Seeds of a Dream

The idea of going to a resort, sitting by the beach, and sipping cocktails as a "vacation" has always been foreign to me. During my vacations to rural China as a child, I would love to explore the countryside. Ducking under old bridges, jumping over shallow ponds, climbing tall willow trees, catching frogs and cicadas; to my parents dismay, there was never a day I would come home without a healthy dose of cuts and bruises. To me, discovery and exploration were the greatest form of relaxation. I wasn't merely traversing the unknown, I was conquering it.

I am now 21 years old. My itch for exploration hasn't subsided; in fact, it has only grown stronger. I have gone skydiving, visited the Rockies, climbed the Great Wall, and toured many other wondrous places; nevertheless, I have always desired something grander, something few people can claim to have done, something... extraordinary.

Peaking above the cloud level at the highest point on Earth, it beckons me, it dares me. It mocks me even, knowing that at my current point in life, both financially and physically, there is no way I will be able to attain its glory. For me, there would be no greater sense of personal satisfaction than reaching its summit.

What's my dream vacation? Conquering Mount Everest.

 Mount Everest


Height: 8.85 km
Location: Himalayan ranges in Nepal (on the border of Tibet)

• Only ~2000 people have made it to the top alive.
• It's Tibetan name "Chomolungma" means "holy mother".

The following posts will document my (theoretical) vacation in the future to Mount Everest based on other people's experiences and available information.

The Seeds Are Planted, T(-) 2 years

EARLY PREPARATION

Due to the extremely low oxygen levels and sharp inclines at Mt. Everest's higher altitudes, climbing it will be a physically daunting task. With my own life and safety at stake, I will take no chances. I have met with my doctor for a physical checkup to ensure I am of good health and will begin daily aerobic and strength training.

I have begun saving money and plan to go to Everest in 2 years.

D-Day Approaches, T(-) 6 months

COST?

After intensive research, I have decided on going with International Mountain Guides (IMG) based on their success rate and extensive Everest climbing experience.

Their "Classic Everest Climb" package will cost me a pretty penny: $40 000. This package includes everything I will need upon arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal: Food, oxygen tanks, accommodation, travel to the base camp, medical insurance, and Sherpa fees for the climb.

Summary:
1) Round-trip plane ticket from Toronto, Canada to Kathmandu, Nepal: $1700
2) "IMG Classic Everest Climb" package: $40 000
3) Climbing gear and clothing rental: $1500
4) Emergency funds: $1000

TOTAL = $44 200

WHO?

I will be going with a group of 16 people: 6 climbers (including me), 4 professional guides, and 6 Sherpas.


WHEN?


My trip will last approximately 1 month, from the end of March to the beginning of April. The climb with be during May when the weather at Mt. Everest is most predictable.

D-Day, T(-) 5 hours

I call my family to say goodbye and promise them I'll be back soon. Knowing the inherent dangers of my trip, I let them know I love them; I have also prepared a will, just in case.

I'm feeling slightly guilty that my concept of a vacation is causing so much stress for my loved ones. It is a selfish decision but a necessary one for my personal fulfillment. I hope they can understand that.

I'm boarding my plane now and will arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal in 16 hours.

Day 1: Kathmandu

 

As my plane nears Kathmandu, Nepal, I look out the window and I'm slightly taken back by what I see. Before me is a sprawling metropolis filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life; a rich culture and history permeates through the city shown by the many ancient religious shrines.

Once I meet with my expedition team, I spend the whole day browsing the streets and experiencing the culture. The city presents a stunning mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and Western influence.

I have come to Nepal with my eyes set on the lonely summit of Everest, yet I'm greeted by a lively city brimming with people. I have never been more pleasantly surprised.

ACCOMMODATIONS


My package with IMG includes the temporary stay at a local hotel. It's nothing fancy but it's comfortable and makes me feel at ease for the big journey ahead.

Day 3: Trekking to the Base Camp

Today, my team and I begin our trek from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp. A small plane will take us to Lukla, a neighbouring town and major destination for any tourist planning to hike to Everest.

From Lukla, we will travel on foot. There are many towns along the way where we will stay the nights.
 
