Road to Everest Base Camp

EBC (Everest Base Camp) trek: The prologue to conquering Mount Everest. Yes, we are taking everyone to hear about the journey to the starting point, just the starting point for those who want to conquer Mount Everest. If anyone has seen the movie Everest or read the book Into The Thin Air, this is what the movie didn't tell.

Upon learning about the upcoming trip from my sister, I realized that I had never considered such an adventure before. As the reality of the trip set in, I began gathering information and preparing myself. The trip required significant preparation in terms of equipment, expenses, and physical fitness. I started going to the gym six months before the trip, increasing my weight from 69 kg to 79 kg and then gradually reducing it to 75 kg. During this time, I was pursuing a master's degree, which allowed me the flexibility to spend 3-6 hours at the gym daily. While researching for the trip, I came across a condition called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) that could potentially hinder my ability to complete the journey.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes, typically above a certain threshold.

It is divided into 3 levels.

1. Elevation: 1,500-3,500 meters

2. High altitude (3,500-5,500 meters)

3. Maximum altitude of 5,500 meters or above

The severity of altitude sickness increases with altitude due to insufficient oxygen and cold temperatures, which increase the body's oxygen demand. This condition is not guaranteed to be avoided even with a strong body, as it can be caused by genes or DNA. A simple assumption can be made by looking at one's ancestors or parents. If they have experienced altitude sickness during high-altitude travel, it is likely that you will also be susceptible. In my case, a relative on my mother's side experienced altitude sickness during a trip to Bhutan and required oxygen therapy. This made me aware that I had a 90% chance of developing the condition. For more information, please refer to: https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/blog/th/other-travel-tips/altitude-sickness2-symptoms-and-preventio.html. As a preventive measure, taking Diamox once a day is recommended. Ideally, it should be taken upon arrival, but our guide informed us that it would increase thirst, so we decided to delay taking it. If symptoms develop during the trip, drinking ginger water, garlic soup, or eating fresh garlic can help.

The path to walk

This is everything we're taking on our trip: hiking gear, warm clothes, food, medicine, sleeping bags, cameras, and more. We had to cram everything into our bags, which were already overflowing. Most of my gear is from Trespass, and my shoes are Northface. #Trespass #Northface

Departed from Suvarnabhumi to Kathmandu. I didn't apply for a visa from Thailand, but did so upon arrival in Nepal for convenience. It cost 450 baht, although I was told it should have been only 300 baht. I initially wanted to pay in US dollars, but was told to pay in Thai baht. Being honest, I paid it for fear of not being allowed into the country.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide at the airport and escorted to your vehicle. Please be aware that there may be individuals offering to assist with your luggage near the airport entrance. While their assistance is appreciated, it is important to note that they will expect payment for their services. Your guide is not affiliated with these individuals, and any payment you choose to make is at your own discretion. It is recommended to have small denominations of currency readily available, as the minimum payment may be higher than anticipated. For example, the smallest denomination accepted may be a 5 dollar bill. The journey to your accommodation may involve some traffic congestion, but it is generally less severe than what you might experience in major cities like Bangkok. If you have successfully navigated rush hour traffic in Bangkok, you should be well-prepared for any traffic encountered during your trip.

Although the original route was challenging, a group of experienced trekkers advised us against it due to its difficulty. We opted for an easier route to ensure our safety and avoid potential setbacks. Our guide, who was exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable, provided excellent service throughout the trek. You can find more information about the trekking company we used at the following link: http://www.clearskytreks.com/

After planning our route with the guide, we had lunch before we wouldn't have anything good to eat again. Back in the room, we took out 5 kilograms of weight from our bags because the airline we were flying with only allowed 15 kilograms of checked luggage. Since we were only carrying 10 kilograms each, we had to leave some of our belongings at the hotel.

The early morning flight arrived at 5 am. At the arrival gate, we encountered zombies who demanded money to carry our luggage. We ended up carrying it ourselves to avoid paying them. The baggage claim system here is incredibly independent, requiring passengers to handle almost everything themselves. Meanwhile, the guide went to inquire about the flight tickets.

