Trip Reports

Xtreme Everest - 28 Apr to 20 May '07

Written by Leader Sam Benson, May 2007

I attended the pre expedition weekend with the majority of the first Caudwell Xtreme Everest Trek and knew that it would be a success. Most of us met at London Heathrow and an easy check in thanks to Qatar Airlines saw the group safe and well on the way to Kathmandu. On arrival we met the Northern contingent and Aussie Mike saw us complete. Remarkedly I managed to learn all 17 names within the first 24 hours, something of a record.

The next morning set the tone with the team all up early and doing the range of tests that saw any idea of a lie in evaporate. After a day of semi rest at the wonderful Summit Hotel a very early start saw us assembled at the airport again for the flight to Lukla. This for me is the greatest start to a trek anywhere on the planet, the Twin Otter buzzed away from the Kathmandu Valley and up into the Himalayas landing us on the table top of tarmac that is Lukla airstrip.

A couple of days saw us at Namche Bazar, I quickly pointed out the major highlights fresh coffee, cake and wonderful copies of all your favourite outdoor brands. The med team made us welcome and there followed two days of bike tests, blood sampling and various other experiments that kept the trekkers busy. As did a 5am wake up walk to a viewpoint with no view.

From Namche the trail winds it way towards the big mountains with wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and numerous Himalayan wonders to inspire the climbing bug and neck ache.

Pheriche saw more test days and a chance to acclimatise before gaining height again, with the group spending time at Lobuche and Gorak Shep before finally arriving with big smiles and singing at Everest Base Camp.

Yet more testing and some great views saw the team enjoying base camp for two days and three cold sleepless nights for some. Base camp also saw some fun with the guitar strings I had carried from Wales with a singalong and Sherpa singing and dancing. The whole group were happy to leave Base Camp with showers, food and warmer nights calling. A long day from Base camp to Dingboche saw us well on the way down the Khumbu. Two more days on the trail saw us back into Namche with a fantastic night of dancing and drinking (some of us until 2am).

The next day was the toughest of the trek - all downhill but with tired heads and legs to lunch before the final few hours back into Lukla. More singing and dancing but with an earlier night. The next day was the most stressful as poor weather saw the trek stuck in Lukla, the only bonus being the excellent accommodation of the Paradise Lodge.

Finally after much stop/starting the weather lifted long enough for the whole team to fly into Kathmandu before flying out 8 hours later back to the UK.

The whole trek was a fantastic experience for all, everyone made it to base camp and the majority made it up Kala Pattar. Best of all the most common sound apart from the ubiquitous Khumbu cough was laughter, the team bonded well and were selfless throughout. The reunion will not be long in coming - watch out for some wild dancing!

Sam Benson, Trek Leader

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