenth highest peak of the world, every adventure seeker accomplishes a sense of pride after reaching its foot. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a break to be at the base of some of the world’s highest mountains, a period to get enthralled being among the enormous glaciers, an occasion to walk through rice paddies, rhododendron and pine forests, temples, waterfalls; a prospect to watch the sunrise over the spectacular snow capped peaks from Poonhill, an offer to get an insight of the people who inhabit among the Annapurna hills, and an offer to discover the flora and fauna in the subtropical forest to blooming rhododendron forest and pine bushes. Finally, Annapurna base camp trek is an opportunity to picture you with the Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail Tukuche Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Hiunchuli and Tarke Kang and many others at the background. Surely, one of the great and nice post that I liked and would surely give advantage for adventure lovers Female Trekking Guide in Nepal is about empowering ladies making them trust in their capacities, a venture to make them chivalrous and tender brand envoys of this rough daring experience. Female Trekking guide in Nepal is a liberal step towards building an independent society particularly for the ladies living in the remote mountain territories dominant part of who are inwardly, physically and monetarily insecure and facing hardships obliged to live denied life cycle. Initially, ladies in Nepal were hesitant to take up this method for work, however with satisfactory direction and inspiration they have now begun to acknowledge this occupation professionally. Nonetheless, man dominated society of Nepal has been finding it difficult to acknowledge the females of the general public in this daring employment yet a few females trekking guides have possessed the capacity to break this pattern and have gradually taken to terms and relentlessly kept pace with the trekking calling and affirmed themselves to be superior to male trekking guides.
Among a modest bunch of trekking associations that advance female trekking guide culture in Nepal, Icicles Adventure Trek & Tours is one of them. Icicles Adventure is certainly one of the best female situated trekking associations leading trekking enterprises with total accuracy and significance. We give best proficient female trekking guides in Nepal. In spite of the fact that our female trekking guides in Nepal are favored for the most part by female trekkers, nowadays because of their delicate nature, great administration, sincerity towards employment and polished skill, male trekkers are likewise inclined to lean toward female trekking guides instead of the customary standard of opting male trekking guides. Given that for female trekkers trekking with a female trekking guide has various favorable circumstances and concealed highlights joined to it. A female trekking guide in Nepal is ideally equipped particularly for the female guests, in the event that they make a trek to this some piece of the world alone or with a gathering can exploit this opportunity with a minimum object. Every single trekking trip may give various types of afflictions and physical issues for which approaching a male trekking guide may be cumbersome, however in the event that the same happens while on trekking with a female trekking guide it can be effectively sent crosswise over and an answer can be determined there direct. Female trekking guides are more specific and methodical in their methodology and they regard the visitors or guests as one of them. Female Trekking adventure is not just about providing customized bolster and administrations on trekking voyages or just responsibility and confirmation of best esteemed administrations, yet an unceasing guarantee of cleverness, fellowship and making it a point of happiness and maybe even changes the viewpoint of your life.
This is an absolute golden words that you have posted about Trekking in Nepal.This is very nice which can impress anyone and tempt to post a comment.Really great contribution.Thanks alot.I am appreciated to see such a huge and useful information regarding Trekking in Nepal. Thanks dude.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grant - it was an amazing experience!
Deletetrekking in Nepal is unlike anywhere in the Himalayas complemented by clear air, views of green farmland belts, forests, blooming rhododendrons, riverside walks, and most importantly because it is trekking in the ambiance of world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest . Trekking has been the most popular holiday activity in Nepal as there are the best and varied trekking routes because elevation of Nepal ranges from 60 meters above the sea level to highest, i.e. the top of the world, Mt. Everest standing tall at 8850 meters. trekking in Nepal varies from easy and short some hour’s day hike to moderate and even challenging and adventurous long treks. You can select your ideal trekking in Nepal package that matches perfectly with your fitness level, holiday period, previous trekking experience and interest. Trek through the great Himalayan trails, you will discover Nepal is the most beautiful country blessed with unlimited natural splendor and adventure opportunity.
ReplyDeletetrekking in Nepalcan be enjoyed all the year around, but the best season to trek in most of the trails of Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, Manaslu, area is spring (March to May) and autumn (mid September to December) as the weather is best and you can get clear views of mountain in these time of year. You can trek along the rain shadow area like Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang during monsoon season too. Monsoon does not affect these areas as these are rain shadow area.
