For this month’s Mellow Expeditions, we caught up with @annuhmurri following her 12-day trek, covering 130km to Everest Basecamp. From first glimpses of Everest to a tough final push, it didn’t all go to plan, but it was still an incredible experience she won’t forget..
Our trek started in Lukla, over the next 12 days we would cover 130km and 5,364 metres in elevation. The first few days of trekking flew by, spirits were high and we were graced with clear blue skies. Along the route we experienced local food. It was my first time eating the local dish Dal Bhat, a tasty lentil curry usually served with potatoes and greens. On the third day on the trek we caught our first glimpse of Mt. Everest!
We hiked around 6-7 hours per day, and less on acclimatisation days. On our first acclimatization day we visited the Everest View Hotel, which as promised had breathtaking mountain views. The following day brought a number of suspension bridges, another notable memory was visiting the Tengboche monastery on day 5, one of the highest monasteries in the world.
From day six onwards, conditions felt noticeably harsher. The air felt thinner and cooler, and the nights were even colder. Reaching as low as -10, my night time routine consisted of a baby wipe shower, layering up as much as possible before jumping into my sleeping bag.
Up until day seven of the trek I was feeling strong, unfortunately the night before base camp I took a turn for the worse. I was experiencing my first altitude headache, a fever and struggling to keep any food or liquid down.
The morning of base camp rolled around and I'd had little sleep, becoming breathless and dizzy by the simple task of putting my socks on, I wasn't hopeful about reaching base camp. My guide gave me 2 options; Ascend or go by horse. After an emotional deliberation, I chose the horse, not the decision I wanted to make but it was the only way I could reach basecamp in my condition.
A few hours later with the help of Rocky (the horse) I reached basecamp, feeling weak and a little disheartened. I stood on that giant rock, and couldn’t shake the feeling that I'd cheated my way to base camp.
Luckily the next day my symptoms eased, I was able to hike the descent by foot and even got to celebrate my friend's 25th Birthday in Namche Bazaar. They made a special birthday cake and we celebrated in the world’s highest irish bar.
Despite my trek not going as planned, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I’m hoping one day I can return to Nepal and reach Everest base camp by foot. Until then, I’ll hold this experience close to my heart.
A special thank you to the guides and porters, they were all amazing and the trip couldn’t have been possible without them.
