Everest, for the inspired

Bags packed, we were ready to go — a mother and son, off on their biggest adventure yet! For regular climbers all around the world, Mount Everest is something of an idol to be worshiped. My mother does it, and so do I. When we decided to finally trek to the Everest Base Camp, it was a journey that many said would never be completed. And those doubts are justified to a large extent — rocky terrain, turbulent weather, altitudes and storms — these factors aren’t exactly easy to overcome.

We began our adventure toward the mystical mountain on April 8. We flew to Delhi and then took a connecting flight to Kathmandu. The first step was to get ready for the start of an unforgettable journey. We set off to the airport, all ready to fly to Lukla — the first stop on our trek. An enthralling experience like this can’t be easy, but little did we think we’d have to face our first obstacle on the first day.

The flight to Lukla was cancelled due to turbulent weather conditions, and we lost a day. Losing a day can prove costly on a scheduled trek like this. But better than fretting, we decided to make the most of our time there. We visited a temple called Pashupathinath — a beautiful temple that makes the noise of the city that one is so attuned to, drown out, making your surroundings ever so peaceful.
The next day, we set off once again, in the hope of officially starting our journey.

The Gods heard our prayers, our flight to Lukla was scheduled to take off and we arrived at around 9:00 am, rested a bit and got ready to start our first trek towards Phakding. We crossed our first bridge here, and it was also where I (Pranav) almost changed my mind about the expedition. Being afraid of heights is never an advantage, and certainly not when you’re crossing a bridge at the height of 8,000 feet. I walked, step after step, trying to fight my fear, and it worked. Little did I know that my funny, scared gait would soon become a joke to entertain the crowd as we were 10,000 feet high up in the mountains. The air was still, bright and sunny at that point, the land barren, peppered with shrubs and bushes, surprising for the path leading to Mount Everest. And here, we got a view of the beautiful Dudh Kosi River — its crystal-clear waves gurgling and reflecting the light — spectacular.

We then left the view behind, and trekked onto a place called Namche — a place familiar to many climbers on the Everest trail. This is also the acclimatisation point. From this point on, up is the only way to go, but it can be very tough so it is important to get your body ready for it, the thin air and heights. This was also where one gets the first view of a grand mountain, which makes all of it worth it, and if possible, adds more meaning to the whole trip. There is a sense of purpose that refreshes you and the view is spectacular.

From here on, it was about gritting your teeth and getting it over with. One of the loveliest things about going on a trip like this is that you get to meet people who are there for the same reason. They feel your fear and hesitation, and the need for adrenaline, and share experiences. The lot of us eventually form a group and pass time by playing cards and talking, keeping ourselves occupied until the next trek. It is vital that you take part in this community if you are to make it up there happy and healthy — the altitude can take a real toll on one’s health and state of mind.

The next stop was Tengboche and Dingboche, and this is where your body is really tested. The incline of the climb is close to 75 degrees and the climate takes a drastic turn — from sun to snow. Each flake of snow hits your eyes, and the ice under your feet makes it hard to take the next step — one is constantly humbled by the thoughts of a worst-case scenario. And though this might have been trying, none of us expected what we faced next — a snow storm.

If being 14,000 feet high was not enough, we had to walk in reverse to beat the wind and make sure we made it through the trek without getting injured. The scene was nothing short of a winter blizzard. And though the snow stopped, the winds did not relent. They kept going and followed us until Lobuche, and cooked up a perfect storm — a sand storm! At this point, all one really wants to do is get the trek over with — the previous glimpse of Everest fuelling our perseverance.
After braving two storms and a multitude of other obstacles, we prepared to finally come face to face with our muse — the greatest Mountain. But, fate, it seemed had a different plan for us. I was faced with our toughest climb yet. We had to complete two steep climbs at Gorakshep and I could feel my lungs giving up. Every step was harder than the last, and it seemed like I might not make it.
But we did make it, and boy, what a feeling that was! To feel the cool, crisp wind hitting your face and the sheer relief of finishing what you set out to do. My mother was ecstatic, and running around in complete disbelief. Me on the other hand, I was just sitting on a rock, trying to catch my breath.

In the area, there is a prayer rock that people leave their prayers on. Little chits of paper and coloured flags that paint the stark white of the base camp. The sight is truly marvellous, and really puts things into perspective. One doesn’t realise the kind of peace that they could have until they experience this. You may have a brief idea of an “escape” away from the city and its noise, but nothing could even come close to what this summit presents you with — a serene giant opening her arms to you and welcoming you. But always remember, the higher you climb, the further you have to fall. And it’s a long way down from 17,500 feet!

— The writer is a  Grade 10 student at New Horizon Public School in Bengaluru