For organizing your trekking in Nepal holiday, you can trust Icicles Adventure Treks & Tours since it is run by a team of experts those have decades of experience in trekking and tourism sector. Please surf through our website to select a standard program that interests and suits you. If you are looking for a tailor-made program for trekking company in Nepal, just write us with your interest details, we will be right back to you. Our itineraries are well designed keeping in mind there is adequate time for acclimatization with the growing altitude in our programs. Being responsible to the area where we work and earn from, we choose our guides, porters and all other staff from the local community. They speak English, are well trained, licensed, professional, and knowledgeable regarding the environmental care. So, why not plan right now for a must to do thing before you die? Yes, it’s treks in NepalHimalayas through Icicles Adventure. We will make your trekking in Nepalone of the commendable thing that you can talk about with conceit among your friends and a lifetime memory.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most preferred trekking site for all trekkers, the combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) commonly known as Annapurna sanctuary, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. You can enjoy with mountain views, bamboo, deep rhododendron forests, Snike River, water falls and a mix of unparallel cultures as you venture deep into the Annapurna Himal.
ReplyDeleteOur Annapurna Base Camp trekking from beautiful town of Pokhara, cross river beds and terraced hillsides, blazing rhododendron and oak forests, to picturesque Ghandurung, the principle village of Gurungs. We go to the deep narrow corridor of Madi Gorge, entrance to sanctuary, a spectacular mountain amphitheatre formed by the towering peaks of Annapurna south, Fang, Annapurna I & II, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhree. Then, you descend though the gorge and cross Deurali Pass from which you can have a bird's eye view of the Kali Gandaki valley.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a celebrated walk at the foothills of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges which takes you through a lot of captivating sights and finally to very heart of the Annapurna mountain ranges that will keep you absorbed in the moment. Mt. Annapurna, being the tenth highest peak of the world, every adventure seeker accomplishes a sense of pride after reaching its foot. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a break to be at the base of some of the world’s highest mountains, a period to get enthralled being among the enormous glaciers, an occasion to walk through rice paddies, rhododendron and pine forests, temples, waterfalls; a prospect to watch the sunrise over the spectacular snow capped peaks from Poonhill, an offer to get an insight of the people who inhabit among the Annapurna hills, and an offer to discover the flora and fauna in the subtropical forest to blooming rhododendron forest and pine bushes. Finally, Annapurna base camp trek is an opportunity to picture you with the Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail Tukuche Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Hiunchuli and Tarke Kang and many others at the background.
Surely, one of the great and nice post that I liked and would surely give advantage for adventure lovers
Female Trekking Guide in Nepal is about empowering ladies making them trust in their capacities, a venture to make them chivalrous and tender brand envoys of this rough daring experience. Female Trekking guide in Nepal is a liberal step towards building an independent society particularly for the ladies living in the remote mountain territories dominant part of who are inwardly, physically and monetarily insecure and facing hardships obliged to live denied life cycle. Initially, ladies in Nepal were hesitant to take up this method for work, however with satisfactory direction and inspiration they have now begun to acknowledge this occupation professionally. Nonetheless, man dominated society of Nepal has been finding it difficult to acknowledge the females of the general public in this daring employment yet a few females trekking guides have possessed the capacity to break this pattern and have gradually taken to terms and relentlessly kept pace with the trekking calling and affirmed themselves to be superior to male trekking guides.
Among a modest bunch of trekking associations that advance female trekking guide culture in Nepal, Icicles Adventure Trek & Tours is one of them. Icicles Adventure is certainly one of the best female situated trekking associations leading trekking enterprises with total accuracy and significance. We give best proficient female trekking guides in Nepal. In spite of the fact that our female trekking guides in Nepal are favored for the most part by female trekkers, nowadays because of their delicate nature, great administration, sincerity towards employment and polished skill, male trekkers are likewise inclined to lean toward female trekking guides instead of the customary standard of opting male trekking guides. Given that for female trekkers trekking with a female trekking guide has various favorable circumstances and concealed highlights joined to it. A female trekking guide in Nepal is ideally equipped particularly for the female guests, in the event that they make a trek to this some piece of the world alone or with a gathering can exploit this opportunity with a minimum object. Every single trekking trip may give various types of afflictions and physical issues for which approaching a male trekking guide may be cumbersome, however in the event that the same happens while on trekking with a female trekking guide it can be effectively sent crosswise over and an answer can be determined there direct. Female trekking guides are more specific and methodical in their methodology and they regard the visitors or guests as one of them. Female Trekking adventure is not just about providing customized bolster and administrations on trekking voyages or just responsibility and confirmation of best esteemed administrations, yet an unceasing guarantee of cleverness, fellowship and making it a point of happiness and maybe even changes the viewpoint of your life.
ReplyDelete