What to Expect on Everest Base Camp Trekking

Posted on June 29, 2023November 6, 2024 by Admin

What to Expect on Everest Base Camp Trekking – Packing

People usually end up packing lots of things for their trek. Ultimately, they will only be using half of what they packed. Make sure you pack wisely and select essential things. Ask your agency whether they will provide a porter or not. Or else, you can check out our ultimate complete packing list for Everest Base Camp trekking. A porter can take about 25 kg of total baggage. Two trekkers have to share one porter, which means one can only have a maximum of 12.5 kilograms of luggage. So, don’t overpack and make that porter suffer.

When your porter carries your baggage, you can take a small day backpack of 20-30 liters. You can stuff that backpack with the hydration pouch, med kit, snacks, energy bars, and warm clothes. Don’t worry about the security of your baggage, as the porter will drop your belongings in your room once reaching the teahouses.

Showers and personal hygiene

You can quickly get a hot shower at a higher altitude, but you probably don’t want to take a shower risking your life. The cold breeze will make you shiver like hell. During our two weeks of the trek, we only had a shower twice at Namche Bazaar.

Tips: To keep yourself clean, you can use wet wipes, which are much more comfortable and hassle-free. Use with baby powder and dry shampoo could do best for ultimate situations. Due to the lack of running water availability, you won’t be able to wash your hands and face. Ask the restaurant. Don’t forget to carry lots of hand sanitizer and toilet paper. You will need it on every step of your trek.

Accommodation

During the EBC trek, you will find the most common accommodation facilities with private rooms and some with attached bathrooms. Don’t expect the place to be heated or equipped with some heating machines. You should bring a perfect sleeping bag to keep you warm and sustain in the cold. Most tea houses are made of wood, meaning you will probably hear everything from the room next door. Try to avoid those noises and try to sleep well.

Tips: We suggest you buy a thermos to pour hot water into. You can drink it at night and in the morning to warm your body in higher elevations. You can also carry a multi-use water bottle, refill it with hot water, and keep it inside your sleeping bags. It will somehow prevent water from freezing.

Money & tipping

If possible, carry some spare dollars to use in an emergency. You can find many cash machines or ATMs in cities until Namche Bazaar. Those machines will charge you 5 USD per NRS.10,000 of transactions. There are minimal chances of finding cash machines when you go higher. Hence, it would be beneficial for you to carry some extras.

Your agency will cover most of your trek expenses. However, you must carry extra money to buy chocolates, energy bars, water, and, most often, a hot shower. Chocolates generally cost around 2-4 USD per bar, and hot water costs 3-4 USD per liter. The price varies according to altitude and resources available. Besides, separate some money to tip your guide and porter as well.

There is standard tipping in every agency. The most common tipping amount is 10% of the total trip cost. However, it depends upon the satisfaction of your trek and your heart.

For more information about the Everest Base Camp Trek, read our blog, “A Complete Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek.”

Which agency do we choose?

We booked our Everest Base Camp Trek from Peregrine Treks. This company is the most reputed and trusted trekking agency in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 15 days trip included a Kathmandu city tour and Everest Base Camp trek. They provided us with a professional trekking guide and a lovely porter.

Back in Kathmandu, Pradip responded and diligently handled all our queries. What impressed us was that Peregrine Treks usually organized smaller groups. It was much more natural and flexible to handle small groups. We made friendly new friends.

We had Nima Sherpa as our guide to accompany us on our trek. I remember how experienced and caring he was. He managed to organize our accommodation and food superfluously; it left us with zero complaints. Apart from Nima, our porters Tenzing and Lhakpa were superheroes. Despite the heavy luggage, they encouraged us to move further and reach our destination. They were “men of steel” and super friendlier.

Hence for the best result, choose a local trekking agency. It will help to generate local employment and increase the local economy.

Ms. Esther Darryl, who trekked Everest Base Camp in May 2023

Unveiling the Master Plan: Exploring the Enigmatic World of Rara Lake

Posted on June 25, 2023November 6, 2024 by Admin

How to create a conservation plan for Rara?

On my first visit in 2068, I reached Mugu. Engaged in debates in Gamgadhi, I climbed Rara with the conflict mediators. On my second visit in 2074, the summit of Rara looked like a snow peak. On my third visit in 2076, accompanied by a team of communication workers, I reached the summit. My fourth visit was during the Rara Summit in 2080.

Every visit brings a new experience. Despite the beauty of Rara, there is an awareness of its environmental significance. The amount of cold is reducing, and the temperature is increasing. The impact of global warming, which is spreading worldwide, has also reached here. This sequence continues, and the essence of Rara’s water is at risk. The snow on the mountain is decreasing. Snow and the Himalayas are the sources of water. Water is the foundation of life. It is essential to pay special attention to this aspect.