This is the bag that everyone uses when climbing because it has a large capacity and is waterproof, making it ideal for porters to carry (Sherpa is a porter).

Got the ticket, waiting for the plane. No specific flight time, because I don't know when it will take off. (Because it depends on the weather in Lukla. This airport is very dangerous, so we need to check the weather before taking off.)

This is a breakfast from the hotel that I brought to the airport because I didn't have time to eat it (they usually eat it at 6 am). As you can see, it's not the most appealing, but I'm eating it to survive. I'm just grateful to have something to eat.

The flight was delayed due to bad weather. Passengers had to wait for hours at the airport. They were eventually taken to the plane by bus, but they had to wait even longer on the tarmac. The passengers were exhausted and frustrated.

Passengers waited for an unknown duration before boarding, leading to hunger pangs. Some resorted to consuming bread to satiate their appetites.

We waited until almost 2 pm. Our guide helped us negotiate until they agreed to take off.

Everyone was overjoyed to finally be able to go. When we boarded the plane, the flight attendant brought us candy and cotton. I didn't know why they gave us cotton until I realized it was for earplugs.

As soon as the plane took off, thick clouds covered the entire route. It was a nerve-wracking experience, knowing that the trip could end at any moment. The plane shook, and my heart began to race. After a while, heavy rain started to fall, and we encountered turbulence intermittently, with some large and small air pockets. I tried to sleep, but it was no use. Then, we hit a large air pocket, and the foreigner sitting in front of me screamed (imagine a man screaming). At that moment, my heart sank, thinking that the plane was going down. We held on tight until we approached the landing area. We saw a village next to the runway, and then the plane landed. Wait, houses next to the runway? And the houses and runway were right next to a cliff? Seeing it in person, I understood why it is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The plane landed immediately upon arrival, which was truly bizarre. I looked at the foreigner sitting next to me, feeling amazed by the airport's nature. Did it really just land like that? I could tell the foreigner was thinking, "Holy crap!" in his head. Then the plane braked, and we had passed the challenging stage.

This is the conveyor belt at Luke La Airport.

To ensure the accuracy of the phone number, please check the attached paper. It is highly secure.

Upon arriving at the first restaurant, the guide informed us that we needed to leave quickly as our boat was delayed and we risked arriving at the camp after dark. We were instructed to pack our essentials into our backpacks and order food that was easy to eat. We ate quickly and then set off.

This is my simple approach. I prioritize going to the bathroom after eating. I ordered 3 bottles of water. When I started eating here, I had a slight headache. The guide said it shouldn't be anything serious, just like feeling unwell. I usually drink a lot of water, so I brought two liters of water in my backpack. The guide said I didn't need to take Diamox yet because it would make me drink even more water, so I haven't taken the medication yet.

Upon arriving at the first restaurant, the guide informed us that we needed to depart promptly due to our delayed arrival. He cautioned that darkness would approach soon, urging us to swiftly pack our essentials into our backpacks. We were instructed to order simple and quick meals to expedite our departure.

After finishing their meal, they embarked on a four-hour trek to reach their first lodging, Phakding, situated at an altitude of 2,640 meters.

The first day was relatively easy, although there were some slippery sections due to the constant rain. I fell a couple of times and got quite muddy.

As I approached the accommodation, I began to feel fatigued and sore. The entrance to the hotel was like a cruel joke, with steep and high stairs that seemed to stretch on forever. My legs were already on the verge of giving out, and the stairs were relentless in their assault. The bedroom was equally disappointing, offering little more than protection from the elements. The walls were thin and riddled with gaps, allowing the cold air to seep in.

The restaurant offers charging services, but they come at a cost. Nothing is free here. For the first meal, we opted for a simple pizza. We used wet wipes to freshen up instead of showering. Thankfully, the toilets here are still flush toilets, but the water is freezing cold. Forget about using a bidet. Before bed, we applied muscle relaxant cream and stretched, preparing our outfits for an early departure the next morning.

