I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Himalayas, but I never imagined that my very first international trip would be a solo adventure to Everest Base Camp. No travel buddy, no familiar faces—just a backpack, a sense of curiosity, and a whole lot of nerves.
I signed up with a local guide company based in Nepal and joined a group of total strangers from around the world. Little did I know that over the next two weeks, these strangers would become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had. We shared laughs, blisters, endless cups of tea, and moments of awe as we trekked through one of the most stunning landscapes on earth.
From the chaotic streets of Kathmandu to the serenity of high-altitude villages, and all the altitude gains and losses in between, this was more than a trek—it was a turning point. Here’s how the journey unfolded, day by day:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Meeting the Team
Landing in Kathmandu was overwhelming—my first solo international trip and I was instantly hit with sensory overload. Somehow, I made it through the visa process, immigration, and baggage claim, where a guide from the local trekking company was waiting for me. Huge relief.
At the hotel, I started meeting the rest of the group. A few of us wandered out into Thamel, the buzzing shopping district, and got our first taste of Kathmandu’s energy.
That evening, we had our trek briefing and I learned I was the tenth person in a group of nine friends. I was a little nervous—would I be the outsider? But those worries vanished quickly. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the group from the very beginning.
We got our rental gear, went over the plan, and prepped for an early morning start. Tomorrow, the trek begins.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Monjo
After a restless night full of anticipation, I was up early for our flight to Lukla—often called the most dangerous airport in the world. I was nervous, but the small-plane ride ended up being more thrilling than terrifying, with just a bit of turbulence and a short weather delay.
From Lukla, we began our trek, winding through lush green valleys, spinning prayer wheels, and crossing suspension bridges.
Reaching Monjo after a full day of hiking, I was already captivated by the scenery—and starting to feel a sense of camaraderie with others in the group through simple moments like sharing snacks and stories. The adventure was officially underway.
Day 3: Monjo to Namche Bazaar
This was our first real climb into the heart of the Khumbu, and we felt it. The trail got steeper, and the air noticeably thinner. Our group started to space out a bit as everyone found their own rhythm on the challenging terrain.
We crossed the Hillary Suspension Bridge, high above the roaring Dudh Koshi River, and paused often to let yaks and porters pass—a humbling reminder of how essential they are to life in these mountains.
Reaching Namche Bazaar, nestled into the hillside and draped in prayer flags, felt like stepping into a dream. After settling into our tea house, we spent the evening resting, sipping ginger tea, and sharing laughs in the cozy common room with other trekkers. It was warm, lively, and filled with stories from the trail—exactly the kind of place where strangers start to feel like friends.
Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche
Although this was technically a “rest day,” it definitely didn’t feel like one. To help our bodies adjust to the altitude, we followed the golden rule of acclimatization: “trek high, sleep low.” Our group hiked up to the Everest View Hotel, gaining about 1,400 feet in elevation. It was there that I got my first real glimpse of Everest, along with the towering peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Khangteka, Thamserku, and Taboche—a surreal and humbling sight.
Back in Namche, we had plenty of time to explore the narrow, winding streets of this high-altitude village. It felt remote, perched on the side of a mountain, but surprisingly well-equipped. We stocked up on last-minute gear and snacks, wandered through shops, and soaked in the mix of Sherpa culture and trekking energy that made Namche feel both peaceful and alive.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
A long, steady climb brought us to Tengboche, home to a famous Buddhist monastery. The air felt more sacred here, and the silence around the temple at sunset was unforgettable. It rained in the early afternoon but soon cleared to a sky full of stars.
We were able to enter the monastery and observe the monks during prayer, it was awe-inspiring and though you can’t understand the language, you could feel a powerfulness and like you are part of something larger.
I treated myself to a hot shower in a shared bathroom, knowing that things like this would become rarer the higher we went—no more rooms with attached bathrooms, just simple shower stalls, and having to pay for hot water. The comforts of civilization were starting to feel far behind us. We wrapped up the evening sipping tea in the cozy dining room, swapping stories with our guide and reflecting on the day’s adventure.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
As we trekked higher, the trees gradually disappeared, and the terrain became more barren, yet just as beautiful. The altitude was beginning to take its toll, but the growing camaraderie within our group kept spirits high. We passed yaks and porters, and stopped at several shrines, all the while surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
In Dingboche, we explored the village, indulged in a delicious snack from a local bakery, and spent some time playing cards in the common room. The evening was capped off with a small celebration—a fellow trekker’s birthday—in the cozy dining area of our teahouse, where we shared laughs after another unforgettable day on the trail.
Day 7: Acclimatization Hike in Dingboche
It was a rest day in terms of physical effort, but a crucial one for adjusting to the altitude. We took a scenic hike above the village, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, and returned to our same teahouse for the night. The day was calm—filled with rest, reflection, and the chance to soak in the quiet beauty around us.