Physically, there are significant changes in Mugu. The dangerous Talcha road has been improved. The road level to Limi has been upgraded. New hotels have been added in Surkhe, and there have been improvements in the roads leading to Surkhe. There used to be only one hotel in Rara, which was the best. Now, a new hotel has been built about one kilometer from the lake, at a higher altitude, from where you can see the complete Rara Lake and the sunrise. There is a growing interest in Rara, and leaders are also concerned to a great extent. But this concern and debate should not be limited to Rara alone. It should be raised in national debates.

The options for transportation to Rara Lake are available up to a certain point by car, up to another point by bicycle, and up to a certain distance on foot. As for the arrangement of accommodations, it depends on the proximity of hotels to the lake and the measures taken for pollution control and conservation, even if there are four hundred soldiers stationed daily in Rara.

There are various types of forests and vegetation around the lake that wild animals inhabit. These animals, including deer, can be seen grazing around the lake and horses. What effect does this have on the ecosystem?

This is an immediate problem. In addition, it is essential to address the long-term issue of preserving the lake’s pristine nature for at least a hundred years beyond 2035, as demanded by the citizens’ children. The state must collaborate to provide answers to every question and take action accordingly. How many wildlife species are there, and what are they? Why are birds singing melodious songs in the jungle, and how dense is the forest?

Cars are not allowed to travel within the vicinity, but is there any possibility of a small pedestrian route that meets the public’s demands? What security measures and strategies can be implemented in such circumstances? How can coordination be achieved between the forest department, the military, representatives, and leadership? In reality, a master plan will be essential for Rara.

When I reached the challenging question

The second day’s final session was still pending. If there was a sign of sesame water, it was overshadowed by the scorching sun, making it challenging to capture videos. Suresh Chandra Rijal and Kavya Lamsal, the technical experts, received a signal to shorten the session. Both speakers had exceptional knowledge of spirituality, yoga, and meditation. Mr. Rijal was an architect, while Mr. Lamsal was an art instructor at the Art of Living.

In this context, Jyanarayan Shah appeared on stage in Chitikka Kot, a small city of opportunities. Although he led the summit, he was an old journalist himself. He announced that this session would be held along with Navaraj Dai.

The discussion on sesame water also began with the session. Jyanarayan Shah started the rain of questions with the topic of water. There are many literary figures, but why haven’t they explicitly written about Rara? Why couldn’t poet Mavivi Shah create a statement higher than the beauty of Rara or an apsara? What did they write before this? Karnali is considered the mother of the Nepali language, so why is Karnali’s language being ignored today? Why is there neglect towards Dullu, Sinja, and Achham, the epitomes of the Nepali language in the stone inscriptions?

How much is the fault of the writers for not being able to demonstrate the importance of language to political leadership? You have been a prominent national and international radio voice for a decade. How much contribution have you made to the development of literature? That’s how Jyanarayan Shah asked his questions. He remained in conversation, partially drenched by water. Even though the audience was drenched for a long time, they listened attentively. Each of these questions can be a separate book.

When I reached the first part of the poem I wrote, the second time I reached a song, and after reaching the third time, when I briefly discussed the social situation of Karnali, I emerged from the challenging question. Now, what should I write? Even after the session is over, he won’t let me go. Let’s laugh and say this article answers that, Jyanarayan Ji.

When I returned

The first time I went to Rara, I only managed to reach Sadarmukam, the gateway to Ghamghadi. This time, I got the opportunity to reach Ghamghadi again, but I had to return as soon as I reached Rara. Returning with the same group: Suresh Chandra, Sunil Kumar Ullak, and me. Devendra Raval facilitated this. We reached Ghamghadi. There was a sweet coincidence. We got the opportunity to interact with people from all social communities and professions.

The enthusiasm of journalists, the activities of schools, and the buzz of the public were notable. The temples like Kalika and Malika, the beautiful Chaayaa Nath temple, and the unmatched religious faith of the people were mentioned. Former Mayor Hari Jung, Shah of the Municipality, said that the water source is excellent, but the management is lacking. His indication was the Gagri line, which was laid for the water supply in Sadarmukam. The construction and maintenance of that temple and the improvement of the road leading to Ghamghadi are also credited to him. He is very modest and gentle.

