Himalayan Exhilaration!
One of the most exhilarating treks in the world must be going to the base camp of Mount Everest through the most spectacular mountain range in the world.
To get there is an adventure in itself. Fly to Kathmandu via the Middle East or India and spend a day or two soaking in the amazing sights and sounds of this city. Crazy traffic, crowds and character in abundance; Katmandu is like mini Delhi.
Then the adventure begins you fly from Kathmandu to one of the most exhilarating airports in the world; Lukla which is cut into the side of a mountain, has a serious incline of 12% and some reports call it “the most dangerous airport in the world”
The trek then starts; through stunning gorges with torrents of white water freezing cold from glaciers. Stopping at teashops for refreshments trekkers look up to see glistening peaks of some of the highest mountains towering above them. Trekking becomes more difficult with the increase in altitude. After a few days we arrived in Namche Bazaar the principle mountain town of the Sherpa’s. From here trekkers can see the peak of Mount Everest in the distance and one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas; Ama Dablam (or Mothers Necklace).
From Namche Bazaar the terrain becomes much more dramatic still and rugged. Sleeping in mountain huts and small hostels is a great experience. They are quite Spartan but visitors have a warm welcome from the Nepalese hosts.
Crossing amazing high passes like Cho La and then across some of the highest glaciers in the world is a real experience. There are beautiful glacial lakes reflecting snow-capped jagged peaks. On many of the high peaks and passes are streams of beautiful multicoloured prayer flags flapping in the wind which add to the unusual vista. On some days the highest mountain peaks had spindrift; a stream of snow and ice being blasted horizontally from them looking like they had white pennants flying from their tops. We hadn’t seen that in any other mountain range it was truly spectacular.
Two days later we climbed a peak opposite Everest called Kala Plattar to see a simply stunning vista with Everest and next to it Mount Lhotse. Then a trek the next day to the base camp and success! To carry on and climb Everest can take another four weeks and serious equipment is required. We were happy to have the experience of going to the base camp.
We travelled with Exodus who were excellent. The staff on the trek were simply outstanding; friendly, knowledgeable and hospitable. We paid about £2,000 for a three week experience-worth every penny!
I was 52 when I did this trek … it was an awesome personal experience and achievement for me!
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