Everest Base Camp Trekking

If you are in search for the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Nepal and the help of Himalayan Eco Trek.  My April 2011 trip surpassed all hopes and expectations.  Departing from the US for about 48 hours of flight time across the Pacific Ocean, connecting in Hong Kong and then, finally, touching the real ground of Kathmandu, Nepal began a 3 week experience of learning and enjoying.

First, I’d like to highlight the trip, itself, then I would like to explain how Himalayan Eco Trek supported my ‘quest’ for adventure.

My trip included a 17 day trek through the Himalayans, 2 days before and after the trek at Bhaktapur (neighbor of Kathmandu, but quieter with a calmer opportunity to experience local people, markets, temples), and 3 days safari at Chitwan National Park.  For me, the highlight was the trek.  I was able to escape any suffering from altitude or ‘water sickness’, thanks to advice from my guides and prior conditioning in anticipation.  Because of this, I was able to maximize my time.  The trek began in Lukla, following the trail up to Gokyo, across Chola Pass to Lobuche, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, then across Kongma La Pass to Chhukkhum (this was the added bonus as my health and energy sustained!) and back down to Lukla.

It is almost impossible to say what was the best part of the trek, as it was all incredible.  The people?  All local people and those other travelers on the trail were welcoming and warm.  Not once did I feel uneasy being in a foreign country and not knowing any other people (besides my guide).  The local people are simply amazing.  I have never been around such hardworking people.  The physical labor they do on a daily basis – and with continual smiles and passion for their land/life – was beyond belief.  Every day, I began to appreciate more and more all I was provided.  Everything – lumber, water, food, toilet paper – everything is carried by foot.  Some food was locally grown, but even that was done by hand and back.  It is a simple life.  Not an ignorant life.  Their ability to problem-solve, to evolve, to adapt, yet maintain a sense of self demonstrated their intelligence and inner-strength.

The mountains – as you would guess – amazing.  Yes, I saw pictures of the places I went and thought I knew what I would see.  Yes, Everest looked like Everest.  But Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse now FEEL like Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.  To stand at their bases, too feel their life, was something I hadn’t anticipated.  And the Himalayans are more than just those 3.  There were times I was engulfed by peaks – so many I could not remember their names and would continually ask my guide to remind me.  I’d practice repeating, only to get confused my the number of them again.  Regardless of their names, their beauty and power were breathless.  Climbing to the top of Kala Patthar and Chhukhum Ri seemed pointless at first – go up another 500 or more meters to look and then come back down?  Why?  There is even less air up there than where I was, my legs are tired, I can see the mountain tops from where I am, why put myself through more of a test?   But at the top (as well as during the climb), the answers were there.  I moved closer to the mountains, I was in the clouds with those grand peaks, I saw the refraction of light as the sun peaked through the gap between Nuptse and Everest.  The challenge brought life into me.  That I could not have found by staying in the lodge.

The trek – be ready!  Again, I felt fortunate to have completed my trek.  Many others turned back sick, tired, or injured.  Be prepared for challenges you may not have previously experienced.  Walking at those elevations is nothing I can adequately describe.  You have to feel it by being there.  There really is little air.  Conditioning prior to the trek is essential – or plan to go very slow.  One way or the other you can make it, as long as you accept the pace and demands.  It is not a battle of wills – can you conquer it, go faster than others, etc.  It is a ‘trek’, a journey, shared with the mountains.  This was a key lesson I learned.

OK, the ‘life’ on the trek.  Each day we began with breakfast around 7:00 AM in the lodge restaurant.  We’d hit the trail around 8:00 am or a little later.  Some days we would go for 3 hours (especially, early on to acclimatize), other days we’d go for 6-8 hours.  Lunch was usually at a lodge/restaurant along the trail.  When we’d reach our destination for the night, my guide would find me (and himself) a room, we’d get comfortable, have tea and dinner when ready.  The lodges/restaurants are simple.  All had a good choice of foods to eat (I enjoyed many different meals, but dahl baat was definitely the best … and varied a little in taste at each place).  Be prepared, though – the restaurant, itself, is heated in the evenings during dinner time.  The sleeping rooms are not heated and consist of 1-2 single beds and maybe a small window.  Bathrooms are shared.  Warm water does cost.  Showers, although usually available and said to be warm, are not always quite what you’d want (if you’re a little picky about warm vs. Warm).  Toilets are not flushing type – a basin in the floor and toilet paper thrown in the trash can.  But almost all were quite clean, as the people take great pride in providing the comfort and service.

To prepare for this lodge lifestyle – bring toilet paper (or prepare to pay – it costs more than food!  J  ), a headlamp (electricity is solar and intermittent), and warm slippers for the restaurant.  Surprisingly, if you have the right SIM card, you can use your cell phone in most areas and will find internet connection, too.  You can recharge phone and camera batteries at most lodges, too (for a price).  Truly, though, the cost of all consumables is relatively low compared to US prices.  Especially when you consider HOW any of it is provided.

And now – my guide service:  Himalayan Eco Treks and Travel – Nepal

One word:  Dependable!

This was my first experience with international travel, so I was anxious and worried about everything.  Hari and his staff allowed me to enjoy the trip without worrying about the details.

Prior to the trip, I was in constant communication (email, facebook, chats) with them.  They took time (and promptly) to answer any question I had – even the dumb ones!  They helped plan a trip that met my hopes and then allowed flexibility  within the plan so that if I wanted to change anything after experiencing a little of Nepal I could.

As soon as I landed in Kathmandu, they were with me.  They met me at the airport, brought me to my hotel in Bhaktapur (great choice for me – it seemed they knew me well enough to know where I’d most like to stay), took me on a quick tour of that immediate area, then left me to relax and rest.  The next day, I had a guided tour of the Kathmandu area and neighboring cities.  They (Sharon) took time to explain the cultural, religious, political and economic issues of each area and then we splurged with a great cultural meal.  Again, they seemed to know what I would most enjoy and anticipated my every worry.

From there, we flew to Lukla for the trek.  I was provided with a guide I’ll never forget.  Bhai Kaji watched over me as needed, yet allowed for my independence, listened to my wishes, and adjusted plans to ensure it was my trek.  He was skilled, could communicate, and became my friend.

Following the trek (and planned spontaneously while on the trek), I left Lukla, spent a night in Bhaktapur, and then got on a bus for Chitwan National Park and a 3 day safari.  Package complete!  They brought me to the right bus, they had hotel accommodations and safari service ready for me.  I did nothing except ask if it was possible (oh, and pay a little money).  What a great way to wrap up the trip – relaxing, not too demanding of my tired legs, but still new and entertaining.

Through the entire stay, they were in constant communication with me.  I did not have to worry about paying for meals, finding taxis, locating places or people.  They came to me, they asked if I needed anything (and responded immediately if there was anything), they were Dependable!

Upon leaving Nepal,  I really felt like I was leaving friends.  And as friends do, they are still in communication with me at this time.  They show a true interest in me, as a person.  This unique ‘client’ relationship is one I doubt I’d find with any other company.  I am thankful for their service and friendship.

Kim Hanisch, Education Specialist

Reinventing Schools Coalition

(907)940-0008

skype: khanisch

Alaska, USA