Climbing Mount Everest

Tourists come to Nepal and relive their dreams. Some dream of meeting Lamas, the other dream of Yeti. Nevertheless, the most beautiful among all dreams is to conquer the Everest. Or as Sir Edmund Hillary said,"to knock the bastard off". Amateurs and Novices are not allowed to scale the Everest, though they can go to the highest base camp that is very close to the peak. It is the place from where the final and decisive ascent starts.

The Everest experience begins at Lukla airport that is at the height of 2,850 meters. The trail runs almost parallel to the thundering Dudh Koshi River as it sally down the narrow gorges. Just a kilometer walk and hillocks give way to the gigantic peaks that look so intimidating. The vivid fauna and flora of Himalayas mark the route. After a couple of hours of tedious trek you reach Namche Bazaar that is at 3,446 meters. It is an enchanting settlement set in a horseshoe-shaped mountain amphitheater. Its Saturday market is a social event where merchandise of daily use as well as souvenirs left by the mountaineers is sold. Tengboche Monastery is just a 3-hour walk from here. The place gives a clear view of various mountain peaks including the Everest. Time and weather permitting, you can also visit the school in Khumjung village, which was built by Sir Edmund Hillary.

The next hurdle comes in the form of forest. You have to cross the dark tropical forests that are above 4,000 meters from the sea level. This is the place where you will find different varieties of plants and birds including Rhododendron and Dhanfe, the national flower and bird of Nepal respectively. At Pheriche a visit to the Trekkers aid post will be an educational as well as an interesting experience. During Trekking season there are western Doctors to treat mountaineers from complications like frostbite and altitude sickness. An hour's trek takes you to Dingboche. To aid your acclimatization process you have a rest day in Dingboche. Depending on how you feel; you may wish to rest for the day and relax, or you may wish to do some exploring around. From Phalang Karpo at 4340 m. the view of valley is spectacular. On this trek you will also come across stone monuments that have been erected in the memory of those who have fallen during the various expedition to Everest since the year 1970.

The trek from Lobuje to Gorakshep (5160 m.) is a short one and in normal course you will arrive at Gorakshep before lunchtime. You have an option of having lunch at Gorakshep and then climbing Kalapattar or taking a packed lunch to Kalapattar and eating your lunch while enjoying the view. From Kalapattar you will be descending back to Gorakshep that was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest Expedition. The climb to Kalapattar is a steep ascent but form there the entire Everest south face is visible. As you near the top of Kalapattar, more of the peak of Everest comes into view. The summit of Kalapattar on the ridge towards Pumori will allow a view all the way to the South Col. For those who are fine and have no problem with altitude sickness can further explore towards the Base Camp. The highlight of going to Base Camp is that you can come across Expedition going to Everest and get a first hand insight as what happens Expedition of Everest.