I Trekked to Everest Base Camp Before My Everest Expedition: Here Is My Experience
Why I Decided to Trek to Everest Base Camp First
Before starting of my Everest Expedition, I recognized that I needed much more than just physical preparation to be successful. I needed to physically experience the mountains via my own feet, to physically breathe the air at high altitude. And to truly understand what it was like to walk where the Himalayas had formed the basis of all legends.I knew that the trek to Everest Base Camp was going to provide the necessary testing ground for both.Getting Ready for the World’s Tallest Peak.
Before I committed to actually climbing Everest. I wanted to see where my body was at physically in terms of altitude (anything above 4000m anyway). Work out how my body responded to high, high altitude and mentally prepare myself for one of the world’s biggest climbs. That is via a trekking from Nepal’s Lukla airport, the steepest in the world.
Flying to Lukla and Into a New Dimension
It was an adventure boarding my flight for Lukla, especially as I got closer towards my destinationmy heart was rushing. As my aircraft touched down, on final approach to Lukla. I had mixed emotions of uncertainty and emotions. The beating heart felt as if it was racing but a lot of happiness took charge with feelings of excitement. Being overwhelmed by dilemmas and loneliness. I had never experienced that kind of pressure change, not in all my days and it stole my breath. Lukla is at around 2800m (8000ft).Thus, began the journey filled with unexpected moments of amazement. The difference in the amount of oxygen available for breath became apparent as I made my way toward Phakding, my heart was beating faster than normal. It was clear at this point, this was not going to be another “normal” hike but rather my first step toward standing atop the tallest mountain in the world.
Traveling along the Khumbu Trail is a special experience; there’s a rhythm to life when traveling between and around the peaks of the Himalayan mountains. The rhythm of the Khumbu region is to be slowly introduced. You don’t speed into the Khumbu region; you emjoy your momentum with the mountains everywhere you go in.The hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar has brought both many lessons along the way.
Namche Bazaar
Having taken my first rest day on this trip, I have now made my way up to the Everest View Hotel (910 m) which is located to the north of Namche Bazaar. A combination of excitement and fear filled me the first time I saw Mount Everest. I had the feeling that Mt. Everest was checking me out before saying hello. The hikes to acclimate around Namche taught me patience; after yet another reminder that I could not rush Everest. I knew that learning this lesson early would be critical if I wanted to eventually reach the top of her peak.
I personally appreciate the beauty of the Tengboche Monastery, which has been built on the slopes of one of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. As well as the toll that the mountains can have on the spirit and body through their spiritual and physical demands of receiving such a gift of existence. I am inspired by the Ama Dablam due to the fact that its beauty takes my breath away, every time I see it.
Tengboche Monastery
Whenever I looked at it while walking, I would stop for a while to look and hold my breath. While the beauty of the Tengboche Monastery inspire me to continue on my journey. It does provide me with a sense of peace and a greater appreciation for the beauty of the surrounding vicinity, along with the sound of the monks chanting prayers.
The unique sound they created with their prayers echoing off of the stone walls of the monastery added to that atmosphere. Unfortunately, along with my many feelings and emotions came the sudden drop in temperature. An increase in wind speed, and the fact that it was much darker than I thought!
Through my brief stay at the Tengboche Monastery, I have learned how to utilise the mountains to build my mind’s strength, for the various mental trials to come on the remainder of my trek. Once I reach Dingboche, I have drawn on the mountains to provide me with a continuous source of power.
The experience of going from a humid, green forest that was lush with life to near-empty, stark, huge chunks of rocks. As I went up over 10000 foot peaks proved to be one of those experiences that has profoundly changed me. The temperature in the area is chilly and there is a nice breeze blowing so each time you breathe in it’s an experience to remind you how it feels to live at a higher elevation, and how difficult it is to breathe as you climb higher up each time. Every step feels like there is more weight being added to your body with every breath, and your effort to breathe against gravity.
Dingboche
When I first arrived in Dingboche, I experienced what it is like to be at elevation and how altitude will affect the best-trained individuals.
At night, I could not go to sleep. I kept waking every few minutes thinking I was dying because of my inability to access the air I needed. Instead of allowing that thought to panic me, I thought of it as my way of preparing for my climb up Everest.I will train my body to be able to work in high altitude and see what I could do with it in Dingboche.
Lobuche and the Emotional Weight of the Everest Trail
The trek up to Lobuche gave me many feelings while walking along the trail. Along the way, you will find many unsuccessful climbers’ memorials who died while climbing Everest. This for me was so overwhelming because I felt overwhelmed by the names, the stories and the prayer flags flying in the breeze. I know the mountain could be beautiful and at the same time never forgiving since only a few people can reach the summit. Besides, I felt sad and a strong desire to do everything. I hereby promise to prepare myself out of respect for an attempt to climb Everest. As I had thought, I will more or less walk in silence when reflecting on the experiences and challenges that I would face soon as part of this expedition.
This was paradise for all who ever dreamed of setting foot on the highest mountain in the world, the roof of the world.As I entered the parking lot of Everest Base Camp, I felt an overwhelming sense of energy surrounding me. The sound of Icefall and the colourful tents of the company climbers all added to this feeling. It was an emotionally charged moment for me to stand physically in the location of Base Camp. Until this point, I had not fully accepted that my dream of climbing to the top of Everest would actually become a reality. I would like to think that I was somewhat ready at the ‘moment’. I first entered Base Camp although I felt a bit uneasy and anxious.
What I gained from my experience of trekking to Base Camp
Trekking to Base Camp was not only about getting fit in the gym. But also about what you learned from your trek to Base Camp. I learned about proper acclimatisation at high altitude, proper methods of breathing at high altitude. And what I needed to plan ahead how to maintain my pace on the way from the summit of high altitude back to base on my way down.
Additionally, this trek opened my eyes to the various ways that climbers manage the intense mental strain that comes with climbing Everest. Through this trek, I also developed a much deeper bond with my Sherpas and built teamwork. I had also gained firsthand knowledge about how to travel over very rough terrain. To appreciate the unpredictable weather patterns that can occur in the area of Mount Everest. By completing my trek back to base camp. I felt that I had developed a very strong base for my upcoming summit attempt. In terms of both my physical and mental fitness. While I know that the summit will take much more effort than the trek to base camp did. I have now established a very good foundation upon which to build my summit attempt.
Returning with a New Perspective
When I walked back to Base Camp. I was a lighter person due to what had happened to me during my journey back home from Base Camp. I was able to return with much more clarity and respect for the mountains. Along with a much better understanding of what was about to come. Each village appeared so much different from the sight of a future Everest Climber. Each view becoming much more valuable because it is seen from a climber’s point of view. This trek also helped strengthen my spirit, among other things. The journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is not only an important preparation step for climbers. But also a transformative experience for everyone involved. I returned to my hometown of Lukla to feel fully prepared for the challenges that awaited me after reaching the tallest point in the world.
Conclusion
I believe the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is an excellent stepping stone for any beginner climber. Those who plans on trying to reach the top of Everest at some point in his or her life. It is a fantastic way to mentally prepare for climbing. And it also serves to physically prepare your body for the summit. By doing this trek you have a great deal of time to get a true understanding of why you are there and what you wish to accomplish on your journey to the summit. You will also develop a personal connection to the mountain.
Anyone who has ever considered trying to climb Mount Everest. Or has ever felt the heartbeat of the mountains, will experience a life-changing adventure. Climbing Mount Everest will not only give you the opportunity to see some of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. But it will also give you a greater understanding and mental clarity of your own personal journey. You will have a unique story to share with family and friends.