The Final Post - my close encounter with the mighty Himalayas!

In November of 2024, a dormant dream to undertake the Trek to the Everest Base Camp was re-ignited within me and I started seriously evaluating the options. By February of 2025, this dream was slowly becoming a reality. I got in touch with the India office of Himalayan Wonders (a Kathmandu based Company) and made enquiries. By April 2025, the final decision had been made and it was time to pack bags. May 2025 will, forever, remain close to my heart. With abundant graces from the Almighty, I could successfully complete the arduous Trek to Everest Base Camp. May 14th, 2025 is the day I set foot at the Everest Base Camp. In those photo opp moments at the Base Camp, I was truly overwhelmed. The enormity of the achievement had not sunk in. I was more concerned with the tough 4 km Trek back from EBC to Gorakchep - an inhospitable, freezingly cold village that was to be our night halt. At the risk of sounding cliched, today, I look back with great pride at having made my dream come true, reached my destination and achieved the goals that I had set for myself. 

I am almost sure that I am the first person from my family (the Kollamkulam family from Kanjirapally in Kerala, India) to set foot at the Everest Base Camp. I hope my success will motivate cousins, nephews, nieces and friends to take up this formidable challenge!  

Lasting memories of my Trek would be the stunningly beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas; the Dudh Koshi river that we criss-crossed multiple times during our EBC Trek; the Veg Dal Bhat (a traditional Nepali thali meal - steamed rice, lentils (Dal), Potato and Cabbage curry, Pappad and Pickles) that was our staple lunch and dinner; the bonhomie and camaraderie that we shared with fellow Trekkers, from all over the world , during those 12 days; the lunar landscape beyond the 4000 M elevation; the Khumbu Glacier on which we trekked (the world's highest Glacier); the utterly simple, warm and friendly Nepali people; and, last but not the least, the sub-zero temperatures and the rugged terrain that accompanied our days and nights of Trekking. 

I will be delighted to answer any queries any of you might have, reg this EBC Trek. Reach me on my email: abrahamkgeorge61@gmail.com

From Veg Dal Bhat and Hot Garlic soup, I am now relishing succulent Mutton Biryani, Chicken Momos and Nepal Ice beer in Kathmandu! 😜

What's next in my bucket list? Let's see ....😊

For now, savour the success ! 

Thankyou, as always, for having Walked With Me. Believe me, your support, fine words of encouragement were, indeed, priceless and so motivating all through the 12 days of my Trek. 

From Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalayas, it's CIAO and do take good care of yourselves! 

A nostalgic goodbye!

Goodbye to Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) and goodbye to the beautiful Himalayas! You have given me enough joy and beautiful memories for the remainder years of my life! 🙏🙏❤️🙌👏

Mission completed, goals achieved, dreams have come true, the mighty Himalayas has conquered my soul, my bucket list is a joy forever....it's now time to go home! 🥲❤️🤗

51 kms downhill in 3 days!

It was, indeed, a spectacular, thrilling and leg-breaking effort, as we, literally, sprinted down the mountain slopes of the great Himalayas, in 3 days. What a grand closure to an epic Trek! 17 kms on Thursday, 16 kms on Friday and 18 kms, yesterday (Saturday), brought us to Lukla at 5.30 pm, yesterday evening. Every muscle in the body was tested and stretched, as, we carefully negotiated the steep gradients, loose top soil and uneven surfaces and, at the same time, to ensure that we did not get injured or end up with nasty falls. There are many Trekkers who take a Chopper down to Lukla after reaching the Everest Base Camp. I think walking down the hill is what really completes the Trek. Last evening, at the conclusion of our Trek, it was our pleasure to host the Team Leader, Asst Guide and the two Porters to Beers and a Chicken Sizzler dinner, with some delicious, spicy starters . It was euphoric, indeed! The 5 of us were absolutely thrilled to bits at having successfully completed this epic, magnificent, world renowned EBC Trek. During our ascent, we had first-hand experiences of Trekkers who could not complete the Trek due to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Dangerously low Oxygen levels meant that they had to be Air evacuated to Kathmandu. In fact, our Insurance Policy for this Trek covers Air Evacuation in case of distress and poor health. Coming back to our dinner, last night, the Beers disappeared faster than they appeared on the table 😆. 12 days without alcohol and non veg food and the craving is at dangerous levels. 😜The joy and great sense of achievement that all of us felt at having successfully reached our destination and returned safely to Lukla (starting point of the Trek) was blissful and freaked! This morning (Sunday, May 18th), we took the early morning Dornier flight out of Lukla and arrived at Kathmandu, a few hours ago. Lukla is rated one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The runway, built on a plateau, leaves no room for error! 😛 Words cannot express our thrill and satisfaction, and, not to forget, a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty for blessing our Trek with success, and keeping us healthy and safe, these past 12 days. A few days of rest is certainly called for. 😊 I will fly back home to Cochin on Wednesday, 21st. In the meanwhile, spend a couple of days here in Kathmandu enjoying the sights, local cuisine and souvenir shopping! Guys, thankyou a million for Walking With Me these past 12 days! Believe me, it's been unbelievable to have your support and encouragement egg me on, despite adversities and difficult conditions (not to forget, freezing temperatures)! Thankyou with all my heart! I will close this blog tomorrow (hopefully, or the day after, for sure) with an overview of a stupendous, scintillating, splendorous trek to Everest Base Camp. Until then, enjoy your Sunday .....😍👋 A titbit......the locals call Mount Everest, Sagarmata...! 

