Fundraising event for the MS Society - Everest base camp trek

I thought that a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp would be an adventure and a once in a lifetime experience and a great fundraising event for the MS Society. That is exactly what it turned out to be and Himalaya Glacier Trekking made it come true.

I was a complete novice at this type of vacation and from my initial inquiry to Himalayan Glacier Trekking , through the next ten months, my numerous questions and e-mails, regular newsletters, previous client contacts and throughout the trek itself I cannot say enough about Himalayan Glacier Trekking and their staff.

The guide on the tour of Kathmandu was extremely knowledgeable and made it a memorable day of sight seeing in a very colourful, historical and vibrant city.

The trek started off with the controlled chaos of the airport which was an adventure in itself. We were shepherd through all the chaos and accompanied on the flight by our guide Dev Rat Giri (Giri). On our arrival at Lukla we were met by Lalman, our Sherpa, and Lakpa our porter. What a team they turned out to be.

I am sure that during the first couple of days Giri must have wonder what he had got into especially with me on the climb up to Namche Bazaar. His encouragement, controlling the pace and literally talking me up the climb convinced me that I could do it and he was going to get me safely to Base Camp.

On the trail, at the tea houses, at meal times, during ‘free’ time, making sure we were drinking enough water and watching us for any signs of altitude problems we could not have asked for a more helpful, attentive and supportive guide than Giri. Giri and his team took care of everything and made the whole trek a positive, exciting and the most enjoyable experience especially for someone who had never been on a hike twelve months previously. You could not ask for better support.

With Lapka setting out early each morning for tonight’s stop to make sure that we had the best rooms available all we had to do was worry about was the days trek. Lalman stuck to us as close as a shadow and we made the slightest slip or stumble on the trail he was at your shoulder and had a hand on your arm. Nothing could go wrong with attention like that.

Our ten day trek up to Base Camp, including the two “rest / acclimatization days” was a day or two longer than many groups we came across. Many of those other groups experienced altitude issues and I believe it was the extra days and Giri’s attention to detail that made our trek such a comfortable and safe journey and made realizing my dream possible.

A post trek dinner with Naba at Rum Doodle was a very enjoyable and fitting close to my great adventure.

At 63 would I do it again? Probably not.

Would I recommend Himalaya Glacier Treking? Asolutely, without the slightest hesitation.

Best Regards

Jeremy Heatley

Canada

Oct 2008