Trekking to Everest Base Camp


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June 18th 2009
Published: June 22nd 2009
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Everest!Everest!Everest!

8848m of the highest earth. -- view from Kala Pathar
"It's the Himalayas!"

Himalaya, Sanskrit for 'house of snow', where the Sherpa people live on the edge of the inhabitable along the 'Roof of the World'. Referred to as 'tigers of the snow', they are the unsung heroes behind every summit attempt of the world's tallest. After the climbing season, they return to their villages, families, farms, and herds. It wasn't unusual to discover, while talking to a lodge owner or a yak herder, only if asked mind you, that they have, indeed, been to the summit of Everest. Typically, the answer came with that far-off gaze of distinct remembrance followed softly by, "Yes, I've been to the top."

Everest Base Camp Trail -- A 16 day journey along the nostalgic path which has been traveled by many a great adventurer. With a total roundtrip ascent of over 25,000 ft, one almost climbs Everest's total height. The average day had me walking about five-six hours through sherpa villages, enchanting landscapes, and diverse terrain. Here in the Khumbu, it still mostly remains, 'untouched by the worries and concerns of the outside world.'

The most challenging element to overcome was the altitude. It kicks your ass even while you sleep, that is, if you're lucky enough to be able to sleep. Flying into the village of Lukla, you start out where the atmospheric oxygen level is already 30% less than what it is at sea level and by journey's end it's down to 50% of the 'norm'. Even with following the appropriate acclimatization schedule I still experienced alarmingly painful headaches intermittently and a six day course of insomnia, and I next to never have problems sleeping.

I had started, unintentionally, at the beginning of the monsoon season ,the trekking off season, where I ran the risk of walking through mud, rain, and even snow. Speaking to trekkers on their way down, I discovered some were denied views and others got caught in a blizzard walking back from Everest Base Camp which had them wading through over a foot of snow. With this new found knowledge I rented a heavy down coat, purchased a few more provisions, and came to terms with the very likely possiblity I may never even see the 'world's tallest'. However, the great benefit of the off season... off season prices and finding serenity in solitude. Not only did I, at times, have entire lodges to
I'm on my way.I'm on my way.I'm on my way.

Skimming the tree tops early morning, flying towards Lukla.
myself but also what seemed like entire villages. There were only three other trekkers ascending on the same schedule as me and one of them had to descend due to progessing altitude sickness. Most of the time we caught up at the end of the day for dinner, tea, and cards.

Even though I was denied extended views for my first seven days... It cleared when it mattered most.

Enjoy the trail...




Additional photos below
Photos: 41, Displayed: 23


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Stone by Carried Stone.Stone by Carried Stone.
Stone by Carried Stone.

The only power at high altitude - man power. -- Namche Bazar
Day One, Mile One.Day One, Mile One.
Day One, Mile One.

-- Village of Lukla
"Om Mani Padme Hum.""Om Mani Padme Hum."
"Om Mani Padme Hum."

The Tibetan Buddhist mantra carved into stone and wood and printed on prayer flags - thus to infuse the winds with prayer to travel the world.
Exceeding the Weight Limit.Exceeding the Weight Limit.
Exceeding the Weight Limit.

One of the numerous suspension bridges I'd be sharing with the locals.
Handmade Fence.Handmade Fence.
Handmade Fence.

Local market. -- Namche Bazar
Prayer Wheels.Prayer Wheels.
Prayer Wheels.

A spin for a safe return or at least, a happy death.
Monthly Visits Record.Monthly Visits Record.
Monthly Visits Record.

The numbers just fall off during the summer months. -- Sagamartha National Park Office.
Morning Traffic.Morning Traffic.
Morning Traffic.

-- Village of Phortse
Many Have Come This Way... Not All Have Returned.Many Have Come This Way... Not All Have Returned.
Many Have Come This Way... Not All Have Returned.

Numerous memorials dot the landscape.
TibetansTibetans
Tibetans

They travel across the Himalayan passes bearing goods to be sold in Nepal, once sold, they return home.-- Namche Bazar
Downtime with Cedric, Kata, and Joel.Downtime with Cedric, Kata, and Joel.
Downtime with Cedric, Kata, and Joel.

Enjoying a pot of tea and cards. -- Tengboche
Perspective Shot.Perspective Shot.
Perspective Shot.

Upper left corner, the orange and white dots, fellow trekkers, Kata and Cedric, bringing up the rear.
Perspective ShotPerspective Shot
Perspective Shot

Bottom left corner is the village of Lobuche. Top right corner is Lobuche Glacier.
A Morning Above the Clouds.A Morning Above the Clouds.
A Morning Above the Clouds.

After 7 days of sporadic cloud cover, my first true view of the Himalayans. -- Thukla
An Enchanting Moment.An Enchanting Moment.
An Enchanting Moment.

-- Dusk at Tengboche.
A 4am Start.A 4am Start.
A 4am Start.

With a wanning full moon at my back, it would be my last great push to journey's end. -- Lobuche
Me and Everest.Me and Everest.
Me and Everest.

After nine days of ascending, I made it to the summit of Kala Pathar at 18,373ft. (Atmospheric Oxygen Level 50% of the "norm")


22nd June 2009

Brother Ray, youre really experiencing culture and the sights!
23rd June 2009

Outstanding Son!
Wow Ray that is just outstanding, so so outstanding!!! Love every word and picture- such an adventure. So glad you are experiencing this and life to the fullest - Daddy is jealous!! Keep safe and keep having fun. See you in November kid. Love Cowboy Dad
23rd June 2009

Awesome Adventure
Raymond..Hell of a trip, that some of us can only dream about! Have a great time and be careful! Tony B in upstate NY.

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