Laura at Everest Base Camp.

Trekking 5 weeks in Nepal was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. We landed amid the chaos of Kathmandu and our guide greeted us with a big smile and a welcoming hug! 

We took the "old" Edmund Hillary route trekking from Jiri to Lukla. Most trekkers fly into Lukla to reduce the time necessary to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). Two reasons NOT to fly to Lukla. 1. Less time to acclimate means you're more likely to experience altitude sickness. 2. You miss out on some incredibly beautiful views!

On the trails leading to Lukla we encountered mostly locals, sherpas, and donkeys. It was so peaceful.

Once we reached Lukla, the trails became trekker highways. Our group was almost never alone, the teahouses (the lodges) were pretty full and while still beautiful, the vibe definitely changed. 

Namche Bazar seems like an impossible city. It's tucked into the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and suddenly appears with it's bright colors, lively shops, restaurants, and bars. It seems to have everything a trekker could need, which is good since it is the last place to pick up necessary clothing, boots, or other supplies before making it to Everest Base Camp a few days away.

Lobuche was my least favorite stop. It bursts as the seams with all the trekkers that pass through and it shows. It seems like a right of passage to get to base camp. If you can survive a night there, you can make it to EBC!

Sunrise at Kala Patar is not for the faint of heart, but the views are well worth the short night of sleep! You'll never see a sunrise like a sunrise at 18,192 feet!

Reaching EBC is indescribable. Of course it is beautiful and nothing compares to it. It is also emotional. To be there after weeks of walking and doubting if I can actually make it is almost overwhelming! 

After EBC, you can return the way you came or you can go over two high passes and stop in Gokyo. I highly recommend the latter! Gokyo sets on an unbelievably turquoise mountain lake with some of the best views of the peaks. (They also have some delicious baked goods!)

Back in Lukla we boarded a small plane at one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its elevation and short runway. After several delays due to weather, we had a safe (despite a heart pounding takeoff) flight to Kathmandu.

Returning to bright lights and lots of noise was over stimulating after weeks on the trail but we were very happy to have hot showers and soft beds!

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