When you first hear the words Mount Everest, you probably think of the highest point on earth, a place reserved only for the bravest climbers. But an Everest trip is not just about reaching the summit. For many, it is about the journey, the community, and the way the mountain changes you forever.
Our own trip to Everest Base Camp was one of those life-shaping experiences. It began in Kathmandu, a city alive with colour, history, and energy. From there, a small plane carried us into the Himalayas, landing at Lukla — a tiny runway perched on the side of a mountain. Excitement mixed with nerves as we set off with our guides, carrying everything we needed for the days ahead.
The trek itself was a steady rhythm of climbing, resting, and adjusting to the thin air. Each day brought a new landscape. We crossed suspension bridges draped with prayer flags, wound our way through rhododendron forests, and passed yak caravans loaded with supplies. Villages welcomed us with warm tea and friendly smiles. Life in the Khumbu valley is tough, yet the generosity of the people left a deep impression on all of us.
One of the most memorable stops was Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. At over 3,400 metres, it is a bustling trading hub where trekkers, mountaineers, and Sherpa families come together. Here we took our first acclimatisation hike, already beginning to feel the effects of altitude. Every breath reminded us that this was no ordinary adventure.
As we climbed higher, the views became ever more breathtaking. Towering peaks like Ama Dablam and Lhotse dominated the skyline, while Everest itself slowly revealed its icy summit. Nights grew colder, and mornings began with frozen water bottles and steaming mugs of tea. The thin air made even small climbs exhausting, but each step brought us closer to our goal.
Reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres was both surreal and humbling. Surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall and the world’s tallest mountains, we felt a mix of triumph and perspective. Few places on earth can make you feel so small yet so connected to something bigger. It wasn’t just about standing in that spot — it was about the journey, the teamwork, and the resilience we found within ourselves along the way.
For many of us, the trip was also about raising money for charity and supporting causes close to our hearts. Knowing that every mile walked and every breath at altitude contributed to something beyond ourselves gave the journey even greater meaning.
Coming home, we carried more than memories of mountains and glaciers. We brought back a renewed sense of what’s possible when people come together with purpose. Everest showed us that adventure is not only about the challenge but also about connection, courage, and giving back.
