Page 21 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

Everest Base Camp Trek 2019
I am currently working as a Nurse Practitioner and the reason why I took on this challenge is I have a passion for hiking and animals and by completing it I raised £800.00 for the RSPCA.
Following two flights I arrived at Kathmandu, heading to the hotel where I met my seven companions for the trek. After just three hours sleep and a long bus journey on extreme roads, we arrived at Manthali airport exhausted. At Lukla we boarded a tiny airplane to fly the most dangerous flight in the world; commencing our trek almost immediately, by heading up the valley of Dudh Kosi, then down through a forested valley to Phakding, where we stayed overnight.
Trekking in 30-degree heat, the climb to Namche Bazaar was steep and seemed never ending. Arriving at the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3440m), we were encouraged to drink 4-5 litres of water per day to help stave off altitude sickness.
On our fifth day we climbed steeply out of Namche to the Everest View Hotel, but unfortunately we couldn’t see Everest, as it was surrounded by mist and it felt like we were sitting in the clouds. Following a short break, we continued to Khumjung where we visited Edmund Hillary school, hospital and on to the monastery; then continuing down the trail to Kyanjuma where we spent the night at 3600m. We quickly learned that we trek high but sleep low, and every day we would climb high and then descend down to sleep; this helped us to acclimatise.
On day six we descended to the river Phunki Thangkha at 3250m, then climbed steeply through the forest at Thyangboche to 3867m, experiencing astonishing views, although we still had some mist when we arrived. However, we awoke to clear skies and, breath taking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
The next day we headed through the forest to Devonche, and entered Pangboche at 3900m, the highest permanent settlement in the valley. We continued to Shomore, then climbing steeply we arrived at Dingboche (4350m). Here you could really feel the altitude and how cold it was after the sun went down (minus 10-25C). Having no flushing toilets or hot running water made things harder as the facilities reduced the higher we ascended.
The eighth day was an acclimatisation day; however, this didn’t mean we were relaxing. Instead we climbed the Nangkarartshanng Peak at 5100m which allowed us to view Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam. On
reaching the peak at 5100m we celebrated as it was the highest any of us had ever climbed.
The day after was a steep climb out of Dingboche to Dugla, then on to Chukpo Lari, stopping for reflection at Chukpo Lari where numerous memorials are laid in tribute to all who had lost their lives on Everest. Next, we made our way to Lobule, there we had the opportunity to see the glorious Khumbu glacier. The altitude was challenging so we took our time, aware of the risks of altitude sickness. It’s a constant reminder when you see people unwell being taken off the mountain.
Day ten was the longest and hardest day of the trip with a 10 hour trek and saw us hike towards Gorek Shep (5184 m). We ascended the side of the glacier and then descended into the glacier itself. We moved up through fascinating ice seracs to Everest base camp. On arrival we celebrated our achievement and reflected on how far we had come, before retracing our steps back down to Gorek Shep where we slept overnight.
Over the following four days we descended the mountain, first to Lobuje and then spent a night a Pheriche, and as the altitude decreased, we all felt better. We moved down the mountain and pushed on to Devonche, Kyanjuma, Namche and on to Monzo. On our last day of hiking we retraced our steps to Chaunrikhara and then climbed to Lukla.
Our final days included a day of travelling – the flight from Lukla to Manthali and a bus drive to Kathmandu. We also spent a day exploring Kathmandu, witnessing the devastation of the earthquake that is still very evident, and on day 17 we all boarded our flights for the long journey home.
The Everest base camp trek was everything I had imagined and more. It was challenging both physically and mentally. I met some fantastic people and experienced things I’ll never forget or experience again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking; however, you must be prepared for the lack of facilities, and interesting accommodation. Though if you are willing to sacrifice your creature comforts and prepare enough you will see some of the most breath- taking scenery. You will walk where many haven’t and where for many it was their last steps. I highly recommend the Everest base camp trek, as it is a challenging, humbling and exhilarating experience and one I shall never forget.
Corporal Clare Lunt 208 Field Hospital
The Gazette QARANC Association 19
Corporal Clare Lunt flying the flag for 208 Field Hospital at Everest Base Camp
Team Photo at Base Camp