Everest Base Camp -- Eastern NEPAL

I was told the trek to Everest Base Camp, via Gokyo (and Gokyo Ri at 5,340 m) and the dreaded Chula Pass (at 4,900 m), would take me 18 days. I planned on 16 days...and end up completing the trip in only 14 days. This was probably the toughest 14 days of my life! My guide and I walked roughly 4 to 7 hours per day, which sure is not a lot. But, at times it was at a crawling pace to climb up snow covered passes, over large rocks, over glaciers, walking in snow storms, and the gasping for oxygen above 5,000 m -- all very challenging. The higest we hiked was 5,550 m (Kalar Patar near Everest Base Camp). While several people around us got sick (AMS--Altitude Sickness) and some had to be rescued by helicopter, I didn't get affected by the high altitude. I didn't sleep much above 4,000 m due to the thin air, but otherwise felt healthy all the way. Other than a Yak who chased me, I had a very successful and unforgettable trip.

When I have more time I'll give a daily account of the trip. Tomorrow (Nov 19th) I am flying to Pokhara in the west of Nepal to start another hiking trip in the Annapurna area of the Himalayas.


Below the yak near Everest Base Camp who stormed at me when I tried to take close-up pictures.