Breakfast is included in the tour package, allowing you to choose one dish and a complimentary cup of tea or coffee per meal. Additional meals will require payment.

Don't forget the secret ingredient that adds more flavor to your food: Maggi.

Day 2 of the journey: Before setting off, we packed our bags for Sherpa to carry, and then started walking. Today, we will be walking for approximately 6-8 hours.

The bridge is located at regular intervals.

The trails offer a variety of inclines, ranging from steep to gentle, and provide a truly immersive nature experience with fresh air.

The view was beautiful, but the weather was getting so hot that I had to take off my thermal underwear. At first, I thought it would be cold like in my room.

When encountering a stupa, it is customary to circumambulate it in a clockwise direction.

Walked until noon and stopped for lunch.

Another secret weapon: fried pork with chili paste.

This is a Sherpa carrying goods up to distant cities. His heels are cracked in a frightening way because he carries very heavy loads, probably not less than 30 kilograms, and maybe even 40 or 50 kilograms.

This bridge is familiar to everyone who has seen the movie, as it is a famous bridge here. It is truly beautiful. There are two bridges because the lower one is the old bridge and the upper one is the new one. People use the new one to cross.

Looking at it, it's a bit discouraging, because this is where it starts to get continuously steeper.

Everyone stops here to take a lot of photos.

The trail after this bridge is incredibly steep, with no photos available due to the intense incline. The continuous ascent is relentless and challenging.

After the steepest section, there is a restroom. The trail continues with a less steep incline, alternating between uphill and downhill sections.

The next rest stop with restrooms is quite a distance away.

We named our dog "Lucky" because his name sounds similar to the word "lucky" in Thai. He is incredibly strong and can carry heavy loads, at least 25 kilograms.

The presence of living organisms indicates that the city is nearby.

Encountering people for the first time, children playing with bows and arrows.

This is the final stretch before reaching Namche Bazar. Everyone is exhausted and could potentially faint. Be careful not to walk near the edge of the cliff, as you could fall if you lose consciousness. If you feel faint, lie down on the mountainside first. Sherpa carries loads like they are light, never getting tired and always arriving first.

Our accommodation for the night is where we will spend two nights for acclimatization, a crucial step before continuing our ascent. This town serves as a checkpoint to assess our health, as altitude sickness can be a concern. Notably, the bathrooms here are pit toilets.

Upon arrival, we were advised by the guide to avoid sleeping, as it might disrupt our sleep later in the night.

After checking into our accommodation, we took a walk around the town. There were tourists playing badminton, which was quite a sight. However, I must say that playing sports at such a high altitude is not advisable, as the body may not be able to cope. The town is located at 3,440 meters above sea level.

After settling into our accommodation, my sister started experiencing symptoms. She was very tired but couldn't sleep, and her heart was racing. The guide gave her this menu: garlic soup with ginger, a dish for people suffering from AMS. I was also worried about getting sick because my headache was worse than yesterday, so I ate it too.

The guide started to check our blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter. I had actually brought my own, and when I checked it, it showed that my oxygen saturation was only 64% (the device clips onto your fingertip). Normally, it should be 90% or higher. So today, I decided to take Diamox because I was worried I wouldn't be able to continue.

Dinner was Momo, which are dumplings, followed by fruit. Our guide provided us with fruit at every meal.

Day 3: I woke up late today as it was a rest day. This city is the last place to buy things, as there will be nothing to buy after this point. So I planned to go out and buy the things I need this afternoon. For today, I will just walk up the nearby hill.

The summit is adorned with a statue of the first Nepali to conquer the peak.

There is also a study room or museum.

The image has inspired me.

The view from above is truly breathtaking. This is the first time we have actually seen the peak of Mount Everest. It is far away, not close by.

