Everest the ‘easy’ way

A journey to Everest base camp: Afternoon talk, October 2024

Let’s be clear: any trip to Mount Everest is not, nor has it ever been, easy. But on a crisp, autumnal afternoon in October, Registered Manager and Head of Resident Services at The Old Rectory, Adarsh Saini, brought the thrill of expeditionary adventure within easy reach as he took a captivated audience of residents and visiting family members on a journey to the other side of the globe.

From the safety and comfort of our drawing room, Adarsh delivered an inspiring and immersive talk on his recent trek to Everest Base Camp in September 2024 – a personal journey that not only took in the astonishing scenery to be found there, but also provided an opportunity to consider the beauty and power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit in its relation to it.

Feeling the fear and doing it anyway

A potentially gruelling trip such as this is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Spanning nine days in total, it demands endurance, altitude adjustment, and sheer willpower. For Adarsh, it was about pushing personal boundaries, embracing discomfort, and discovering the strength that comes from within.

“Every step was a reminder of how far one can go when driven by purpose,” said Adarsh. “It wasn’t just about reaching the base camp – it was about the people I met, the places I passed, and the quiet moments in between.”

But while the challenges may be many, the rewards are great. The goal of reaching base camp and standing near the top of the world, breathing in the clear – albeit oxygen deprived – air at 5,364m /17,598ft above sea level, has inspired explorers for over a century. And as for the photo opportunities, well… just take a look:

 

With the aid of photography and video clips, Adarsh unveiled the staggering beauty of snow-covered Himalayan peaks – the colourful prayer flags fluttering from suspension bridges and serene yak pastures nestled beneath an ice blue canopy – leaving residents and visitors alike enthralled by the spectacle.

“It was breathtaking; you could feel the cold, see the altitude, and almost hear the silence of those great mountains,” remarked one captivated attendee.

Lasting lessons from faraway places

While leaving a lingering impression on all who undertake it, a trip such as this comes bearing gifts that extend beyond mere photographic record or treasured anecdote. For those willing to venture forth, a window onto a different culture awaits with all the experiential knowledge and insight that can offer.

As the afternoon unfolded, residents and guests alike learnt about the richness of Nepalese culture from first-hand account: the local geography, the traditional cuisine, and the simple humility of the Sherpa people who make such journeys possible. Despite the harsh terrain and privations of mountain life, the local inhabitants live joyfully with a deep connection to the land and a sense of shared purpose – a valuable lesson for us all.

The time passed in warmth, engagement, and a spirit of discovery as laughter rang out and questions came thick and fast. And while everyone took something tangible away from the event, at The Old Rectory we believe in enriching lives through diverse experience. This event was a perfect reflection of that philosophy and continues to provoke conversation to this day.