Everest Base Camp

OK, so this is the one that all hikers dream about, a trek to the base of the tallest mountain. A non-technical climb that only requires you to put one foot in front of another while taking you through some of the most spectacular mountain panoramas anywhere on earth. Of course, we had to do it !

You start the trip by flying into the precariously situated mountainside village of Lukla. The 30 minute flight is an adventure in itself as you wing your way up the steep-walled valley of the Dudh Kosi and land on an airstrip that is merely 527 meters long with a near 20% incline.

From there you trek up a route that takes you through lush valleys, remote Tibetan monasteries, sherpa villages and across mountain passes. Nine days and approximately 40 miles later, after walking past innumerable stupas and manis and dodging countless porters, dzopkes and yaks, you reach the foot of the Khumbu glacier. You walk along the glacial moraine till you are stopped in you tracks by the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. You are at Everest Base camp, hallowed ground that has been the launching pad for all those who have attempted to summit Everest from the south. And the reward for climbing to the top of Kala Patthar (5645 mts / 18500 ft). Stunning views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Everest !

NOTE: Most of the information and pictures in this photo album have also been included in the website http://everest.malinikaushik.com. That site also contains a narrative to accompany the story. Most of the text in this album has been copied from there. However, there are more photos in this album than on the website. If you only wish to go through one, then we recommend the website.