Winding down a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Day 9 of our EBC Trek - We commenced our descent this morning (Thursday) at 7 am, from Gorakchep. We travelled 17 kms down the slopes, passing by Lobuche, Tukla, Periche (where we had lunch) and, finally, reached our night halt , Shomare. From 5100 M (Gorakchep, where we spent last night in -8 °), we descended down to 4100 M. Tomorrow, likewise, we will descend 15 Kms from here to Namche Bazar. Descending down the slopes has its own dangers and difficulties. A big strain on the knees; loose sand, loose stones on the slope makes it easy to miss a footing and slip down the slope. So, one has to be really careful and watchful. Everyone's photo gallery is full of wonderful pictures. So, clicking pictures is a minimum as trekkers make their descent. The Trekking Poles are really useful, more so while descending. Two more days of descent awaits us before we fly off to Kathmandu, on Sunday. Continue Walking With Me and keep me in your prayers! 

Day 8 - Everest Base Camp

Guys, it was a tough 8 km trek from Lobuche to the Base Camp today. The 4 km trek back from EBC to Gorakchep (where we are halting for the night) made it a total of 12 kms of trekking today. We reached the Base Camp around 2 pm this afternoon, and it was a wonderful sight to see so many tents of Mountaineers getting ready for the climb to the Summit. Well, Mission accomplished, great satisfaction - a memory I will carry to my grave! Rated amongst the Top 5 most challenging Treks in the world, the EBC Trek into the heart of the Mighty Himalayas has been an unforgettable experience! The shortage of oxygen at these altitudes is yet another challenge. Trekkers from all Nationalities have packed the EBC Trekking route and you make so many friends over these 12 days ! Amar Dablam, Lhotse, Tavuche and so many other great mountain peaks that we saw enroute will forever remain etched in my memory. Not to forget, the great Mount Everest ! Stunningly beautiful landscapes and an unfriendly terrain are truly a Trekker's delight. It has been in my bucket list for a long time, 8 months ago I pulled it out of the bucket and started thinking seriously about it. Not only is it a challenge on your physical abilities, but your mental toughness is called into play throughout the trek. Tomorrow, we commence our descent back to Lukla. What took us 8 days to ascend, will take 3 days to descend. Guys, thankyou so, so much for all your support and prayers, you have been Walking With Me, these last 8 days and a great source of strength and encouragement. Walk With Me for 3 more days ....

WE DID IT! EVEREST BASE CAMP - 5364 M!!

Some photographs from today's trek!

