This is an archived website. Visit the new Xtreme Everest website here

Mobile phone friendly galleries




BLOG : Kay Mitchell
4th Apr 2013

Trekking with Sherpa Trek C to Everest Base Camp

Trek C, Sundeep and Nicky at the Tenzing Monument

By Ali Cobb

On 16th March 2013 Sherpa Trek C departed from Kathmandu airport to begin their journey to Base Camp. This trek consisted of 14 sherpas all of whom are of pure Sherpa descent, led by Dr Sundeep Dillon who previously summitted Mount Everest on the Caudwell Xtreme Everest expedition in 2007. Also joining this trip wer myself, Ali Cobb, and Nicky Masseur-Dillon (Sundeep’s wife).

Having never been to Nepal or had much interaction with Sherpas in the past, I was unsure what to expect from spending 12 days trekking with this group of individuals. The weather initially created difficulties as our flight from Lukla was cancelled resulting in the group being helicoptered in. From there we began the trek to Monjo, then Namche where we underwent 2 days of testing in the laboratory, onward to Deboche. We then reached Pheriche where we had 2 rest days to allow acclimatisation, continued through Lobuche and Gorak Shep until we finally reached Everest Base Camp.

Over these 2 weeks Sundeep, Nicky and I got to know the Sherpas well. Although the language barrier was challenging at times, it was fantastic to learn about their culture, visit their relatives en route and enjoy the trek with them as, although all had pure Sherpa heritage, many had not been to the Khumbu valley before. It was evident from the outset that their physiology is inherently different from ours. The Sherpas were able to dash up the mountain, leaving me in their wake, with minimal effort or exertion, emphasising the importance of the results of our studies.

Once they had completed their testing at Base Camp I sadly said goodbye to these Sherpas as they began their descent whilst I remain at Base Camp for the duration of the expedition. Overall, it has been a rewarding and fascinating experience to have spent 12 days with the Sherpa trek and we are very grateful to those Sherpas who have provided us with vital information for our scientific research.

Sherpa Trek C - EBC

Created 4th Apr 2013
26 images

 Post a comment on this article...


Share this :