The football field is deserted because people are afraid to exercise too much for fear of getting sick and having to leave early.

View from the intersection

Come down for lunch.

This chicken dish is the best I've had so far. I'm planning to order it again on my way back, as it's only available during lunchtime.

The air quality has begun to deteriorate.

In the afternoon, with nothing to do, I performed magic tricks for my younger brother, the guide, and the other guests at the accommodation. It was a way to relieve boredom. My brother is half-Thai and lives in Phuket with his father. We met here. He enjoyed the magic tricks so much that he asked where I was going next so he could come along. Suddenly, in the evening, the power went out in the entire city. We ended up sleeping in the dark.

The morning of the 4th dawned with a cool air, and the mountaintops were heavily blanketed in snow.

Original menu: Masala tea

The tourist blogger, who travels and sleeps on their own, found the path more difficult than expected, hoping to meet others at the top.

Departing from Namche Bazar, heading towards Tyengboche.

The weather today is very hot. I walked and took off my clothes. This is the advantage of layered clothing because we can easily choose to wear or take off.

The path ahead is long.

Turn around.

The song "Can't turn back, can't go forward" started playing. I walked on this path for a long time, skirting the edge of the mountain.

Passing by someone resting, they would offer encouragement, for everyone understands the fatigue.

We came across the uncle who built the path we used to climb up here.

As you begin your descent, you will see the distant city in the distance. That is the place you must pass through.

The girls here walk so casually, as if they were picking chili peppers in their backyard garden.

After walking through the forest zone, we came across a bridge once again. Crossing this bridge, we could finally take a break for lunch.

A familiar meal with a familiar taste.

After an arduous climb, we finally reached the town of Tyengboche at 3,867 meters. We were supposed to spend the night there, but my headache hadn't improved, so they sent us down to another town at the foot of the mountain. We walked a little further, and this place was even bigger than a police station. It was the temple area, of course. Just a little joke to relieve the fatigue.

The skies here are filled with helicopters, buzzing around like cars. They're in constant demand, with people calling for them all the time. It's no wonder drones are banned here – they could easily cause fatal accidents.

Upon reaching the entrance, one may enter for a brief visit. However, it is important to note that chanting is currently in progress within the temple, and photography is strictly prohibited.

This place is said to be a temple where people used to gather to chant together, following the sound of the chanting. However, it is extremely difficult to find this place, and it is said that those who do find it are shocked by what they hear.

This bakery is very famous, but unfortunately I didn't have the chance to try it.

The journey continued to Deboche, where a shower was available. This was crucial, as there were no further shower facilities beyond this point. The hot water, however, was scaldingly hot and required careful use. Taking advantage of the opportunity, laundry was also done. The lodge offered charging facilities and internet access, albeit at a cost of 600 rupees for 200 MB, necessitating cautious usage. The rooms were noticeably smaller, with the door opening directly onto the bed.

The tuna portion for dinner was indeed small, but it's understandable considering the high cost of meat due to the long distance it has to travel.

The restaurant has a fireplace where you can gather around to keep warm.

Even though I didn't feel like eating breakfast on the 5th, I knew I needed to fuel up for the day ahead.

As expected, my socks and shirt didn't dry after I washed them. The guide suggested that I dry them on the roof, which is the local way of drying clothes.

This appears to be a rehearsal for the Yak hair shearing, to obtain the hair.

The sun is so hot that the clothes are starting to dry.

Some people even brought their own sepak takraw balls. Is this really the place to play?

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Prioritizing energy, as water prices have noticeably increased here. A bottle now costs 300 rupees, up from 100 rupees. Down below, people are on the verge of poverty due to water, consuming 5 liters per day just for walking.

After eating, I feel more energetic.

If you want to take a picture, it is recommended to take it now because you may not be able to find the same path again.

This section of the trail feels like walking through a rocky desert. The air is noticeably thinner than usual, and I'm getting tired more easily.

The sun's glare is intense in this area, so sunglasses with UV 400 protection are highly recommended. The path also becomes extremely steep.

