Leaving home for the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek was an emotional milestone for me. It wasn’t just about setting off on a grand adventure; it was about embracing the unknown, carrying with me the love and blessings of my family. The morning I left was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. My mom, dad, brother, and cousin all gathered to see me off, each one offering their best wishes, blessings, and a flurry of advice.
My dad’s voice was filled with a mixture of pride and concern as he reminded me to stay warm and take care of my health. My mom, ever practical, had a list of do’s and don’ts that I mentally noted. My brother was enthusiastic, encouraging me to capture every moment, and my cousin threw in some light-hearted banter, reminding me not to jump off the cliffs and not to forget the simple joys amidst the challenges. With all these thoughts swirling in my mind, I left home, feeling both grounded by their love and eager to step into the adventure that awaited.
The First Leg: From Home to Darbhanga
The drive to the airport was a whirlwind of anticipation and excitement. As I arrived, a rush of emotions swept over me. This was it—after months of meticulous planning and eager preparation, the moment had finally come. I took a deep breath, letting the reality sink in: I was on my way to Everest Base Camp. Boarding the flight with Nirmal Prakash (NP) felt surreal, a tangible step towards an incredible adventure.
When we landed in Darbhanga, Bihar, a profound sense of calm and readiness enveloped me. The conversations about previous trekking experiences from NP made the arrival feel like a comforting prelude to what lay ahead. Our time in Darbhanga was more than just a stopover; it was a chance to relax and soak in the warmth of Sujay uncle’s hospitality. Their home was a sanctuary of art and creativity, adorned with an eclectic collection of artefacts and paintings that told stories of far-off lands and rich traditions. Each room was a gallery in itself, with vibrant, hand-painted canvases and intricately crafted sculptures creating a visual symphony. The walls were lined with exquisite art pieces, each carefully chosen to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination. Every corner of the house brimmed with artistic flair, transforming it into a haven where every moment felt infused with creativity and inspiration. Engaging in lively discussions and savouring Panditji’s delicious dinner of aloo bhujia and puri, complemented by a tangy green chili pickle, was a heartwarming experience that made the journey even more special.
The next morning, as we set out from Darbhanga towards Janakpur airport, the countryside’s serenity contrasted starkly with the bubbling excitement within me. Meeting Gyan Prakash, the fifth member of our trekking group, felt like another piece falling into place in this grand adventure. It was also a significant day in India, with the Lok Sabha elections’ vote counting underway. The political fervor was palpable, even in the quiet corners of Bihar, and our conversations seamlessly shifted between the unfolding election results and the excitement of the trek ahead.
Arrival in Kathmandu: A City of Culture and Chaos
Upon reaching Janakpur airport, anticipation tinged with impatience marked our wait for the flight to Kathmandu with Yeti Airlines. The excitement of the journey was palpable, but as soon as we landed in Kathmandu, the skies seemed to burst open in a dramatic downpour. The rain, though heavy, felt like a cleansing prelude to our adventure. We were relieved and thrilled that the weather hadn’t caused any delays.
Navigating through the torrential rain, a sense of exhilaration and awe took over as we finally reached our hotel in Thamel. The heart of Kathmandu welcomed us with open arms, and we were greeted warmly by the team from The Third Rock Adventures, who would be guiding us through our trek. Their enthusiasm and friendliness helped dissipate the fatigue from our travels.
After checking in, we took a moment to absorb the reality of being in Kathmandu. The city’s energy was electric—bustling streets, a cacophony of sounds, and a vibrant mix of tourists, trekkers, and locals. The juxtaposition of ancient temples and modern chaos created a captivating backdrop, making it feel like the perfect gateway to the Himalayas.
For lunch, we decided to indulge in a traditional Nepali thali. The rich, comforting flavors were a delightful introduction to Nepali cuisine, and each bite felt like a warm embrace from the country that would host us over the coming weeks. The meal was more than just food; it was a symbol of the new experiences and adventures that awaited us.
