Everest Base Camp Trek: A Journey of Adventure, Emotions, and Dreams
2026-06-07 12:13 PMWith great excitement to begin the journey to Everest Base Camp, I was accompanied by a guest from France. The day before our departure, we met in Thamel and purchased some trekking essentials and medicines needed for the trek. In the evening, we packed our bags and made the final preparations for our adventure.
At 1:00 AM, we left Thamel in a booked Hiace van heading toward Ramechhap Airport. The vehicle departed from near the Sanchaya Kosh Building in Kathmandu and continued eastward via Dhulikhel. Around 5:00 AM, we stopped for a cup of coffee before continuing our journey. By approximately 6:00 AM, we arrived at Ramechhap Airport.
The airport was extremely crowded. Upon arrival, we learned that many flights from the previous day had been canceled due to bad weather. We patiently waited for our turn, hoping for better conditions. Although a few flights managed to depart, the weather deteriorated once again, and all remaining flights for the day were canceled.
As a result, we stayed at a nearby hotel. Coincidentally, a trekking colleague I knew arrived there with a group of fourteen foreign travelers. We spent the evening together and enjoyed dinner as a group. Despite the flight cancellations, the day turned out to be enjoyable and memorable.
The following morning, we returned to the airport. The situation remained much the same—crowded, busy, and uncertain. There, we met another European traveler facing the same challenge. After checking in, we boarded a Sita Air aircraft and waited for departure. However, just as the aircraft was preparing to take off, we received news that weather conditions in both Lukla and Phaplu were unfavorable. Once again, the flight was canceled, and we were asked to disembark.
Determined to continue our journey, my French guest, the European traveler, and I hired a vehicle and set off for Phaplu.
What followed was an unforgettable road trip. Following the Sun Koshi River and heading toward Okhaldhunga, the air gradually became cooler and fresher. The winding mountain roads, traditional villages, lush hillsides, and dramatic scenery made every kilometer worthwhile. After several hours of travel, we reached Salleri and continued onward to Phaplu, where we spent the night.
After breakfast the next morning, we hired another vehicle. The road ahead was much more challenging. The rough dirt track required our driver to navigate carefully through steep mountain terrain. As we reached Tham Danda, another vehicle approached from the opposite direction on a narrow cliff-side road. Our driver carefully pulled to the edge to make room. Looking down, we could see a terrifying drop into the valley below. The European traveler sitting by the window became so frightened that he immediately moved to the middle seat. It was a nerve-racking but unforgettable experience.
Eventually, we arrived at Surke around 2:00 PM, where our porter, Mani Dai, met us. This marked the true beginning of our Everest Base Camp Trek.
After a short tea break, we trekked to Phakding and spent the night there. The lodge owners had a fascinating story. The wife was from Manang and the husband was a local Sherpa. They had met while studying together in Kathmandu and married only a year earlier. We spent the evening talking with them while my guest enjoyed her first night on the Everest trail.
The next day, we followed the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing suspension bridges and passing through beautiful pine forests until we reached Monjo. Here, our official entry into Sagarmatha National Park began. After lunch in Jorsalle, we continued toward the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Beyond the bridge, the steep climb to Namche Bazaar tested our endurance. After nearly one and a half hours of uphill walking, we finally arrived in Namche.
We stayed in Namche for two nights to acclimatize. During our stay, my guest generously bought a jacket for our porter, Mani Dai. Her kindness deeply impressed us.
The following morning, we hiked to Everest View Hotel. Fresh snow covered parts of the trail, but we continued carefully. Then came a moment that neither of us will ever forget.
As my guest caught his first glimpse of Mount Everest, tears of joy began rolling down his cheeks. Seeing her reaction made me emotional as well. We sat with cups of coffee, admiring Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khumbila, and countless other Himalayan peaks. Helicopters landed and departed nearby while clouds slowly drifted across the mountains. It was a magical experience.
After descending, we explored the Sherpa village and local museum before returning to hotel in Namche.
The next stage of our journey led us through Tengboche and onward to Pangboche. Along the trail, we met trekkers from many different countries, sharing greetings and stories before continuing on our separate paths. That night, we stayed in Pangboche.
The following day, we reached Dingboche. Upon arrival, my guest began suffering from severe tooth pain. Although she took medication, the pain seemed to worsen as temperatures dropped. Fortunately, the weather cleared completely that evening, revealing one of the most spectacular Himalayan panoramas I had ever witnessed.
Surrounded by towering peaks, including Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Kangtega, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku, we felt as though we were standing in paradise. Words could hardly describe the feeling. There is a vast difference between hearing about the Himalayas and experiencing them in person.
That night, we also assisted another trekker who was struggling with low oxygen levels. The following day, we completed an acclimatization hike around Dingboche, enjoying even more breathtaking mountain views.
After two nights in Dingboche, we continued upward. Heavy snowfall had covered parts of the trail, causing us to briefly lose our way. Fortunately, we relocated the route and continued safely. After lunch in Thukla and a challenging climb beyond the memorial area, we reached Lobuche.
The next day was one we had all been waiting for.
After breakfast, we trekked to Gorak Shep and continued onward toward Everest Base Camp. Along the trail, we once again assisted a trekker experiencing altitude-related difficulties.
When we finally reached Everest Base Camp, my guest became emotional for a second time.
She carefully removed a photograph of her late father from her backpack and held it close to her chest while standing beside the famous Everest Base Camp marker. His father's lifelong dream had been to visit Everest Base Camp, but sadly he had passed away before fulfilling that dream.
At that moment, standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain, my guest was not only achieving his own goal but also honoring her father's memory.
After taking photographs and celebrating the achievement, we returned to Gorak Shep. Unfortunately, due to the combination of high altitude and her worsening tooth pain, we decided to cancel our original plan to continue toward Gokyo. Although disappointing, reaching Everest Base Camp itself was an extraordinary accomplishment.
The next morning, we began our descent. Apart from one porter slipping on the trail without serious injury, the return journey was smooth and enjoyable. We spent nights in Pangboche, Monjo, and finally Lukla.
On the final day, the weather was clear and favorable. We boarded a Sita Air flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. The aircraft was quite noisy, and by the time we landed, our ears were aching from the sound and pressure. From Ramechhap, we traveled back to Kathmandu.
As our journey came to an end, my guest sincerely thanked me for all the support, guidance, and assistance throughout the trek. As a gesture of appreciation, she generously offered me a tip. I thanked her warmly and expressed my gratitude for the opportunity to accompany her on such a meaningful adventure.
Before parting ways, we wished each other success, happiness, and safe travels. What had started as a trekking trip had become something much more—a journey of friendship, resilience, emotions, and dreams fulfilled beneath the shadow of Mount Everest.
The trek was over, but the memories would remain forever.