The sun is very strong in this area, so it is highly recommended to wear good quality sunglasses with UV 400 protection. The path also becomes extremely steep.

People are starting to walk out, which means we're getting close to the city.

We then arrived at the next town, Dingboche, at an altitude of 4,260 meters.

Upon entering the hotel, we were greeted by an eco-friendly water boiler, a testament to the hotel's commitment to sustainability.

Today's bedroom is extremely colorful. As soon as we arrived, we wanted to sleep, but our guide told us not to sleep or we wouldn't be able to sleep at night. We asked to sleep for 20 minutes. Here, the bathrooms are starting to become pit toilets, and water is becoming scarce. We have to wait for them to refill the tanks.

I woke up to a thick fog, the symptoms are really starting to show.

The dining room is located on the second floor. These are the most expensive crackers I've ever had in my life. The whole thing cost 150-200 baht. They go really well with the chili paste. This dining room has a fireplace that is fueled by animal manure. The fire is only lit in the evening, not all day long. This is another step into the wilderness.

Dinner Time at the Guesthouse

As evening approached, I opted for a simple steamed Momo, a much healthier choice compared to the fried version. The dining area was abuzz with a diverse group of travelers. Some were seasoned adventurers, like the German journalist who had been exploring the region for over a month. Others, like the English teacher who had resided in Thailand for more than a decade, were embarking on a journey to conquer Everest Base Camp. The teacher's fluency in Thai sparked an engaging conversation, and we learned that the guesthouse had been deserted the previous night, leaving them without company. Today, however, the lively atmosphere was a welcome change.

As darkness fell, the sky unveiled a breathtaking spectacle of stars. Unfortunately, my attempt to capture the scene with my sister's camera was thwarted by my lack of familiarity with its functions. Brushing my teeth presented another challenge, as the availability of water in the tank was unpredictable, often requiring me to resort to my own supply.

On the morning of the 6th, I woke up feeling relaxed. At 7 am, it was the last acclimatization day before reaching EBC. Today, I felt better, with less dizziness and less headache. I forgot to mention that the water here is starting to get more expensive, another 100 rupees. The price is going up in every city. I ordered a large bottle of hot water for 1000 rupees. It was more expensive, but the amount of water was more, so I felt it was worth it (suitable for lunch or dinner).

I've been waiting for this shot for a long time, for the person and the yak to turn around at the same time. It's so cool.

Before setting off, we took a picture with the Yak cub. We didn't dare get too close for fear of being kicked.

Today's hike will not be long, but it will involve a steep climb. The guide must be joking when he says it's not long! The house we stayed in below is now far below us.

The view from above is beautiful.

As we walked, we noticed colorful cloths tied along the path. Curious, we asked our handsome guide, Solzy, about their significance. He explained that the cloths represent different aspects of nature, each color holding a specific meaning. Blue symbolizes the sky, green represents trees, red signifies fire, yellow embodies the sun, and white denotes the spirit.

Dingboche is quite large from above. Today, a helicopter evacuated a sick person from the town while we were enjoying the view from above.

This is the path we will take to leave the city tomorrow. We must first climb up here and then start walking. After he finished speaking, he said that today is not over yet, and we should continue.

Pointing upwards, he said, "We need to climb up there first before going down for lunch."

The top will be completely covered with stones.

After taking photos to our heart's content, it was time to descend. On the way back, we got lost because the path through the houses was quite intricate.

The water remained as cold as ever, even after I came down to do the laundry.

The stir-fried rice with pork cracklings I prepared for lunch was delicious.

However, the condition of my hands is starting to become unbearable, even though I constantly trim my nails.

This place also sells snacks, but they taste like they're expired. I only had a little bit, and it was very expensive. I don't remember if it was 200 baht or more.

This is from Thailand. The height is now so high that it has become like this, swollen to the point of bursting. Everything that is sealed will swell.