We spent some time exploring Dingboche, but it was much smaller than Namche so didn’t take too long. Still, it offered a peaceful atmosphere for reflecting on how far I’d come—not just in terms of the distance we’d trekked, but in the personal growth I’d already experienced.
We had a great conversation with the teahouse owner, who had summited Everest several times. He shared incredible stories about his life, family, and adventures. We wrapped up the evening with an early night, knowing we’d need a bright and early start the next day.
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
This was the first day some members of our group began to feel the effects of altitude sickness. Thankfully, we had a couple of doctors in the group to help out those struggling. While I was feeling fine, it was reassuring to know we had medical expertise on hand.
At 15,580 feet, we passed the Memorial Park at Thukla Pass, a solemn tribute to Everest climbers who never made it back. The memorial put everything into perspective—a powerful and humbling reminder of the risks and challenges of the mountain.
That evening, I really started to feel the cold. The teahouse rooms aren’t heated, with warmth only in the common area coming from a stove fed by yak dung. As a solo trekker, I didn’t have the extra body heat of a roommate, so the cold was harder to shake. Thankfully, our guide suggested filling a Nalgene bottle with hot water and using it as a makeshift hot water bottle in my sleeping bag. It was a total game changer.
The tea houses were starting to feel more basic—outside bathrooms, no electricity, and navigating my room by headlamp was becoming the norm. But despite the challenges, there was a sense of camaraderie that kept the spirits high. Everyone rallied together, and we all knew that the tough conditions were just part of the journey. I couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring – we were almost there!
Day 9: Everest Base Camp!
The morning was freezing! We bundled up in nearly every layer we had, including our puffy parkas, as we set out before the first light had even touched the trail. The terrain was moon-like, with no vegetation—just rolling glacial moraines and gray glacial sediment beneath our boots.
We reached Gorak Shep, dropped off our daypacks, and with just the essentials, set off for the 2.5-mile trek to Everest Base Camp. It wasn’t as quick as we’d hoped—altitude slowed us down, and we took frequent breaks to catch our breath.
At 17,598 feet, we made it. We were finally at Everest Base Camp! It was an emotional moment. Standing on the ice and rock at the base of the tallest mountain in the world, we felt a mix of exhaustion, cold, and immense pride. We celebrated with hugs, photos, and quiet moments of awe, soaking in the view before making our way back to Gorak Shep.
Back at the tea house, we gathered around to celebrate in the small dining room. The night was the coldest yet—the wind howled through the thin plywood walls and single-pane windows. I bundled up in layers: pants, wool socks, a beanie, and my hot water bottle. As cold as it was, I barely noticed as I just felt a sense of accomplishment for making it to Everest Base Camp, for challenging myself, and for being in such a remote and incredible place that few get to experience.
Day 10: Helicopter to Namche
Altitude sickness forced a few people in our group to take a helicopter back down. Although I had originally planned to trek all the way back, with the group now dispersing, there would only be two of us on the return trek. So, the other trekker and I decided to take the helicopter to Namche with the majority of the group, cutting a few days off our journey.
Flying over the trails we had hiked was surreal. The aerial views were breathtaking, and it gave me time to fully appreciate just how far we had come.
Back in Namche, it felt like we had returned to civilization! There were stores, the air was much warmer, and the thicker air made breathing so much easier. We could finally relax and enjoy the stunning scenery more comfortably.
Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Phakding
It was a relaxed day of descending back toward Lukla, retracing some of the ground we had already covered. But the scenery was still as stunning as ever. Everything looked different on the way down—warmer, greener, and somehow even more beautiful now that I could take in the views without struggling for breath.
We stopped in Phakding for the night to break up the trek, spending the evening playing board games and chatting with fresh-faced trekkers just starting out on their journey.
Day 12: Phakding to Lukla, Back to Kathmandu
Our final hike was short and sweet. We shared one last tea in Lukla, boarded the tiny plane, and flew back to the chaos and color of Kathmandu. I couldn’t believe the trek was already over.
Day 13: Kathmandu – Shopping & Culture
Because of the helicopter ride back, I ended up with a few unexpected extra days in Kathmandu. What was supposed to be a quick overnight turned into bonus time to explore the city. I wandered the colorful streets of Thamel, shopping for souvenirs and sampled food from several restaurants.
We also took a tour of the city, visiting the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) perched on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu, the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, and Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess. It was a chance to immerse ourselves in Nepali culture and reflect on the spiritual depth of the country we’d spent the past two weeks trekking through.
That night, we gathered for a big group dinner—not just our trekking crew, but also others we’d met and befriended along the way. We toasted to the journey, swapped stories one more time, and promised to meet again—and since then, we actually have.
Day 14: Departure & Homecoming
After one final early morning in Kathmandu, I boarded my flight back home, full of gratitude, awe, and pride. I left Nepal different than I arrived—stronger, more open, and surrounded by new lifelong friends. I can’t wait for the next adventure!