The climate of the region is relatively moderate but get's progressively colder as we progress higher and higher above sea level. This is by no means an easy trek but adventurous tourists will feel right at home; for tourists seeking a worry-free comfortable vacation experience, Kathmandu alone has plenty to offer.

Day 13: Arriving at the Base Camp

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After 10 days of hiking across glaciers and mountain-sides, we arrive at the Everest Base Camp. It is a barren scene where only the most audacious tourists are found. From here on out, we will be sleeping the nights in tents. As I look up at the peak of Everest, my blood begins to pump. My childhood sense of adventure rushes over me; I've never been more excited.








SAFETY & HYGIENE

From here on out, modern conveniences like phones, internet, and running water are impossible to find. Each person has brought enough food with them to last the next few weeks. Keeping warm will now mean the difference between life and death. First-aid kits are also a necessity.

Each person has brought 2 pairs of climbing outfits: one to sleep in while the other dries overnight. At -23°C, showering for the next few weeks will no longer be very plausible or appealing.

Day 19: Climbing to Camp 1 and Back

Today we begin the "acclimatization rounds" where we will climb progressively higher with each trip to acclimate our bodies to the increasing altitudes. I feel confident knowing I have the support of the experienced guides and Sherpas.

 Our first round will be to Camp 1, sleep for one night, and then back down to Base Camp.

Day 23: Climbing to Camp 2 and Back

The rounds are exhausting but I feel a sense of accomplishment. Each step I take is a step closer to the top.

Day 30: Climbing to Camp 3 and Back

This will be the last round before our summit attempt. After we return to Base Camp, we will stay for a week in order to prepare for the final climb. Extra supplies are brought in by Sherpas to the Base Camp.

Day 45: To the Top

It's now near the end of May and the weather seems relatively stable. Today is the day. Today is the culmination of my years of training and preparation.

With our oxygen tanks and gear checked, we begin the ascent.

Day 47: The Dead Zone

We are now 8000 m high. Breathing is difficult. Each step requires me to summon all my energy. The summit is so close, yet so far. I've read about this in the Everest climbing manuals: We have reached... the Dead Zone.

Our guide gestures to a red backpack lying in the distance.

  

"When finding a backpack in the Dead Zone of Everest, the climber's body is never far."

The final 1 km before the summit is the most difficult, often taking over 12 hours to accomplish. Temperature here often reach less -50 °C, resulting in frostbite on any exposed body part. The oxygen level is here is only 1/3rd of sea level. Climbers have given it the nickname "Rainbow Valley" due to the many colourful bodies of climbers who have failed. At this altitude, it's every person for themselves. There is no help.

My Sherpa reassures me and I push on. The realization of my dream and my promise to my family are my motivation.

Day 50: A Dream

The end; there was nowhere higher to climb. I stood, no, I have conquered the top of the world; by doing so, I have conquered a piece of myself. A sense of satisfaction fills me; I have scratched the itch.

To me, this is what vacations are about: Unforgettable, exhilarating, and challenging.

Before I begin the trek down, I take one last look. I close my eyes, take a deep breath...

Conclusion

...and wake up from the dream.

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It may be in a couple of years or even in a decade, but one day I hope to look back onto this blog as I plan my real trip to Mt. Everest. To my future self, here are some tips I have gathered through my research that will help you on your journey:

• Bring cash in Rupees. There are no ATMs past Lukla.
• Rent your gear in Kathmandu. It will be cheaper.
• Bring chocolate. It is very expensive in Nepal and will keep you sane.
• Pack the Lonely Planet Everest Base Camp book. You will want to reference regularly, check altitude symptoms, illnesses, your route and what to expect.
• Bring books. There will be long boring nights.
• Respect the locals and the mountain. Mt. Everest is considered a sacred ground by the residents of Nepal. Do not litter and show the Sherpas respect.
• Bring batteries.
• Take your time. It is not a race. The summit isn't going anywhere.

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 Thank you for joining me on my dream vacation.

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References

 

http://www.nepalesecultureandtourism.com/
http://www.adlers.com.au
http://www.ratestogo.com/blog/climbing-mount-everest/
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/becoming.htm
http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Toronto-YTO/Kathmandu-KTM/market.html