As Kālidāsa wrote, “On the first day of Āṣāḍha! Yes, the first day of Āṣāḍha 2080 was very delightful for me. I had a great time with my siblings from the nearby school, playing, singing songs, and reciting poems. They even came to play football with me and took pictures together. There was a long conversation with the local elders and journalists in the evening. The sweet dumplings, flatbread, yogurt, and buttermilk I had were not tasteful. Wow! It takes a lot of effort to get a tourist’s attention.

It was time to return. The atmosphere was relaxed when we climbed up the winding road, even though it was scorching hot outside. In that moment, when Rara was placed in the heart, the feeling of coming back and getting wet while understanding the session was terrific. When the plane of Summit Airlines took off from the runway between the two hills, I said to myself,

In the realm of dreams, let stars ignite,
Their shimmering glow, may it ever alight.
Bamboos in Murmāṭ, blossoming fair,
Mugus arrive; let them grace the air.

Within the heart’s chamber, a treasure abounds,
Love’s nectar awaits in passion’s surrounds
Let souls partake, indulge in its delight,
As stars above shower their radiant light.

Together we’ll rest amidst life’s grand scheme,
Conquer challenges as if in a dream.
Step by step, ascending life’s staircase,
Guided by stars, we’ll find our rightful place.

Rivers in motion, their dance brings delight,
Flowers’ hues blend, painting nature’s delight.
Here dwell the true, breaking cultural strife,
Unveiling unity, embracing each life.

No worldly possessions, let your heart be free,
Pour forth love’s essence unreservedly.
May stars continue to grace our skyline,
Bamboos bloom, Mugus arrive, let them shine.

Dr. Lamsal is a poet and a media professional. He received the Madan Puraskar in 2078 BS for his epic poem “Agni.” He has published eight books, including “Agni.”

Himalayan Glacial Lake Poses High Risk in 7 Asian Countries

Posted on June 22, 2023November 6, 2024 by Admin

With current global warming projections ranging from 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius, glacial retreat in the Hindu Kush Himalayas is expected to reach 30 to 50% by the end of the century. However, the report warns that with a global temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius, the glacial retreat could reach as high as 75%.

This report highlights the significant impact on countries including Nepal, India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan. “We are losing glaciers at an alarming rate within a century,” stated Philipus Wester, one of the report’s authors.

The Hindu Kush Himalayas span approximately 3,500 kilometers, encompassing countries including Nepal, India, China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

Studying the impact of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas has been challenging for scientists. Unlike the European and South American mountain ranges, where high-tech instruments were readily available to measure glacier growth or decline over long periods, such resources were scarce in this region.

However, the development of satellite-based research systems has made some aspects easier to study. “With the advancement of satellite technology, we are now much more confident in our study’s conclusions than data collected before 2019. We can readily assess the trajectory of the damage that will occur until the end of this century,” stated Wester.

If the glacial retreat in the Himalayas continues unabated, it will affect more than 1.65 billion people in this mountain range, including Nepal, India, China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Scientists have faced significant challenges in studying the impact of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Unlike the European and South American mountain ranges, where the highest technology is unavailable, scientific researchers have struggled to gather long-term data on glacial growth or decline in this region.

However, with the development of satellite-based research systems, some aspects have become more accessible. “Now, with satellite technology, we have much more confidence in the conclusions of our studies compared to the past in 2019. We can easily predict the extent of the damage that will occur by the end of this century,” said Wester.

If glacial retreat continues at its current pace, the massive population residing in this region will face severe consequences. Twelve major rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra, originate from the Hindu Kush Himalayas. According to researchers, when the water flow increases at higher altitudes during the century, the densely populated areas downstream will be vulnerable to catastrophic flooding.

Studies indicate that over 200 regional glacial lakes are at high risk. Researchers emphasize that if the glacial retreat intensifies, it will also affect the water supply, leading to severe water scarcity. “It will be extremely challenging to manage the situation once a large amount of glacial melt occurs,” warns Pamela Pearson.

Furthermore, she adds, “Unlike ships that can easily navigate rapid currents in the oceans, it is much more difficult to control the speed of glacial retreat.” She recalls the recent incident in the Joshimath area of Uttarakhand, India, where a sudden flood left the local population stranded.

Trek to Gosaikunda: The experience of a lifetime

Posted on June 15, 2023November 6, 2024 by Admin

It still took nearly an hour to reach the lake as the track was full of snow and slippery. We paid homage to Lord Shiva at Trishuldhari and took some pictures. We checked into a hotel at the lakeside and ordered lunch. We decided to offer puja to Lord Shiva early the following day.

Situated at 4,380 meters, Gosainkunda is a freshwater lake in Langtang National Park in the Rasuwa district. The lake is spread over 34 acres. The Gosainkunda Lake Complex, including Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Nag Kunda, and Saraswati Kunda, was designated a Ramsar site in 2007. The lake flows down to form the Trishuli River – one of the major tributaries of the mighty Sapta Gandaki River that flows through central Nepal.

