Good evening trusty readers,

Today we left the comforts of Namche to make our way further up valley. We may not have had views yesterday but we more than made up for them today. The team enjoyed their first views of Everest along with Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. It turns out there is a lot of downhill while making our way uphill to basecamp.

The first half of the day we gradually descended towards the valley floor before we crossed a bridge to reascend everything we had lost and then some. We made quick work of the uphill even with the traffic jam of people and animals. After walking through the monastery at Tengboche we descended one more time to our best Teahouse.

Now we may have left Namche, but we sure didn't not leave any comfort. Our rooms had fluffy blankets and heated beds to sooth and relax our bodies. There is plenty of effort given getting to basecamp but so far we have not had give up much comfort. Another delicious dinner and some dessert has us happy and ready for bed. Tomorrow is another day on the trail with more beautiful views.

Goodnight, all,

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team

Good evening/ good morning,

Today we had an active rest. A later breakfast allowed for a casual morning full of coffee and milk tea. We sipped on our hot drinks while the sun thawed out the town. Warmed by the sun we took off on a hike uphill to the Everest View Hotel. Unfortunately for us our view was clouds. Even with the lack of mountainous views, it was still pretty and beneficial to go on the hike. Our legs and lungs are getting stronger. In no time we will be at Everest Basecamp. Once back at our teahouse in Namche we all roamed the town for souvenirs and lattes. The lattes at Sherpa Barista taste like a cup of happiness. Tomorrow we will leave Namche for Deboche. One teahouse closer to Everest Basecamp. As for now we are going to enjoy our dinner together and our heated blankets (now that everyone knows about them hidden under the mattress). 

Goodnight on our side of the world,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Greeting from the Khumbu,

The team woke to clear skies for our walk to Namche. We filled our bellies with coffee and breakfast and hit the trail. After about two minutes of walking with pulled off the trail for a bakery pitstop. Herman's Bakery in Phakding makes a variety of delicious baked goods that make great trail snacks. Packs full of pastries we hit the trail for real this time. The trek to Namche gains 3,000' but with all the ups and downs it feels like much more. Walking these stairs is much more beautiful and engaging than the Stairmaster at home. We crossed high and long suspension bridges that have a slight bounce to them as you make your way across. A final big push up and we are greeted by a town in a bowl on the side of the mountains. Namche is vast and bustling with eager trekkers. It is a great place to have a rest day. The team made great work getting here and is looking forward to exploring all that is Namche. Tomorrow we will sleep in with a casual breakfast than go on a small hike followed by well-deserved resting. 

Goodnight all back home,

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team 

Hello again,

Hurry to wait was the name of the game this morning. The team woke early for the airport. It's a hectic scene at the Domestic Airport with people flying both fixed wing and helicopter. Everyone anxiously waits hoping they get to fly. Some cloudy weather separated the team as one helicopter took off, one was waiting for air traffic to clear, and one helicopter needed to arrive in Kathmandu. After a long morning and great patience by the team, all members arrived in Lukla by 1pm. A quick lunch fueled us to make our way to our first Teahouse. The start of our trek takes a downward trend with rolling uphill mixed in. Everyone looked strong and capable as we made our way along the crisp clear river below and up and down cobbled stairs. A walk across the river via suspension bridge brings us to our home for the night. Here we are great by a yippy dog and hot lemon ginger to warm us on a crisp afternoon. First day of the trek is complete. Tomorrow we will make our way to Namche where we will spends two nights acclimatizing and souvenir shopping. As for now we are cozied up in our beds ready for so earned sleep. 

Goodnight all, 

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team

Good morning readers,

Today we awoke at various times. Some have escaped the wrath of the jetlag and some of us not so much. After a few cups of coffee we met for our team meeting where we went over our itinerary, important information and gear check for our time in the Khumbu. Afterwards we loaded a van and went on our city tour. We walked around the Boudhanath Stupa and learned out the Wheel of Life and the Mandala. Next we walked the many steps to the monkey temple and yes there were plenty of cute monkeys. But don't let their cuteness confuse you, they can be quite intimidating. After an afternoon walking around the sites, the team was ready for a quick rest before dinner. Tonight is our last night in Kathmandu. Tomorrow we wake before the sun to head to the airport to fly to Lukla. Please send all your positive, lucky vibes and keep us in your prayers, no matter the religion, for safe travels on our flight and for good weather.

Goodnight and sleep tight,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Monday, March 20, 2023 - 3:22 pm PT

Namaste readers,

Hello from Kathmandu Nepal! The team has arrived for their Trek to Everest Base Camp and climb up Lobuche peak. Jetlag had everyone a bit sleepy at our first team Dinner but everyone has arrived healthy and psyched to hit the trail. Out of 12 people we only have one missing duffle stuck in Delhi, so we are sitting pretty good overall. Tomorrow we meet in the morning for a more official team meeting where we will discuss our itinerary and expectations for our trip along with a gear check. After we take care of some business we will relax and enjoy the sights on our city tour. Fingers crossed the team gets some descent sleep and isn't writing a dispatch at 4am unable to sleep since 2am...oh the jetlag. 

Keep following along as we embark on a trek of a lifetime!

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team