From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 7 (Lobuche - Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp)

This post is a continuation from:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-6.html

21 May 2018, Sunday

Lobuche (4900m) - Gorak Shep (5180m) - EBC (5400m) - Gorak Shep

Trek time: 3 hours to Gorak Shep, lunch, 1.5 hours to EBC, 2 hours back to Gorak Shep (full day of challenging treks)

FINALLY, for all our hopes, anxiety and uncertainties endured, "The Day" has arrived!

I woke up early, feeling extra motivated. Few of my teammates found it hard to sleep at almost 5000m, but I slept well, with a few runs to the toilet. It is vital that we hydrate ourselves at night. I place 1 litter of water by the bed and take sips every time I felt thirsty.

Before I start trekking, I religiously go through my warm-up routines. I was adamant that warming-up and stretching was key in maintaining my fitness and muscles intact. Sub-consciously, it's a sign both physically and mentally to prepare for the day's work.

I am full of awe that none in my team do warm-up and stretching. And I am still amazed till this day!

My secret to a good breakfast - Milo + Cadbury drink

A scribble on the Malaysian flag at Peak 15th Hotel, Lobuche before heading for Gorak Shep (able to spot my name?)

As planned, we started our hike at 7.15am. If there was a marathon day in the Himalayas, it will be today. Besides the planned round trip to EBC from Gorak Shep, we need to wake up really early the next morning. There was still a 2-hour trek up Kala Patthar (5545m) the next morning at 4am, for sunrise.

It was another fantastic hike

The hike to Gorak Shep requires 3 hours (at my pace) and was quite steep. Alas, after a week of hiking, I started to feel my left thigh muscle. Still, the weather was fantastic, and we had a clear blue sky. I pushed on. 

I would maintain my pace, take rests and drink loads of water

At this stage, it's all about your mental strength - Everyone was tired (and have not showered for days)

Photo opportunities are everywhere

After about 3 hours of trekking, we arrive at the legendary Gorak Shep, the site of the old base camp at around 10am. I was glad to see Gorak Shep.

The village of Gorak Shep, with Kala Patthar (5455m) and Pumori Peak (7161m) at the background

From Gorak Shep, you could choose to take a helicopter back to Lukla for USD 200 per way.

Helipad - View from Himalaya Lodge's lunch table

A painful sight - Porters carry anything and everything

 We had lunch, took a breather and started our ultimate hike to EBC at 12.45pm.

Traveling light, as we have Gorak Shep as a base (Still, it was tough)

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 6 - Dingboche to Lobuche

This is a continuation post from:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/07/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-5.html

20 May 2018, Saturday

Dingboche (4260m) - Lobuche (4900m)

Trek time: 3 hours to Thukla (average) - lunch - 3 hours to Lobuche (challenging) - 2 hours acclimatization hike to 5100m (average)


It's Saturday! It's the weekend! But in the Himalayas, it makes no difference. I lost count of the time, days and date. I felt great, glad to be away and isolated from civilization. There was no internet connection, no stress, no deadlines, no need to wear my spectacles (for driving and computers), no worries of life... I reckon hiking, is the best way to give yourself a break, de-stress and rejuvenate (PROVIDED you enjoy hiking, stay fit and not get injured). Mother nature, with almost no pollution, heals.  

Like everyday in the Himalayas, I would wake up before my alarm sets off, when the first rays of sun shines into the room. It's normal considering we all head to bed by 9.30pm, and really tired. I wake up everyday raring to go, looking forward to the treks, and... breakfast.

Today was no different. I woke up around 6am, peeped out the window, and realized the sky was clear! Blue sky! I jumped out of my cozy and warm sleeping bag, quickly grab my phone, and rushed out to find Ama Dablam in front of my very eyes.

Magical. Magnificent.

Ama Dablam (A possible summit of choice)

I suppose it was still 'early', and most of the people were still in their cozy beds. Breakfast was at 7am, while the trekking starts at 8am.

It was really quiet, serene, peaceful. Enjoying the sunshine and breeze was wonderful

It's like being in the Himalayas alone

As planned, we started our hike at around 8.15am. We were advised to ascend slowly today. It will be a long day. We also planned for acclimatization hike after reaching Lobuche.

Happy days, still strong and energetic

The skyline of limitless mountain range - One of those moments that you will forever remember

Today's scenery, coupled with the clear blue sky, was the best thus far.

Glacier melting (and you can hear them)