Impromptue Expedition To Everest Base Camp During High Risk Off Season  

I Amarendu Srivastava, a tourist from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India came to Kathmandu on 29 th  May 2023 to explore Nepal and was lucky to witness celebrations of Republic Day of Nepal on (29 th  May).

After leaving my luggage at the hotel, I took a taxi to explore various places in Kathmandu as recommended by the locals. It was a totally new and wonderful experience to explore the market of Thamel in Kathmandu, a place where mostly tourists from all over the world stay during their vacations.

The market of Thamel, Kathmandu caters for almost everything found in various parts of the world. Evenings in Thamel market are full of life, live music, entertainment programs at many places and has a variety of food, cloth/redymade garments shops besides good cafes to spend memorable evenings.

At last when I went to see the world famous Pashupati Nath Temple in Kathmandu, I came in contact with Mr Nabaraj (from Nepal), one of the organisers of administrative backups for trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp involving a duration of 15-20 days’ which includes necessary acclimatization.

During conversation, Mr Nabaraj informed me that currently trekking /expeditions were at low pitch since very few sportsmen and dare devils only took risk of trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp during current off season owing to inherent high risk due to precarious climatic conditions, landslides and limited costly administrative backups.

I, having come to know that some persons trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp in spite of aforesaid high risk, thought that I could also be one of the few persons who take the risk of trekking during off season and successfully complete the
trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp since I, being from Army back ground (son of a retired army officer), had opportunity to practice and participate in many sports and adventure activities right from my childhood and I am mentally robust and physically fit to confront any adverse conditions.

Further, my morale is always high since I am an International Racketlon  player whereinone has to play all the 4 major Racket Sports namely Table Tennis, Badminton, Squash and Lawn Tennis. It would not be out of place to
mention that it is due to dedicated and all out efforts of Mr. Krishna Kotak, Founder and Mr. K K Cheema, the President of Racketlon Indian Sports Association (RISA) that Indian teams have always excelled to get the best
positions in various tournaments.

I also had a world ranking in Squash besides being a national level Badminton player. Hence I suddenly decided to scale Mt. Everest Base Camp during the current off season in coordination with Mr Nabaraj who assured me to provide best possible backup to include enroute food & lodge and a good guide cum porter (Mr. Kumar) during my adventure to Mt. Everest Base Camp.

I didn't give it a second thought and bought everything required during impending trekking and packed my rucksack then & there for the said adventure. I reached Lukla from Kathmandu on 1st of June's early morning by taking one of the most exciting flights at an altitude of 2854 metres. The views from the flight were stunning. Thereafter, I started my expedition from Lukla on 1 st  June 2023 & completed the trekking to World's highest mountain peak ”Mt. Everest” Base Camp on 8 th  June 2023 despite all odds and facing High Altitude sickness (breathlessness and headache) for a while as it was my first attempt without any training and adequate acclimatization.

On reaching the Base Camp, as a mark of devotion & respect for my Country, at this proud movement embraced one of the prominent rocks of the Base Camp with Indian National Flag. For my success, I am thankful to my parents & family, mentors from India, support from Sri Shiv Bahadur Chhetri, Chair Person Myagde Gaun Palik Ward
No.-2, District Tanahun, Sri Madhav Ghimire of District Tanahun, a Social Worker, Mr. Kumar (porter cum guide) besides other people of Nepal as mentioned above and Government of Nepal for giving trek permit easily to
everyone from different parts of the world to visit World's heritage site and trek through it.

That during my vsits to various places in Nepal, I have interacted with many persons and have observed that they all are very simple, humble, pious, sober, respectful, courteous, honest and helpful besides being full of energy and are
stoutly built and smartly turned out. I am positive that Government of Nepal must be planning to train youngsters in various sports and might surprise the world by winning various International sports/games tournaments in future.

That during my interaction with various persons, I was surprised to learn that even a least educated person had in depth knowledge about their culture and heritage. I have aleady visited Chitwan National Park which is a Sub Tropical Terai low land in South Central Nepal where various animals like Bengal Tigers, Indian Rhinoceros, Elephants, Leopards etc. have been nicely housed.

That scenic beauty of various lush green, clean valleys of Nepal, memorable visit to Durbar Square and Patan Square have left an everlasting impression in my mind. During chat with my friends, many of my friends have already taken
a promise from me to visit along them again after a break of few month. In another two days, I have planned to return to India after visiting Rani Maya Devi Temple, the holy Shankya Tank where Rani Maya bathed before
giving birth to Prince Siddhart (Gautam Budha) in Lumbini.

I am sure that I will return back very soon with a better planning and coordination to explore more in Nepal. During my next visit, I shall come well prepared and equipped with full determination to complete my expedition to
the highest Summit of the world “Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)”.  I have analysed that one must follow the norms of acclimatisation besides requisite training before attempting expeditions to Summits in High Altitudes (beyond 9000 ft) which require both mental and physical fitness. Accordingly, before concluding, it is suggested that all person who take such ventures to follow proper training and acclimatization.