The air in this city is cool, and as soon as it starts to get cold, the fog comes in thick.

For dinner, I had it with fried rice. Today, there were a lot of people, so the guide asked me to show some magic tricks. I put on a big show and got a lot of friends from India and Australia. The Australian family was especially amazing. The two children were very young, but they walked to this city very easily.

On the morning of the 7th, the clear weather truly welcomed our journey. We bid farewell to Dingboche, as on our return trip, we will be staying in a different town and will not be returning here.

Embark on a journey

This area resembles a desert surrounded by mountains. Feel free to choose any spot you like to relieve yourself.

Beyond this hill is a highway interchange where men often go to conduct business.

The road undulates, rising and falling like waves.

After crossing the stream for lunch, my symptoms really kicked in. I had a migraine-like headache and felt nauseous but couldn't vomit. The guide advised me to drink plenty of water, so I chugged almost two liters. At that point, I knew I was definitely coming down with something.

After finishing lunch, we encountered a steep uphill climb with strong winds. Combined with a headache and fatigue, I felt weaker than ever before. Throughout the journey, I had comfortably led the guide (partly due to my fast pace). Now, I had to rest after every five steps to catch my breath.

Looking back, it felt like we had climbed a lot, but we were not even halfway up the hill. Everyone looked tired, and each person was exhausted. When the herd of yaks passed by, we just let them go ahead, not in a hurry.

The path ahead was not straight, requiring us to navigate around rocks. Those who needed to use the restroom had to find a secluded spot. After climbing the hill, we were exhausted. The guide informed us that there was a mass grave nearby to commemorate those who had perished in an avalanche. The names of the deceased were engraved on a plaque. We wondered if we would meet the same fate.

This area is where the engraved stone tablet is located. We had to keep walking in this direction, surrounded by white. Honestly, at that moment, I was walking like a zombie, not talking to anyone. I just wanted to get to the next accommodation. It was like I was walking dead.

As I continued walking, I felt like I was on the verge of death. I sat down to rest and encountered two Indian and Nepalese friends who had seen me perform magic in the previous town. They approached me and asked if I was okay. With complete confidence, I replied, "I feel like I'm almost dying." They immediately offered me two cloves of fresh garlic and told me to chew them raw. It would help, they said. (Normally, I would never eat garlic.) But at that moment, I was willing to try anything to survive. And it did help to some extent, providing temporary relief. At that point, I was extremely frustrated and even lashed out at my two friends, asking why the birds weren't sick, why the yaks sleeping by the roadside weren't suffering from AMS. It seemed so unfair. They were peacefully grazing on the grass by the side of the road. I named that stretch of road "White Hell" because I truly felt like I was going to die if it hadn't been for the garlic.

I dragged myself to Loboche at 4,910 meters and managed to reach the accommodation. As soon as I knew which room was mine, I dropped my belongings and headed straight to the dining room. I told the guide that I didn't want anything, just to put my things down and go to the dining room. The guide ordered garlic soup for me and gave me a big head massage. At that point, I was lying on the table, I couldn't take it anymore. The guide had talked to his friends about having me show some magic tricks, but at that moment I didn't have the energy to do anything, it was hard enough just to keep myself going.

As the evening approached, the temperature dropped significantly. Everyone gathered in the dining room to stay warm. Some people were preparing to climb the mountain, so the room was crowded. Some people arrived late, even though they had booked rooms. If the rooms were full, they would have nowhere to sleep. We arrived late and were assigned a room on the second floor. After 9 pm, the lights were turned off. That night, I was sick and had to go to the bathroom almost 10 times. I felt weak and had a headache, but I had to walk out with a headlamp.

Waking up on the 8th with the worst symptoms ever. To be honest, I felt like I might not make it back this morning. So I ordered what I thought would be my last meal, which was pancakes, and didn't focus on energy. My symptoms were so bad that the guide had to keep asking me questions. At breakfast, everyone was getting ready to leave, some people were filtering their drinking water with sterilizers, both drops and fire sticks, all sorts of things. But at that moment, I really didn't care about anything. I told my sister that if I didn't make it to Base Camp, she shouldn't call a helicopter to pick me up. If she did, I would be really angry. Today, we had to walk to Base Camp.