The lake holds great religious significance as Lord Shiva is believed to have rested inside the lake after he consumed Kalkut Poison, which was churned during the Samunda Mantha. During the Ganga Dashahara and Janai Purnima festivals, the lake complex wears a festive look when pilgrims from all over Nepal and different parts of India visit the holy place. It is also a popular destination for trekkers in the Langtang Region.

Today is the last day of our trek to Gosaikunda. We woke up early in the morning and rushed to the lake to offer puja to Lord Shiva. The Gosainkunda Peak was already glittering in the sunlight. The reflection of the peak in the serene lake will remain in your heart for a long. After performing pooja to Lord Shiva, we returned to the hotel, breakfasted, and started the trek toward Dhunche.

The trail until Lauribina was challenging. The snow had started melting, and the track was slippery. A small mistake, and you plunge hundreds of feet down. We hiked, treading on footsteps left by fellow trekkers. We had to use our hands and feet to negotiate the track in some places. It took us nearly two hours to reach Lauri Bina. We heaved a sigh of relief. Yes, we had done it!! The trail from Lauri Bina is mostly downhill.

The walk is pleasing as it passes through rhododendron and juniper forests. The chirping of birds keeps you rejuvenated throughout the trail. We had lunch at Chandanwari and continued our trek. At around 4 pm, we crossed Ghattekhola and headed toward Dhunche – the district headquarters of Rasuwa. We reached Dhunche at around 5 pm. We booked tickets for the next day and strolled in the bazaar area for some time. We had an early dinner and left for bed at around eight, as all of us were tired.

The trek offered us the experience of a lifetime because it was the first time we crossed such a high pass. Also, it was our first walk on the snow-filled trail. Not to mention the hardship as we all were unprepared for the snow – we didn’t have good boots, warm trousers, and warm jackets – as we presumed there wouldn’t be snow in summer. Though we completed the trek to Gosaikunda, it taught us a valuable lesson.

— Donald M. Thurston

Nepal: A destination for British trekkers and mountaineers

Posted on June 10, 2023November 6, 2024 by Admin

Regarding business relations, the total trade volume between the two countries is approximately NRS 8 billion. Major Nepali exports to the United Kingdom are woolen carpets, handicrafts, readymade garments, silverware and jewelry, leather goods, Nepali paper, and paper products. In contrast, Nepal’s major imports from the UK include copper scraps, stiff drinks, cosmetics, medicine and medical equipment, textiles, copper wire rod, machinery and parts, aircraft and spare parts, scientific research equipment, office equipment, and stationery.

Besides, some British joint ventures in tourism, the hospitality industry, software packaging, readymade garments, and hydro-power. Some Nepali entrepreneurs are actively involved in the hospitality industry and restaurant business in different cities in the UK.

Hundreds of Nepali students are also enrolled in British universities for higher studies. The UK is considered a destination for Nepali students to pursue higher studies, though there have been many problems with students joining British Universities in recent years.

Nepal and the United Kingdom have had a unique relationship for over 200 years. Britain has committed to increasing aid to Nepal, and the development projects are operated through bilateral and multilateral agencies such as the European Union and the United Nations. British Council allows Nepalis to learn English on a basic and advanced level and organizes programs to strengthen cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Thousands of British tourists visit Nepal yearly for trekking, mountaineering, and holiday purposes. The total number of British tourists was 37,765 in 2000, whereas 34,502 (by air only) in 2011. Nepal is lagging in attracting British tourists to Nepal without planned tourism promotion and the problem of direct air connectivity to the United Kingdom. Many British mountaineers join different expeditions each year to climb the Himalayas of Nepal.

Despite various problems and challenges Nepal has faced in recent years, Nepal is considered a pristine tourist destination in the international market. British tourists visit Nepal to explore and experience the majestic Himalayas, unparalleled natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and world heritage sites. British tourists visiting Nepal have emphasized developing quality tourism in this Himalayan country and making Nepal – the safest tourist destination in the world.

Nepal has participated in the leading global event for the travel industry –World Travel Market (WTM), held on November 5-8 each year in London for a long time. As WTM is a vibrant business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals, it is a unique opportunity for Nepal to promote its tourism products in the global travel market. Nepal expects more tourists from its traditional and new markets, including Britain, in the future.

The writer is the editor of Online Paper on Travel and Tourism and former editor-in-chief of Gorkhapatra Daily

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Why was Mount Everest so deadly this year?

