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Ultimate Everest Trek -
Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar, Chukung Ri
Group of 8 women
We had a successful journey...
The
Himalayan mountain range was massively majestic and our gorgeous mountain
views always seemed like paintings because of being so surreal! The
alpine glow was breath taking! Despite the fact that our group took
an alternate route rather than
going to base camp, which supposedly was one that was less
traveled, there were still too many people trekking. We went to the
Khumbu Region and "overlooked" Everest Base Camp. We were at 19,000
feet and had full views of about 10 mountains that were all over
26,000 feet and higher...with Everest being 29, 028 feet. There were
over 1200 tents at base camp as we looked down upon the area and
thought this was impossible but the numbers were confirmed once we
got to the permit station and heard the facts! The area is so
amazing but we found too much litter and nasty debris! Some of the
places we went to were, Lukla, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Pangboche,
Pheriche, Lobuche, Kalapatthar (my favorite), Khumbu Glacier, Chola
Pass, Gokyo and Gokyo Pass.
The
Nepalese people are very gentle, helpful and kind people with
needing very little, which was quite humbling. These people were
very hard workers, especially the 24 porters, cooks
and Sherpaswe had to help us along the way. Our lead
Sherpa, Pasang, was fabulous and most knowledgeable! He knew what to
do to help the group acclimate to the altitude and took things
slowly. The help are
very appreciative to be porters with very little pay and carry about twice their body
weight...I marveled at how they were capable of dealing with
altitude while doing these carries! It is quite difficult to breath
normally at high altitudes! The
food was very good with many choices offered throughout the trek. I
was very impressed with what they produced...without a real
kitchen! I slept in tents 19
nights and did not get to wash my hair. Although I did use what the
astronauts use...shampoo without H2O. We did get to buy a shower a
week which was a bucket of hot water! We had a latrine tent for
privacy which was great! (ha-ha!) We
had the best of weather with
crisp blue skies every morning and the temperatures of about
10 -15 degrees at night and
40-50 by day. The colder the better because of not sweating too
much!!! I had a fantastic time getting ready for the trip and I was
very happy to have had this beautiful experience!
I want to thank you
for organizing my trip !
Our trip was
fantastic and I cannot say enough great things about Pasang. He
was so positive, fun and supportive in every way. I tended to be
the slowest hiker in the group, but he never pressured me to
"hurry up". The food was delicious and we had great fun with the
kitchen help. They were all lots of fun to be with.
I had had lots of concern about my ability to physically do this
trip, but I am so glad I did. It was great.
Marna
Our trek to and
around the Khumbu Valley was exceptional, not only for
spectacular scenery, but also because of our world-class
guide and support team. Their understanding of proper
acclimatization and selecting a pace and route appropriate
for this group (age 27 to 63) ensured everyone’s enjoyment
and success. Plus their buoyant infectious personalities
and sheer passion energized us through even the more
challenging terrain. I’d trek with them anyplace and will
again. Fantastic! Great trip, great
group, great weather, and especially a great job by Pasang
and his staff. Everyone loved the trip and people, and
Pasang was on top of every detail. It was a success on all
fronts. Thanks again for fantastic coverage and for picking
such a competent local contact. Pasang's a real pro. Ruth Anne
The Best Ever! The leadership of Pasang was incredible. He is friendly,
personable and honorable. I know the trek would not have been the same
with another group. From the team he has assembled to the menu of food
he provided was the finest quality. I feel that I have made lasting
friendships in Nepal.
Thank you for your fine work, Tomas.
Patti
Solukhumbu Buddhist Teachings & Meditation Trek
My time with Pasang and the Team was
brilliant....
Such good and kind people, warm and gentle…and most importantly I felt
safe and as part of a community/team.
At first I found it strange to have people carry my stuff, cook me meals
and serve me drinks and food – not used to be treated like royalty – but
Pasang’s arrangement with the team is so natural, honest and human, that
it felt almost liberating to see how people accept their roles, and
through acceptance contribute to advancement of the community. It was a
very nice lesson that I don’t even think he meant to teach. (-:
The trek was amazing. During my time there were several variables that
could interrupt our trek that nobody could control – weather and wild
animals. (-:
We very extremely lucky with both. The weather served us well – it
rained but it would start in the late afternoon and rain through the
night giving us wonderful and amazing mornings and great conditions for
trekking.
Bears and leopards kept out of our way, which as I understood it was a
blessing considering the time of the year and route. Also some of the
experiences we had when visiting monasteries were by Pasang described as
blessings.
I think when I decided to go despite all common sense and advice not
to…..there was something divine that supported us.
When I came to Pasang I already had some understanding and views on not
only Buddhism but also the way I feel is the correct way to lead my
life…
I filled the gaps with Pasang, we would talk endlessly and he explained
things that I do not understand now with my brain but I also feel it
sank into me. He made a mark…
I really got from this trip what I needed! I got myself back…I found
peace and I rested. Got emerged in the only reality that exists out
there….nature and the current moment. Most importantly I realized and
discovered ways to deal with the complexity and challenges everyday life
brings – meditation!
Overall, it was a beautiful experience filled with laughter and joy. I
still feel like the day I felt for home – happy, rejuvenated, at peace
and calm. Pasang is wonderful and I’m happy to say I think I made a
friend for life – somebody that will always remind me of what is
important in life! The Team is awesome – they are nice people, grateful
and hard working – we can all learn from their example, it would make
our life’s more meaningful.
I wish them happiness and health…I wish they are safe in their job….I
wish they get opportunities that would help them advance in life in any
direction they desire….
And finally thank you Tomas for enabling this great adventure to take
place…I hope my travels will bring me in your directions again!!!
Warm regards,
Lana |
