After twelve days in the Himalayas and many thousands of units of elevation change, I have successfully returned to the civilized world (read about the trek here if you prefer words to pictures).
I saw yaks, goats, dogs, horses, trekkers from all over the world, and an absurd amount of mountains (you almost take the incredible landscapes for granted after a week – it’s nonstop mind-blowingness).
No matter how expertly composed the photos of a place may be, nothing comes close to seeing things for yourself. Despite my only being to share what I saw via tiny images on the tiny screen in front of you (where you should probably have work-related stuff instead), I have done my best to paint a picture of what can be expected (a lot of mountains).
These are my favorite images from my first (and not my last) trip to the tallest mountains on Earth.
If you have any questions about a specific photo (or are interested in seeing more), then leave a comment below.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, 9,100 ft / 2,800 m and home to only four fatal accidents.A porter on his way out of Lukla. These guys are the heroes of the HimalayasNot a “money” stone, a “mani” stone. Walk clockwise around them to avoid being a rude foreigner.One of many long, high, and shaky suspension bridges that trekkers cross on their way up into the HimalayasThe view of Namche Bazaar – well past hiker midnightHikers overlooking the valley below Namche BazaarThe entrance to the incredible Tengboche MonasteryThe view from inside the Tengboche MonasteryAma Dablam: 22,349 ft / 6,812 m of glorySunset on the highest point on EarthHiking up to Dingboche from TengbocheTaking a break on the way up to Chukhung from DingbocheThe 18,208 ft / 5,550 m summit of Chukhung-RiOne of the many yaks that roam the HimalayasSurrounded by giants on the way to DughlaEverything you need to survive in the HimalayasOne of the many stray dogs that freely roam the mountainsEntertaining myself near LobucheHiking up to Gorak Shep from LobucheThe dry lakebed at Gorak ShepThe highest place on EarthEverest Base Camp!Mount Everest as seen from Kala Patthar at sunriseOn the summit of Kala Patthar – 18,208 ft / 5,550 mSunrise from Kala PattharHeading back down via an alternate route.Snowfall in Namche Bazaar on my last full day in the Himalayas.One of the man awesome kids I met on my journey.
Not all excitement during an Everest Base Camp trek takes place during the day. No, sleeping outside in Namche Bazaar is a sure way to make you new friends.
12 Comments
March or April for hiking to the base camp?
Thank you
Did you mean to call him a “porker”? I am planning a trip to Tokyo in late Oct and it appears they strongly discourage climbing Mt Fuji at this time. In fact they require a “portable toilet”. I live and hike in the White Mountains of NH. Do you think they are being over cautious or is Mt Fuji safe at this time of the year?
Awesome pictures and site!
Dan
I did not, so thanks for the correction! I don’t think Fuji is dangerous at that time of year. It’s just that the facilities will be closed and it is outside the “official climbing season”. The Japanese are big on rules so for them, climbing Fuji out of season would definitely be considered “dangerous”, but I would say that you’re fine.
Hey! I found your blog via Pinterest and it’s super rad. I spent a few months hiking in Nepal last fall and I loved it. The 3 Passes might have been my favorite. Ama Dablam base camp was a cool stop. Anyway, thanks for your useful PCT info. I’m currently having the internal debate of if next year will be the PCT or GHT. :)
Yeah, I think the GHT is what I’m leaning more toward. I love logistical challenges and trying to avoid altitude sickness:) I just saw your other post about the 3 Passes. Did you end up going back to do that trek?
Having spent a certain amount of time wandering around annapurna/everest/peru/lycian way and planning to hike the PCT this year ( despite the fact I hate hiking ), I must admit falling on your blog and reading your shit is a relief. Other alien on the same planet. Thank god.
Not only a great adventure, but some beautiful photos documenting it! I’m particularly impressed by the fact that you didn’t feel compelled to deposit your frozen body on Everest for all time and eternity – way to go – a RESPONSIBLE adventurer!
Reading Time: 4 minutes 
March or April for hiking to the base camp?
Thank you
For fewer crowds, March. For warmer temperatures, April.
Did you mean to call him a “porker”? I am planning a trip to Tokyo in late Oct and it appears they strongly discourage climbing Mt Fuji at this time. In fact they require a “portable toilet”. I live and hike in the White Mountains of NH. Do you think they are being over cautious or is Mt Fuji safe at this time of the year?
Awesome pictures and site!
Dan
I did not, so thanks for the correction! I don’t think Fuji is dangerous at that time of year. It’s just that the facilities will be closed and it is outside the “official climbing season”. The Japanese are big on rules so for them, climbing Fuji out of season would definitely be considered “dangerous”, but I would say that you’re fine.
Hey! I found your blog via Pinterest and it’s super rad. I spent a few months hiking in Nepal last fall and I loved it. The 3 Passes might have been my favorite. Ama Dablam base camp was a cool stop. Anyway, thanks for your useful PCT info. I’m currently having the internal debate of if next year will be the PCT or GHT. :)
The GHT would be awesome. I think if you’re up for it then you should for sure head back to Nepal.
Yeah, I think the GHT is what I’m leaning more toward. I love logistical challenges and trying to avoid altitude sickness:) I just saw your other post about the 3 Passes. Did you end up going back to do that trek?
I did! However, I am ages behind on posting it here. Before the year is up it will have been documented.
Having spent a certain amount of time wandering around annapurna/everest/peru/lycian way and planning to hike the PCT this year ( despite the fact I hate hiking ), I must admit falling on your blog and reading your shit is a relief. Other alien on the same planet. Thank god.
Keep wandering and I’ll keep writing, friend.
Not only a great adventure, but some beautiful photos documenting it! I’m particularly impressed by the fact that you didn’t feel compelled to deposit your frozen body on Everest for all time and eternity – way to go – a RESPONSIBLE adventurer!
Responsibility is my middle name (my parents really screwed me on that one).
Happy to be able to share the photos with you!