Posted on June 4, 2023July 6, 2025 by Admin

Where did the mountaineer’s death occur?

The deaths of mountaineers occurred at various locations on Mount Everest. According to the government’s official report, none of the confirmed deaths reached the summit. The report indicates that four deaths occurred in the sequence of descending from the highest peak.

According to the information provided by the Tourism Department, most of the deaths occurred in the area above 6,400 meters, particularly in the region from Camp II to the Hillary Step, located at approximately 8,800 meters.

Everest Expedition Map – Why was Mount Everest so deadly this year?

In addition to the fatalities, during the preparation for the climb, a female mountaineer fell ill at the Everest Base Camp and was rescued by helicopter to Lukla. Unfortunately, she also passed away.

The mountaineer’s death occurred before reaching a favorable altitude, up to the lower part of the Khumbu Icefall.

According to Mingma Norbu Sherpa, when he reached Camp 4 on May 4, many people were seen removing and cleaning their oxygen masks. It was observed that they experienced discomfort without oxygen for two to four minutes.

“It seemed that there was a sudden change in weather with rapidly changing conditions. At a time when climbers were trying to manage the supply of oxygen, they couldn’t reach Camp 4. The weather cleared up suddenly, and then there was a sudden change in the wind,” he said.

He mentioned that there was a lot of commotion in that area, and on May 4, one person died at around 8,000 meters near the South Col, and another person died near the South Summit, close to Camp 4.

According to the information provided by the Department of Tourism, on May 5, when they returned after climbing, it was reported that one person had lost their life at the summit of South Col, and another person did not make it to the summit of Camp 4 on the same day.

Among those who were lost, two Nepalis were last seen near the South Summit, located close to the summit of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest). One of them was a Sherpa.

They were descending from the summit of Everest.

When the altitude is too high, some climbers use supplemental oxygen in higher quantities to maintain their bodies and minimize the risk associated with low oxygen levels.

When body heat dissipates more rapidly than it is generated, there is a possibility of a condition called “hypothermia,” which refers to a state of low body temperature. Such a condition can lead to weakness and confusion in individuals.

Referring to such situations commonly observed in high Himalayan regions, Yuvaraj Khadka, the Director of mountaineering at the Department of Tourism, also emphasizes the likelihood of “physical weakness in climbers” when encountering adverse weather conditions.

Before the commencement of this year’s Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) expedition, the conditions of three Sherpas who went missing due to an avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall on Chaitra 29 (a date in the Nepali calendar) are still unknown.

The Director of the Department of Tourism, Khadka, has stated that due to the area’s complex geographical and weather conditions, the possibility of them being “alive is uncertain.”

“In such circumstances, it is difficult to ascertain the chances of survival until we have concrete information,” he added.

Weather conditions

The President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Nimanuru Sherpa, mentioned that other issues, besides logistical challenges, were observed during this expedition.

“We faced a situation where some teams had to spend up to two nights at Camp Four due to weather conditions,” said Sherpa.

“This poses a risk of overcrowding and congestion during the summit push.”

The Department of Tourism has reported that around 600 or more individuals, including foreign mountaineers and Sherpas, have reached Camp Four during this expedition.

However, the adverse weather conditions have also resulted in a dozen rescue operations and “food shortage for more than 100 individuals,” as the Director of the Department of Tourism, Mira Acharya, reported.

“We have requested the respective companies provide reports containing the possible causes of these fatalities and incidents. Based on the review, we will take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the coming year,” she stated.

The year of high mortality

In the past two decades, the avalanche in Khumbu Icefall in 2014 and the earthquake in 2015 that affected the Everest Base Camp are considered significant incidents. In 2014, 16 individuals lost their lives; in 2015, the number rose to 18.

However, there have been several other incidents as well. In 2019, a total of 11 people (9 Nepalis and two foreigners) lost their lives on Mount Everest.

In 1996, a massive snowstorm occurred. Along with other incidents during that season, 15 individuals died during the spring season at Mount Everest.

Before that, in 1988 and 1982, 10 and 11 individuals lost their lives on Mount Everest, according to the data collected by mountaineers and blogger Alan Arnette’s website.

Consolidated data regarding incidents on Mount Everest is not available on any official website of the Nepalese government.

Gautam, an official involved in two Everest expeditions, states, “Apart from the three Sherpas who died in the Khumbu Icefall this time, there have been intermittent incidents, and this year marks a significant milestone in the history of Mount Everest climbing.”

According to the records, in 1922, during an expedition to Mount Everest from Nepal and Tibet, there were more than 300 fatalities, with Sherpas accounting for around 40 percent of them.

Source: BBC

Author: Admin