 

Dingboche (4400 M) to Lobuche (4900 M)

Day 7 has been another awesome trek from Dingboche to Lobuche with spectacular, splendorous, scintillating views of the Mighty HIMALAYAS. The weather was absolutely brilliant - clear blue skies, and as we got to higher levels, cool winds as well. The dry winds cud be dangerous though. We were advised to remain fully well protected. Post lunch, we climbed 300 M and that was a little tiring.....but, what else can you expect from a Trek to Everest Base Camp! 😃 It's cold 3° right now (4 pm in the evening in Lobuche) and night temps are expected to drop to -5°! Tomorrow morning, we have an early 6.30 am start for Gorakchep which will take 4 hours, from there to Everest Base Camp , another 4 hours of trekking. And then, 4 hours trek back to Gorakchep, for a total of 12 kms trekking tomorrow! Truly pray and hope the weather stays like this during trekking time! Crisp, sunny and so blue! 💓🙏👍 Day 8 (Wednesday) will see us reach out goal - the EVEREST BASE CAMP! Fingers crossed.... Walk With Me guys through the beautiful Himalayas! 

 

Onwards and upwards!

 Hello everyone,

We are in Dingboche, Day 6 of our EBC Trek . Today, Monday, May 12th, is an acclimatisation day. We are at an altitude of 4400 metres. We reached Dingboche from Debuche, yesterday ( Sunday). We climbed 600 metres from Debuche to get here. Tomorrow (Tuesday) , we leave for Lobuche at an altitude of 4900 metres. On Wednesday morning (May 14th) , we trek from Lobuche to the Everest Glacier , the Base Camp is at an altitude of 5300 metres. Weather permitting, we will trek to Kala Pathar on Thursday (May 13th) early morning, at 3 am, to witness a spectacular Sunrise over Mount Everest. From then on, its all downhill and scheduled return to Kathmandu on Sunday, May 18th (again, weather permitting). It's been an incredible, amazing, experience, this far, getting to Dinpoche. The terrain has been absolutely unfriendly , but the weather Gods have been so merciful , brilliant sunshine on all days, except for a brief spell of rain between Namche Bazar & Debuche on Day 3. 🙏 Trekking begins by 7.30 / 8 am every morning, sometimes earlier. We are trekking an average of 7 - 12 kms every day. The trekking surface is so uneven, that one cannot afford to take your eyes off the path, even for a second. To make matters worse, this same route is used by Yaks, Horses and Jopkes (a cross between the Cow & the Yak) to transport goods and materials up and down the mountains. Animal poop litters the trekking route. The locals call it 'Himalayan Cake'.😂 Except for the Choppers, these animals are the only affordable mode of transport. 

Guys, it's been really challenging physically and a test of your mental strength, as well. Having said that, the spectacular landscape and views are unforgettable. The mighty Himalayas is, indeed, unfolding more and more, with each passing day. I need all your prayers and support to complete this amazing challenge! Cheers, until the next update, Walk With Me....💓🙏

Some photographs of our Trek to Namche

 

Hello everyone! 

Day 2 saw us Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar. We trekked from 2600 M to 3440 Metres - almost 3,000 feet of extremely steep climb through difficult, inhospitable and extremely taxing terrain. The Trek of about 12 kms took us little less than 8 hours. I was short of breath quite frequently during today's trek, and, towards the end of the Trek, i started cramping very badly in both my thighs. There were moments when I thot I would be incapacitated by strained, pulled thigh muscles. But, by God's abundant grace and sheer grit, willpower and assistance from my team members, I kept going and we could successfully reach Namche. The feeling of elation that all of us felt on reaching Namche was immense. Again, ideal trekking weather today, no rains and very bearable temperatures. We passed few landmarks on the way.... the Hillary suspension bridge was one of 6 suspension bridges that we crossed during our Trek between Phakding & Namche Bazar. Temperatures hovered around 10 degrees Centigrade. The memory that will remain is the tough, steep, difficult climb. Tomorrow is an additional acclimatisation day at Namche. Maybe, do a short 4-hour acclimatisation trek. Get ourselves ready for the next segment to Deboche. Walk With Me, guys, I need all your support , prayers and wishes! 

