Sisterhood of the Summit: AWI Women's Journey to Everest Base Camp

From the moment we decided to embark on this incredible adventure, our spirits were intertwined in a bond that transcended the physical realm. I, along with my fellow female trekkers, shared a burning desire to conquer one of the most challenging experiences of our lives: the trek to Everest Base Camp. The allure of the challenge beckoned us, and we set out. 

Our journey began in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where the bustling streets served as a stark contrast to the solitude of the mountains that awaited us. Although we had to go tough a 7 hour wait to catch a 20 minute flight to the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, we kept up our enthusiasm as we waited to fly out of the Ramechap Airport. With hearts full of excitement, we boarded the tiny plane bound for Lukla, known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The adrenaline coursed through our veins as the plane descended onto the precarious airstrip, and we set foot on the trailhead of our trek.

First of all, let me be honest...the journey was strenuous. Not just strenuous, it was excruciatingly difficult at times. In fact, now I feel that initially I probably underestimated the task i took on. We started with a 4 hour trek to Phangding where we had planned our night halt. We navigated through lush rhododendron forests and crossed suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags that fluttered in the wind. We marveled at the azure hues of the glacial rivers below, and the turquoise lakes that sparkled like jewels amidst the rugged landscape. On the way we marvelled at impressive buddhist installations that kept greeting us at regualr intervals. As we passed though quaint Sherpa villages, dotted with colorful prayer wheels and mani stones, I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the trekking trail in this region.

The second day was a bit more challenging, as we hiked to the famous Namche Bazaar. We crossed several suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Kosi River, as the trail gradually ascended through beautiful rhododendron forests. The final stretch, a series of steep switchbacks, was a true test of stamina, but the sight of Namche Bazaar nestled in the mountains made it all worthwhile.

To adjust to the increasing altitude, we took a rest day in Namche Bazaar. We explored this bustling mountain hub, visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum and the local market. An optional acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel offered stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

The next day our trek continued through alpine meadows and small villages, with the mountains ever-present in the distance. As we approached Tengboche, the famous Tengboche Monastery came into view. We attended a mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony before settling in for the night.

As we ascended in altitude, the air grew thin, and each breath became a conscious effort. The elements showed no mercy: the sun scorched our skin by day, while frigid temperatures forced us to huddle together for warmth at night. We faced the physical and mental challenges of altitude sickness, fatigue, and self-doubt, but the camaraderie of our group carried us through.

Our sisterhood blossomed as we encouraged one another, shared stories, and celebrated our individual strengths. We learned that our collective power was greater than any obstacle we faced. We empowered each other to push past our limits and reach new heights, both literally and metaphorically.

The teahouses became our sanctuaries, where we reveled in the simple pleasures of hot tea, warm blankets, and the company of our fellow trekkers. After days of incessant trekking and crossing landmarks like Imja Khola River and Dingboche, we trekked through a stark, lunar-like landscape, passing by the stone memorials of trekkers and climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The steady climb to Lobuche was a struggle, but we found strength in the camaraderie of our fellow trekkers.

Finally, the day arrived when we reached the fabled Everest Base Camp. The sight of the Khumbu Icefall and the formidable peak of Everest herself took our breath away. Our hearts swelled with pride as we hugged and cried tears of joy, knowing we had accomplished something extraordinary together.

As we stood at the base of the world's highest peak, we understood that it was not just the summit that held the true essence of our journey, but the collective experience we shared. Our sisterhood, forged in the fires of adversity and triumph, bound us together in a bond that would never be broken. Our trek to Everest Base Camp was a testament to the power of women supporting women, and a reminder that together, we can conquer any mountain, both literal and metaphorical.