We set off, our group of four splitting into pairs. I walked with the guide, who, noticing my flagging energy and increasingly slow pace, offered to carry my backpack, leaving me with only my essentials and a bottle of water.

The first challenge today was the steepness of the hill, which was much steeper than it appeared. Additionally, we had to contend with the thin air, which was only at 50% of its normal oxygen level. This meant that with each breath, we were only getting half the oxygen we normally would, making us extremely tired. The steepness of the climb was particularly challenging, forcing us to stop and catch our breath after only three steps.

Everyone seemed exhausted and desperately in need of oxygen.

The sentence you provided is in Thai. Here is the translation in English:

From almost reaching the peak, we walked a long way before starting to climb the slope. Then we walked up and down the path, just trying to survive. Now I'm about to die from exhaustion. I need a lot of water, but I'm afraid of running out again.

After a long and arduous trek, we finally reached a scenic viewpoint. This was our first glimpse of Everest Base Camp, nestled in the distance to the left of the glacier below. We were filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation, knowing that our destination was within reach.

Our destination is marked by the orange-yellow spot.

After descending from the viewpoint for a while, the trail becomes a rocky path that is somewhat difficult to navigate. This is where we encountered the first ice of the trek.

After a long walk, we finally arrived at our accommodation, Gorek Shep, at an altitude of 5,180 meters (remember this image well). According to the plan, we will leave our belongings, have lunch, and then head to EBC later today.

As my headache worsened, I inquired about the remaining walking time. The guide estimated two hours, so I grabbed a bottle of water and some snacks. However, the trail proved to be much more challenging than anticipated. It became clear that even a one-way trip would take more than an hour, and a round trip would definitely exceed two hours. As I trudged through the increasingly harsh conditions, the snow began to fall, and the sky grew dark. My water supply dwindled, and I still hadn't reached EBC. I continued walking like a zombie, encountering elderly Westerners who impressed me with their resilience.

I endured the walk until I saw this platform in the distance. I thought, "This must be it, we're almost there." I kept walking, my head pounding, until I finally reached it and took this picture. I thought, "Wow, I made it! Everest Base Camp, 5,362 meters."

While I was walking alone, my sister and the guide caught up with me. They checked on me to see if I was okay, as the weather was getting very cold. When they checked my eyes, they were swollen, and my face was starting to swell. The guide said that my condition was bad and that I couldn't stay any longer because it was too dangerous.

The guide spoke with me and my sister, and we agreed that the helicopter should pick us up here. So, we asked Lucky (Cherpa) to go back to the room to pack his things and meet us here. He hurried back to pack, while I was about to take a selfie. When I looked at the screen, I saw that my gums were bleeding. At that moment, I felt like I had really reached the limit of my body.

While waiting for the helicopter to pick us up, we waited for a while, and then the bad news came that the helicopter could not pick us up at this point and we had to walk back to our accommodation.

The ordeal began with excruciating headaches. I was forced to walk alongside Sherpa, while my sister walked with the guide. The plan was that if anyone couldn't continue, they would be carried back. This was plan B. Although I was in immense pain, I managed to walk, albeit very slowly. Even on flat terrain, the pain was unbearable. As we ascended the steep incline, my heart raced and my head throbbed in unison, as if my head would explode. Despite the agony, I persevered, determined to reach the end. Meanwhile, the guide contacted the insurance company, requesting a helicopter evacuation. The insurance company inquired if I could still walk. At that point, the two groups were out of sight of each other. The insurance company, seeing that I was still able to walk, decided to hold off on sending the helicopter. I wanted to scream, "Yes, I can walk, but I feel like I'm dying!" I endured the excruciating pain as I walked over the hill, hoping that the helicopter would arrive soon. I took out my phone and recorded a video, thinking that it might be my last. I figured that if I didn't survive, whoever found me would know what I had been through. After waiting for a while, I couldn't take it anymore and went to lie down in a room, wrapping myself in layers of blankets.