Gearing Up: Preparing for the Trek
Post-lunch, we had a checklist to complete. We headed out to collect our duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket—essential gear for the cold nights we would soon face. The shops in Thamel are a trekker’s paradise, with rows of stores offering every piece of equipment imaginable. We also picked up a few other essentials, ensuring we were fully prepared for the trek.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a stop at Himalayan Java Cafe. The experience was nothing short of amazing. The coffee was rich and aromatic, and the ambience of the cafe, with its cozy interiors and views of the bustling streets, made it a perfect place to unwind. We sat there for a while, sipping our coffee and letting the excitement of the day wash over us. It was a moment of calm before the storm, a brief respite before the trek truly began.
Exploring Thamel: A Culinary Adventure
As evening draped over Kathmandu, we returned to our hotel to freshen up before dinner. Thamel, alive with its vibrant energy, is renowned for its eclectic dining scene. We decided to try Fire and Ice Pizzeria, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The anticipation was palpable, and as soon as the pizza arrived, it exceeded our expectations. The combination of rich Italian flavors with a unique Nepali twist created a culinary experience that was both comforting and exhilarating. Each bite was a revelation, and we savored every moment of this delightful meal, which was a perfect prelude to the adventure ahead.
Back at the hotel, the process of packing our duffel bags began. It was a task filled with a mix of excitement and precision. Each item had to be meticulously packed—balancing necessity with weight constraints. The excitement of preparing for the trek was palpable, and each item packed represented a step closer to the adventure we had been eagerly anticipating. As we arranged our gear, the atmosphere was charged with an additional layer of anticipation, thanks to the ongoing Lok Sabha election results. The steady stream of updates added a sense of urgency and thrill to our preparations.
Late-Night Discussions: Politics and Trekking
By the time we finished packing, the night had deepened, but sleep was elusive. NP and I were riveted to our phones, tracking the election results with growing fascination. The day’s earlier discussions about politics now felt charged with urgency as we watched the numbers unfold, engaging in spirited debates about the potential impact of the election outcomes. It was a captivating juxtaposition—witnessing the democratic process in action while we stood on the brink of our own significant journey.
The hours slipped away as our discussions continued late into the night, extending past 2 AM. Despite the looming early morning flight to Lukla, exhaustion was the last thing on our minds. The intoxicating mix of election fervour and the impending trek kept our adrenaline high and our minds sharp. The excitement of what lay ahead, both in the world of politics and our personal adventure, made for an unforgettable prelude to the journey we were about to undertake.The Excitement Builds: Departure to Lukla
Finally, around 4:30 AM, we gathered our bags and left for the airport. The streets of Kathmandu were quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling day before. As we drove through the early morning darkness, the reality of what we were about to do hit me. We were about to embark on a journey that would take us to the foot of the world’s highest peak. The excitement was palpable, mixed with a healthy dose of nerves.
The flight to Lukla, often called one of the most dangerous airports in the world, is an adventure in itself. As we boarded the small plane, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. This was the beginning of a journey that I had dreamed of for years, a journey that would test my limits and offer experiences unlike any other.
Reflecting on the Day: Hope and Anticipation
As we flew towards Lukla, the early morning light began to illuminate the landscape below. The mountains, still distant, beckoned us forward, promising challenges, beauty, and a sense of accomplishment. I looked over at skies, and exchanged a smile with the clouds—no words were needed to express the excitement I felt.
The events of the past two days played through my mind: the emotional farewell at home, the calm of Darbhanga, the political discussions in Janakpur, the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, and now, the serene approach to the Himalayas. Each moment had built up to this, and now we were on the brink of the adventure.
As the plane neared Lukla, I felt a sense of peace and readiness. The journey to Everest Base Camp was not just about reaching a destination; it was about every step, every moment, every experience along the way. With hope in our hearts and excitement in our eyes, we were ready for the adventure that lay ahead.
— NGarg
[Note – More stories from this journey will unfold in the upcoming blog posts. Stay connected as I share the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, and the incredible experiences of trekking to Everest Base Camp.]
Law And Policy 