Myself and best friend (and musician) Stephanie Reynard embarked on this adventure together. We collectively raised over $3000 as we set to embark on a journey to Everest Basecamp (which we funded ourselves of course). Now having returned I can tell you that we actually didn't make it to Basecamp. Not because we weren't fit enough, neither because we were lazy, in fact practically it would've been achievable - albeit challenging no doubt - however our venture was side tracked along the way. The story is a long one but I can give you some highlights and share some videos of the incredible journey we went on nevertheless.
- Kathmandu. Its crazy. Like many Asian capital's the relentless traffic, people and movement create chaos amongst its streets. That said the place had charm. Arriving there reaffirmed to us that we were a long way from home and offered us some beautiful opportunities to immerse ourselves in the Buddhist temple rituals such as pilgrimages, purchase some souvenirs and get tattoos (shhh don't tell mum).
- The mountains. Sure that's a given but what is so incredible about the mountains is the scale. One leaves ego at the airport upon arriving at this vast expansive place. There's no way you can feel big in this remote area. Its amazing how flat Sydney feels now. Every corner we turned was met with a "Wow". Nature rules.
- Mountaineering. Walking is under-rated. I used to think it a tad dull. Witnessing a culture that's primary mode of transport is merely a couple limbs to scale heights and travel distance, brings an appreciation for the innate ability to get by without any need for a vehicle. We trekked up to 7 hours a day at pretty steep climbs and it was pretty damn invigorating.
For the first time in my life I didn't see a single car for 2 weeks. Imagine! - Sustainability. The Sherpa's live a life reliant on the elements. The winters are fierce. Access to water is challenging and energy is all dependant on renewable energy such as solar panels and hydro. Yak dung is dried and re-used to burn fires and human waste is used as manure (urm... that sounds horrid but it's actually very clever).
- Buddhist Philosophy. The Buddhist way of life is remnant in the practices of the people of these mountains. The Sherpa's come from the oldest sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Seeing how connected they are with the land and one another is humbling and equally grounding.
We were fortunate to make really good friends with a kind monk from the Tengboche monastery and learn more about his life, beliefs and the world he is a part of. Sitting in an old monastery, meditating to the sound of monks chanting Sanskrit mantras is one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had. - Children. The Nepalese children are a far cry from those I am so familiar with at home. While of course the cheekiness and playfulness is seen in most children, the respect for elders and their generosity was really surprising. Staying at a family lodge we saw 14 year old Sinam help his mother in the kitchen cooking, making tea and kindly showing us how to eat Nepali style (with our hands no less!). He was so happy and considerate. It was so moving to see a child with few needs and demands demonstrating such kindness.
We were frequently given sweets by the children on the mountain and sometimes accompanied on the walk with kids working as porters along the trail. - Running at altitude. Instead of meeting Everest Basecamp, we chose to exert ourselves in a 9km Trail Run at 4000 metres at a local school's Jubilee. It took us over 3 hours to complete. We were the only foreign contestants. We pushed our bodies, heart rates and lungs to new found limits as we appreciated the challenge of minimal oxygen. We got handshakes and high fives for the remainder of the trip so I imagine there was a degree of risk with the endeavour. It was a great accomplishment and certainly one I'll not forget.
- Dancing in the rain with a couple of monks. I don't think I can explain this. It was incredible to party outside, listening to Shakira (Nepal loves Shakira!?), high on altitude and learning to Sherpa dance with a couple of kind monks from the Tengboche temple, Pasang and Mingma. With a grand stupa in the background, the rains of the imminent monsoon season and our big grins keeping our feet moving and hearts warm.
- Sir Edmund Hillary & all he inspires. Rather than Basecamp we went to Khumjung School and hospital set up by Hillary 50 years ago for their Jubilee. There we met many inspiring people, those who had committed their lives to creating positive change and shared their stories with us, such as the founders of the Dream Flag Project, wife of Mingma Norbu Sherpa (a famous conservationist sponsored by Hillary) Phurba who now runs The Greater Himalayas Foundation in his memory, writer Frances Klatzel who helped to create a museum of Sherpa culture and has written many books on their beautiful culture, Dawa Steven Sherpa who is a WWF Climate Ambassador and many others involved with the Himalayan Trust that Hillary originally founded. The list is long but they all are worthy of a mention as they certainly brought a deeper layer to our experience.
There's no doubt we both learned a lot from the experience. Mindfulness. Respect for nature. Appreciation for the fortunate world we are a part of. Along with the practicalities of combatting blisters, altitude sickness and facing challenging climbs. I cannot recommend it enough.
Please feel free to enjoy some of videos of our escapade, I don't think they'll do it justice but they may provide some amusement.
More images here.
Flickr snaps here.
Itinerary & kit-list here.
Jess & Stephs' tips for trekkers
Kathmandu
Dramas at the airport
Insight in to our terrible sense of humour
High altitude running
More images here.
Flickr snaps here.
Itinerary & kit-list here.
Jess & Stephs' tips for trekkers
Kathmandu
Dramas at the airport
Insight in to our terrible sense of humour
High altitude running
