This trip report was written by one of our guides Mary Gunning of her adventures on our Everest Base Camp Trip in September 2017.
We meet up as a group in Dublin Airport full of anticipation and trepidation before flying to Nepal to tackle Everest Base Camp. When we land we stay overnight in Kathmandu before heading to the airport for our flight to Lukla. This is Asia and not everything goes exactly as planned and the weather can be varied at the best of times flying to Lukla. Due to poor weather we have to wait three days before getting the green light to fly to Lukla.
Once we arrive everyone is delighted that we that we can start our trek. We arrive rested to the trail, everyone knowing one another and ready to begin our trek into the high mountains. A few people feel a bit ill but keep their spirits high and the camaraderie within the group. We take in magnificent views above Namche Bazaar on our acclimatisation day.
There’s a growing sense of anticipation. We head slowly upwards arriving at the beautiful monastery in Tengboche, where I light a butter lamp in offering for safe passage for our expedition
in the mountains. We walk slowly towards our objective of Everest Base Camp & the views astound us en route. We constantly stop to take photos as the landscape is amazing. We never tire of seeing the loads that are transported by porters and yaks. The mountains are stunning and the Nepalese are so friendly and helpful. We finally make it to Gorak Shep our last high lodge & slowly make our way to Everest Base Camp.
With quiet determination everyone trudges slowly upwards and finally we’re there. Jubilation, joy, relief, happy tears. Hugs all around. We’ve made it!!! We head down hill now with renewed energy. Two brave souls head for Kala Patar. The feeling of the high mountains is unique and we are surrounded by all the big names including Everest. Some have planned this for years. We’re still only half way on our trek and over the next few days we put in some long days to descend the mountains.
We view them now with different eyes really taking in the detail. We have one more pause at Lukla as the mountains don’t want to let us go yet. With Lukla covered in fog we decide that helicopters are the best way back home-the cherry on the cake- what a way to leave the mountains and arrive to Kathmandu. What hasn’t hit the group yet is actually how much they’ve achieved.
If you are interested in joining us on our Everest Base Camp trek, contact us today!
