Blog #3 Everest Adventure 2024
So what’s a day on the trail actually like?
With apologies to The Beatles, it’s a bit like this….“Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head”
Kind, gentle Nepal is a true Himalayan gem. Sharing Everest, the Earth's highest mountain, on its northern border, and with seven more 8,000m (26,246 ft) peaks sprinkled around the country, Nepal has the best trekking in the world. Sitting in a bowl of Himalayan mountain peaks, the capital Kathmandu is surely one of the world's most fascinating cities. For decades it has served as a hub for a colourful mix of travellers, trekkers, and hippies from around the world, and in its famous Durbar Square, every day a theatre of Hindu and Buddhist traditions play out.
A trek to Everest is on many bucket lists and for good reason. It is undeniably one of the most spectacular treks in the world. We take less travelled routes and visit traditional and unique villages to ensure an authentic experience. We travel in winter to escape the crowds and get spectacular views. As a remote trek specialist we bring our own ethos of exploration, travelling light and being flexible to this trek. We take more time acclimating than most operators to give you the best chance of enjoying your time on the trail. The trek incorporates spectacular flights, meals and accommodation in lodges along the way, a Brisbane-based guide and experienced local staff who will soon feel like family.
Morning
Set your alarm for around 6am so you have plenty of time to wake up, get dressed and be ready for the day ahead. It will be important for you to pack your bag early as your porter will want to ensure it will be at your destination on time. By 7am bags will have been collected breakfast will be ready. Breakfast will look different depending on the village but there is usually porridge, eggs, toast, hot drinks and other items available for you to enjoy, and plenty of time to enjoy that second (or third) cup of tea before starting out. Being on the trail by 8am is the goal most days. This makes sure that there will be enough time to reach the daily destination without rushing or having to walk in the dark. It also allows for opportunities to stop and take photos or explore on the way. Starting out early also means that you will be able to stop for a break of tea and biscuits or other snacks around 10am.
Afternoon
Depending on walking time, and when you arrive at the destination, lunch will be around 12 every day. This allows for a great mid-day rest and an opportunity to refuel for the afternoon. Eating meals on time is important, especially at higher altitudes when your body is adjusting to the environment. Drinking lots of water is also super important and should be done constantly throughout the day. Lunch is usually a choice of rice, noodles, pasta, soup, bread (and anything else you fancy). There will also be a vegetable curry and pickle in most places, however, as you arrive in more remote and high-altitude villages there will be fewer vegetables available. Your lunch break will be around an hour+, which is the perfect amount of time to relax, eat and stretch your muscles after the morning’s walk. Additionally, this stop allows your body some time to adjust to the altitude. This will become very familiar over the course of your trek. Around 1.30 pm you will resume walking, on to the final destination for the day. When you arrive at the day’s final destination, usually around 4pm, your bag will be waiting, and you will have an opportunity to wash, change your clothes and relax before dinner.
Evening
Dinner will be served around 6:30 pm. You can enjoy your evening meal with your fellow trekkers as well as the trek leader and guides. There will be time to tell stories, practice your Nepali, look at maps of where you have been and where you are heading tomorrow, write in your journal or read a book. There is nothing like sitting around a fire or wood stove with your feet up after a long day of walking. Additionally, in the evenings, your trek leader will brief you about the next day and what you can anticipate so that you always know what is ahead. In remote villages, the air quickly becomes cool as the sun sets and everyone is tired after the day’s trek, so most people are sleeping by 8:30 or 9pm. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to get you through the next day’s walk.
This is what a typical day looks like, however no trek is the same, which is part of the reason why you will certainly want to go on another very soon!
Why trek with us?
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days
Experienced local guides who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness
All staff (guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Heather is leading a fully supported Everest Adventure Trek in December 2024. If you would like to find out more please follow the button below to express your interest. We’d love to have you join us!