A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Trek to Everest Base Camp

Among the most unforgettable experiences of my life, the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) stands out as truly extraordinary.

Organized by Giripremi Adventure Foundation (GAF), a leading non-profit in the world of mountaineering and adventure treks, this journey was remarkable. It’s important to mention GAF upfront their flawless execution, constant encouragement, warm outreach, and personal attention were instrumental. Without them, many of us might not have made it through.

Our group was a diverse mix of ages and professions, with a near one-to-one ratio of men and women. Everyone took a couple of days to connect. However, once we did, we shared incredible camaraderie—filled with energy, laughter, stories, and, above all, unwavering moral support. Interestingly, there were four of us above 60 Shantinath, Anil, and Kirit who initially tried to lead the way to ensure we didn’t slow down. Nevertheless, a few others surprisingly managed to beat us in slowness!!! (Am sure, Shweta will take this as a compliment!)

The Amazing Team!!

The trek began with the usual uncertainty of flights to Lukla a common challenge in this region. We were split into two groups: one reached Lukla, the other got stranded in Ramechhap. Yet, we remained unfazed. At that point, everything still felt manageable, unaware of the adversities that lay ahead.

Even when our trek leaders later announced that we’d need to complete our return journey in three days instead of the planned four, we stayed steady. The real test was just beginning.

The trek was arduous.  It’s one thing to hike and another to trek!! Walking 10-12 kms day-after-day with an average elevation gain of 300 meters is a lot. And that too with cold weather, like you’d typically experience in the Himalayas, and walkways filled with tedious steps. There were pebbled paths, stretches of dusty roads, and people with horses coming from the opposite direction carrying heavy luggage..

Everest Base Camp Journey recorded on Strava:

It took us 9 days to reach the base camp (elevation 5364 meters, almost 17,600 feet). We gained 2.5 KM in net elevation over approximately 70 KM walk. Am sure with all the ups and downs we would have climbed more than 5 KMs.  Several days we climbed almost 500 to 700 meters in a day.  One of the companions, Prashant Patil, religiously tracked our journey on Strava (thanks to him and Strava).

The trek was an emotional test as well. A few of our teammates fell ill, with oxygen levels dropping as low as 35%. Thankfully, all of us had insurance, and three members were evacuated by helicopter back to Lukla and admitted to a hospital. The incident cast a shadow of despair over the group some broke down in tears. However, in that vulnerable moment, our GAF lead Mr. Umesh Zirpe, Nikunj, and Sherpa leader Ngwang rose to the occasion. They managed the crisis calmly and kept everyone united. They ensured we stayed focused and committed to moving forward on the path.

We were also fortunate to be joined at Dingboche by the lead person of Giripremi Club, Mr. Umesh Zirpe, who was enroute to Base Camp to meet his summit team. Spending that evening with him was a privilege. Over several cups of coffee, he generously shared stories from his own mountaineering expeditions an inspiring reminder of the grit and grace it takes to reach great heights.

Experiencing the Sherpa Lifestyle

One of the most humbling parts of the trek was witnessing the resilience of the local communities. Life in the small villages scattered across the Himalayas is tough everything must be carried by yaks, horses, or on the backs of porters. In that vast, challenging world, my own life felt like a tiny fragment. What truly mattered was the concern and camaraderie of our teammates, the quiet strength of the support staff, and the contentment in the eyes of the locals, despite the hardships they face daily.

And finally the cries of joy! As we reached Everest Base Camp, many of us couldn’t hold back our tears. It was a moment of pure emotion a pleasure, a release, and a profound realization about life.

I’d like to end with my deepest appreciation for the Sherpas Ngwang, Galje Sherpa, and his team: Babu, Tenzing, Shere, and the porters who carried more than just our luggage they carried our hopes.

A heartfelt thank you to Nikunj, a composed and passionate 23-year-old trek leader with dreams of summiting Everest himself.

Wishing GAF and its remarkable team every success. May your dreams come true, and may you continue to climb to greater heights—on the mountains, and in life.