I waited in bed until 6 pm that day. The guide told me to be patient because the weather was so bad that the helicopter wouldn't be able to come today and would come again tomorrow. I tried to sleep, but the pain was so bad that it felt like there was a water-filled balloon swelling in my head. I kept waking up and going to the bathroom. The whole hotel was like a hospital, with everyone coughing as if they were about to die. Even when my sister brought me a hot water bottle, I was still so delirious that I didn't want anyone to touch me. I thought to myself that if the helicopter was delayed again tomorrow, I would surely die. I couldn't take it anymore.

Waking up on the 9th, there was no snow in the previous picture, but today it's full of snow. I got up to eat and waited to go back. After a while, they told me that someone was late and if we went up first, we could ask to go back first. Because today, there were 5 helicopters requested in this city. We were on the last one, so we rushed to take our things and ran up the hill to get on the helicopter. But no one gave up their seat. There were people with oxygen tanks, IVs, foreigners, and guests. Everyone was sick. As for us, we had no phone signal, so the insurance couldn't contact us, so they didn't send a helicopter to pick us up. We waited from 6 am to 11 am.

We waited for a long time, and I got a severe headache. It was also cold. At that time, we thought it might be cerebral edema because the symptoms were similar.

This shipment is not ours. They are transporting goods and then bringing people back to avoid an empty return trip.

The helicopter finally arrived to pick us up. The guide and I boarded, leaving Cheopa behind. We took everyone with us and returned to Lukla.

The flight down here took less than an hour, which is incredibly fast. I can't help but think to myself, "Why did I walk for so long?"

Upon arrival in Lukla, the patient's condition showed significant improvement. The helicopter pilot conducted a medical check-up using equipment to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate. The pilot determined that immediate evacuation to Kathmandu was necessary due to the lack of major hospitals in Lukla.

We continued flying for another hour. Upon our return to Luang Prabang, the pilot, an Australian who claimed to fly all day due to high demand, displayed some rather reckless maneuvers, reminiscent of a young motorcyclist, by performing unnecessary ascents and descents.

Upon returning to the airport, I was taken by ambulance and had my oxygen levels checked with a fingertip pulse oximeter.

Administer oxygen until normal levels are reached.

The patient was admitted to the hospital for observation. The doctor said that it is unlikely to be cerebral edema, as the patient would experience blurred vision if it were.

The first meal after returning home was accompanied by a cough. I couldn't eat spicy or fried foods. In the end, I survived. Thank you everyone. If you are going, please check your body and prepare well. If you have any problems, please feel free to ask. The tour guide's name is Clear Sky Ram Chandra Basnet, and the guide's name is Sashi Adhikari.

This trip was a real test of my physical limits, but it was also a lot of fun. Thanks to my sister for inviting me along! We booked our trip with a guide from https://www.facebook.com/clearskytreks4you/. There are many different guides available, so be sure to shop around. Some guides offer meat as part of their packages, but ours didn't because it's too expensive to transport at high altitudes. The good quality meat is sold to climbers who are willing to pay a premium. After I was hospitalized, my symptoms improved and I was left with just a sore throat and cough. I stayed in the hospital for two nights and then continued my trip. The original plan was to spend a month on the trek, but due to the challenges we faced, we had to adjust our schedule. We used the remaining time to explore other areas. Fortunately, my insurance covered all of my medical and helicopter evacuation costs. I had to pay for the treatment upfront and then submit a claim form to my insurance company in Thailand. I received a refund about a month after submitting the claim. I hope this review helps anyone who is planning to do this trek to be better prepared. P.S. Don't think that you'll lose weight on this trek! I didn't lose any weight at all, and most people who do this trek actually gain weight.

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