Everest Base Camp Trek - Part 1

Everest Base Camp Trek Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6

We were all gathered in Kathmandu in one hotel ready to embark on one of the toughest trek we had attempted. It was evening and a small briefing was planned before we took off to Lukla next morning. It was here that I met the batch that was going to be together for next 10-12 days for the journey to the Everest Base Camp.

Lukla Airport

The briefing happened in the dining area of our hotel. The important message was to stick together and follow the instructions of our guide. It was November. Very few trekkers attempt EBC during the winter. We were truly an adventurous lot.

Our plane and luggage @ Lukla

Next morning we reached airport in darkness. We were asked to keep everything in two bags - one that the sherpas will carry should not be more than 15Kg, the other was supposed to be carried by us keeping items that we will need while trekking. We were asked to check-in the first bag. It took another hour but we finally settled in our plane.

View from Lukla Airport

It was the smallest plane I had traveled in. The Dornier is a 16-seater compact plane to land on short strips. Our check-in baggage was tucked in at the back. Each of us was sitting on a window seat. We enjoyed the Himalayas and within an hour we were ready to land. It was some view.

View from Lukla

Lukla Airport, officially the most dangerous airport in South Asia is a tiny strip in the mountains at 10000ft with valley on both sides. From our viewpoint it was looking microscopic. Our first impression was that there is no way we can land there and it was a terrible way to die. We did land comfortably and checked-out quickly.