 

Bad weather conditions yesterday (Tuesday) meant that all flights between Kathmandu / Ramechaap and Lukla were cancelled. Both regular flights as well as Choppers. This morning, we were booked on a regular 7.30 am Sita Air flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Which meant we had an early check-out and were at the airport by 6.15 am. Thankfully, we did not have to do the 5 hour Bus ride from Kathmandu to Ramechaap airport. Anyways, we waited patiently till about 9.30 am and there was absolutely no indication of Flight confirmation and issue of our Boarding passes. The 5 of us then decided to evaluate the Chopper option from Kathmandu to Lukla. After discussion with a Heli operator, we had to pay a Net amount of INR 13,000 per head for the Chopper ride. Finally, we reached Lukla at 12.45 pm. After reaching Lukla we got the news that due to extreme adverse weather enroute all flights had been cancelled. We consider ourselves extremely blessed that we acted quick and took a decision to go for a Chopper ride. After lunch at Lukla,very set out on our first segment of this Trek. A 3-hour seven km trek from Lukla to Phakding. We reached Phakding hy 5.45 pm. It was an enjoyable Trek. The amazing fact was that though clouds were threatening all through our 3 hour trek this afternoon , there was not a drop of rain today till we reached Phakding. Passed 3 suspension bridges enroute, and, the Tea house acco at Phakding was certainly better than our expectations. Tomorrow is, perhaps, the toughest day in the entire Trek. A 9 hour , 12 km trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar. Uphill all the way! An early start at 7.30 am. The highlight of the day has to be our 45 minute Chopper ride with stunning views of mountains and valleys! Well, the Trek is thankfully underway, else we would probably be cooling our heels in Kathmandu and having to try our luck for tomorrow's flight to Lukla. Tomorrow too, the Guide says we have some stunning views in store..... Walk With Me! 

 

Good morning from Kathmandu!

I reached Kathmandu yday afternoon. Right now (Wed, May 07th), we (group of 5, including me) are in Kathmandu airport waiting to check-in for the 20 minute flight to Lukla. The trek commences from Lukla. Lukla is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world! From Lukla airport, a short 3 hour trek to Phakding, where we will spend the night. Excited, raring to go! Just hoping and praying for good weather along the way. It will make a huge difference. 9 days ascent including 2 days for acclimatisation , 3 days descent. No networks, so no calls. WiFi access available at the 'Tea houses", where we will stay, every night. Hot water, WiFi, bottled drinking water - all of these premium goodies at a premium price. The prices keep increasing as you progress along the slopes!  We are accompanied by a Team leader and 3 Porters / Sherpas, who will carry our stuff. I'm not sure about the regularity of updates, but will do my best! Until the next one.... Walk With Me! 👋

 

 Our Discovery of India, a gruelling mind-blowing pan-India drive that we did in Feb / March 2022, will always be an unforgettable memory. India's rich diversity and culture was on full display, for 36 days, as we travelled 10,400 kms across our beautiful land. I closed out my pan-India travel Blog on April 02nd, 2022, with the words that, perhaps, 'the mighty Himalayas or the North East beckons us'. Well, true enough, I'm off to Kathmandu, in a few days time, to take on the challenge of a once-in-a-lifetime trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC). This has been a burning dream for the past 15 odd years. Two good friends of mine, from Bangalore, raved about their unforgettable EBC Trek. They goaded me to do it, sooner than later, as long as I was physically up to the challenge of trekking to almost 19,000 feet! Well, the knee joints are creaking, but the mind and spirit are just raring to go! From our School days, we have read about the mighty Himalayas and Mount Everest. Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norkay and the like were childhood heroes, a part of folklore, etched into our History books. The Himalayas has inspired visions of spectacular snow-capped Mountain ranges, inhospitable, tough terrain, and, the indomitable spirit and courage of Men who have summitted the peak. Everest Base Camp is the launch pad for the attempt on the Summit of Mount Everest (almost 29,000 feet) and, at this time of the year, I am given to understand that the Base Camp is choker bloc full of Mountaineers waiting for their turn to attempt this audacious, gutsy climb to the peak. People like me, Trekkers to the Base Camp, are amateur Mountaineers wanting a glimpse of Mount Everest and a first-hand experience of the incredible Himalayan landscape. And so, this is "One more from the Bucket List - a close encounter with the mighty Himalayas"! WALK.....WITH ME on this 14-day trek, as I join Trekking enthusiasts on what promises to be yet another mind-blowing life experience! Keep pace with me on my Travel blog 'thespectacularhimalyas.blogspot.com' or, my Insta handle '@aberaj_onefromthebucketlist#WalkWithMe'. Network / connectivity issues along the route might hinder me from acknowledging your messages and your support; nevertheless, the very fact that you are Walking With Me will be a great morale booster! Cheers then, I will touch base from Kathmandu!