Outdoor Adventure

Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal, is a city full of vibrant culture, history, and adventure. After a grueling trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, what could be better than winding down with a comfortable ride in a taxi, on your way to the home of your guide? Getting into a Kathmandu city adventure is definitely the best way to spend your last day here.

Visiting Swayambhunath Buddhist Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu after the devastating earthquake in 2015 was a powerful and emotional experience. The temple, which is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, sustained significant damage during the quake, but has since been partially restored.

It was a chilly evening at Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, in Lukla Town as I sat waiting for my flight back to Kathmandu. The airport, located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla Town can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, as the tiny airport has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous in the world. However, the stunning views of the Himalayas during the flight make it all worth it.

Descending from Phakding to Lukla, one is immediately struck by the beauty of the villages and surrounding areas. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with steep inclines and rocky paths. The villages themselves are nestled amongst the peaks, their traditional architecture blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

As we set out from Gorak Shep, the trail begins with a steep descent through rocky terrain. As hikers make their way down, they will have the opportunity to take in the awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, we passed by several small lakes, which offer a great spot to rest and take in the scenery. The air is crisp and clear, and the sun beats down on your face, warming you as you make your way down.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a journey of a lifetime, and the final stretch from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is a culmination of weeks of hard work and determination. The emotions that come with finally reaching the final destination are indescribable, a mix of elation, exhaustion, and accomplishment.

Kala Patthar acclimatization starts from the village of Gorak Shep, which is the last stop before reaching the base camp of Mount Everest. From Gorak Shep, the trail to Kala Patthar begins with a steep climb through rocky terrain and boulder fields. The ascent is steep and can be challenging, especially at high altitude, but the trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

The scenery on the journey from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is truly breathtaking. As you trek through the Khumbu valley, you will be surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. The trail winds through beautiful alpine forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan thar, musk deer, and yaks. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparser, giving way to rocky terrain and glacial rivers.

The Thukla Pass and Scott Fischer’s Memorial is a significant site on the trek, paying tribute to mountaineers Scott Fischer and Anatoli Boukreev, who lost their lives during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The memorial includes a prayer flag and a plaque with their names, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers of scaling the world’s highest peak.