A Walk in the Himalayas

After a short flight, from Kathmandu to Lukla, through the Himalayas we were 2886 meters high. After a hot cup of tea we were on our way; one Sherpa guide, a porter to carry our bags, and two unprepared girls. I was told that in two days we would be in a town called Namche where I could buy my trekking gear.

Everyday we would walk until we didn’t think we could take another step, which took about 7 hours. After a few days I was thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” I thought I was young and strong but now I know I should have trained. This activity is not limited to any type, there were many elder trekkers as well as families.

The trail was much prettier than I had expected. There were bushes with pink flowers the entire way, and of course we were surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world. I have never felt so small. The giant snow capped mountains were above clouds at times. It’s the greatest high in the world.

At night everyone staying in that lodge would sit around a stove drinking hot tea and telling stories. I met interesting people from all over the world: London, Sri Lanka, Canada, Virginia, and Japan. A few daring trekkers alone, without a guide or porter. This can be done but is not recommended. One man said he had gotten lost and everyone, trekking alone, seemed to need help from other guides.

I heard some scary stories but didn’t realize how dangerous life can get until I found myself lost in a snowstorm. I woke up to the unexpected joy of falling snow 2 days away from our goal, Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. This feeling quickly changed to disappointment when I was told we would be heading back down instead. If I had not been in the care of locals who knew this trail I might have attempted to travel on as some did. Some people were injured and some made it with more difficulty.

When we returned to Lukla to fly back to Kathmandu I was drinking homemade rice wine, dancing, and talking with an old lady. She told me to me “enjoy today because I don’t know tomorrow.”

I can’t say that every step of the way was enjoyable but every one was exciting in its own way. I saw and thought things outside of my everyday life. I would highly recommend a similar adventure to anyone with any interest outside their world.

This was truly an experience of a lifetime that was all made possible with a lot of help from Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure.
www.explorehimalaya.com
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1-4418-100
 

21 July 2006