In the Spring holidays I completed a trek - 18 day trek through the Gokyo Valley and to Everest Base Camp.
The trek had four challenges:
- summitting Gokyo Ri (5357m) from where you can get the best views of Everest
- crossing the challenging Chola Pass (5420m)
- walking along the Khumbu glacier as far as Everest Base Camp (5364m)
- summiting Kala Patthar (5644m)
The trek started off with a scary but exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We stayed at basic teahouses along the way. We averaged about 10kms of walking everyday – including some very difficult days at higher altitudes. I loved to eat the Nepali signature food of Daal Baath and the delicious momos. At high altitudes, you must drink plenty of water (3-4 litres) and eat enough to keep going. We walked slowly and steadily and we acclimatised well (we measured oxygen saturation every evening). High altitude illness can set in at any time and we saw a few people being rescued by helicopter. We spent many days at altitudes above the tree line and the oxygen levels at the highest points were below 50% compared to sea level. The temperatures were quite extreme on summit days. The coldest was -25 degree Celsius on top of Kala Patthar!
Nepal is very mountainous and has eight of the fourteen highest 8000m peaks in the world. The views of mountains, rivers and glaciers were breath taking. We saw four 8000m peaks – Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m) and Cho you (8188m) and so many other peaks such as Ama Dablam and Nuptse. Along the trek I walked with many animals such as horses, donkeys, mountain yaks, cows, goats and even the Danphe - Nepali national bird. At the lower altitudes, the trip was very cultural. The people in this area are predominantly Buddhist and one of the highlights was experiencing the prayers and blessings at the Tengboche Monastery. I observed how life is tough for the villagers in the mountains given the extreme terrain and weather.
Human trafficking and child labour is a huge problem. I am very happy to share that we raised almost £5000 for vulnerable children in Nepal. I visited shelter homes that house affected children. I am so grateful for anyone who has donated to support this amazing cause 🙏 , I would recommend this trek to anyone!
