Wow......

Today was the first time I was able to see Everest! It looked really far away. This blog comes to you from the Shangri-La guest house and Restaurant in Namche Bazar! Elevation is 3500m and it's only up from here! I did have some trouble getting out of Katmandu (3 days of flight canceled) We were lucky and Pansang hooked us up on a flight with a helicopter to Lukla! I even got to sit up front with the poilet, and he did'd let me fly it.Video to come when I can figure out how! This second day on the trail ended with a sun set over Everest at 3600m. It is something that I could not put into words.
Back to work in the morning with a 4-5 hour hike. Feet are fine and the hight has not been a problem. Let's hope this holds up. Well off to bed and thanks for following!

When the wind blows

Can not change mother nature

Today is the second day that we went off to the airport all set to go to Lukla and mother nature has given us a curve ball! All set on the first day with boarding passes in hand when the first flight comes back due to high winds! We waited about 4 hours and it did not get better. We tried again today but they didn't even give out any boarding passes and we all went home again. If it is not safe to fly into Lukla it's not worth the chance. If we don't get on a flight tomorrow then I am going to fly on a helicopter up to Lukla. I will be on the mountain and hiking on Thurday. Pasang has made some changes to our trip but I think we are still on schedule. Just a little more work then before. This is my last post from Kathmandu before the hike!
Funny thing is that I can fly halfway around the world without any problem but I am stuck trying to fly 45 min up into the mountains! Wish me luck....

In Bahrain and about to fly to Kathmandu. Not much sleep almost there!

Fist post on the road. At the airport and soon in London. Flight is over booked. Will blog soon boarding.

Up, Up and Away!

Flight bag, town bag and home bag!

Departure day

After all the things I have done, the day has come for me to depart on the trip of my life. At school of Friday the whole lower school gave me a great send off. I brought my pack in so the kids could get an idea of the size and weight of it. A couple of students even tried it on and wanted to come with me. It is so great to share this dream with so many people. The students had so many question and so many hugs. I sure hope that I can skype with them from the trail.

All the bags are packed and the last minute stuff is all taken care of. I think I am all ready and set. Spoke with Pasang and he is back off the mountain and ready for my trek. All I need to do is find him at the airport, (after my four flights). I even have my seat on the first flight, 37F and if I’m lucky I will have at four seats in the middle. First class was all full so I guess I have to fly with the common people.

Katie and Andy are both home from school after finals and it is great to see them before I take off. Betsy is still not too keen about watching me fly off to the other side of the earth but I promised I would come back with some great photos and stories. She is just the best to let me do this crazy stuff. It is going to be the first time in 25 ½ years we will not be with each other for Christmas. While you are enjoying Christmas day please think about me at the base camp of Everest!

Live life like there is no tomorrow   

Now you see it, now you don't!



All checked!



All packed



Now you see it, now you don’t!

Wow you really don’t understand how much stuff you are going to bring on a trek until you lay it all out! This past weekend I purchased a couple odds and ends and I think I have everything.

I took some time this weekend to lay all my gear out so I could make sure I had everything and maybe even cut back on some of the stuff. Well Betsy wants me to take two of everything and loads of extra things “just in case”. The pack is jammed full and busting at the seams so I think some stuff will have to stay home! It is so hard to make sure that you have everything that you need before you leave even if you are not sure what kind of weather you will have. One thing is for sure that it will be cold.

My guide Pasang sent me a photo of his group up at base camp. He is well on his way back down now getting ready for the next trip. The days go by slowly with Saturday right around the next bend. It still feels like forever. Oh ya, last words of wisdom for the day: Next time somebody asks you to cut down a tree with a chainsaw a week before a trip of a lifetime, tell them that you will do it when you get back. I put a nice hole in my jeans and a good gash in my leg! Nothing that will slow me down!



Base camp on Sunday 12/9/12



Down to the wire!

Wow it is only 10 days now until I fly out on this world wide adventure! It has been 10 years since I came up with this idea to travel to Nepal and visit base camp of Everest and now I am only 10 days way. It was years of thinking about it and months of planning. Lots of internet spots checked, airfares checked, money raised, and gear purchased, sharing with friends and now it is almost here!

Travel has always been a joy for me. Backpacking thru Europe, Pecos NM mountain range, travels all over the US and now off to Nepal for the grand adventure. Here is something that has been with me these last couple of week that I want to share. “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the idea of living.”

I am not sure how much of this blog I will be able to keep up with on my trip but I will try to keep in touch so follow along with me please. If you would like to add a comment please do so to my e-mail : kklenk@ycds.org I look forward hearing what you all feel about this!

Somebody asked me how I feel about being so close to my trip and I am not really sure! I have all my gear and everything is all set but the idea of the unknown is very exciting. To travel to airports half a world away and step off a plane in a world that I have only read about is very exciting! It has been a great deal of fun setting this all up and now I guess the work is just beginning!    

Why would you do that?



My first upload attempt!





"Not all those who wander are lost"

J.R.R. Tolkien

            The other day I was talking to a group of friends about my trip and someone asked? “Why would you want to do that?”  At the time we were talking about the lack of showers and the distance that would be traveled each day. It was like the person could not believe that I would want to go to a place without hot water and walk on purpose for 5-6 hours in December! I guess we get accustom to certain things in life and some people could not live without them. This reminds me about a time that we took my son’s computer and cell phone away from him. He asked “How am I going to be able to talk to my friends and live?” I had flashbacks to the 80’s and had to ask myself “How we were able to survive?” We did OK and that brings me back to our discussion and what it all means.

Wander vb wandered; wandering 1: to move about aimlessly or without a fixed course or goal: RAMBLE 2: to deviate (as from a course) STRAY b: to go astray morally c: to lose normal mental concentration: stray in thought.

          Maybe J.R.R. Tolkien was on to something when he wrote “Not all those who wander are lost”. Could this be a main goal for this trip? To take some time to live and wander. Opening one’s self up to new places and new things and even new customs to help to better understand how good we really have it!

          The above photo is my first attempt to download a photo to my blog and I hope you enjoy it. It is something I have been working on for two years and it is right above my desk at work. If Sheldon can use a white board so can I! Bazinga…

In a heartbeat

I’ll be there in a heartbeat!

36 days to go.

        I recently started tracking all the spots I have travelled to on Trip advisor and it showed me that I have been to 132 cities, 11 countries and still have only traveled to 7% of the world! I guess I need to get busy. How much have you traveled?

         On Anthony Bourdain's last travel show he made a statement which really rang true, “Whatever you do, just get off the couch and do it!” So this is my challenge to you!

        Since my last post I have had many people approach me and ask me questions about the trip. It has been fun sharing my quest with so many people. As time ticks away towards take off day I think back about how much I have done to get to this point and how many people it has taken. For this I thank them all for all the support and well wishes for me to accomplish this dream.

        Wanted to pass on something somebody sent me recently. “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” by: Edmund Hillary  Make today the best you can and stay tunes for more…….  

51 Days and Counting!

51 Days and Counting!

It has been a busy couple of weeks with trip plan all falling into place! This Saturday I turn 50 years old and it also marks the 50 day point till I leave! Research has been going well on gear for the trip and I’m finishing up on my pack list. I’m trying to keep it light but it has been hard not knowing the weather at that time of the year.

I wanted to share with you some info about my guide for the trip. He and I have been keeping in touch with the new thing called Facebook which has made it really easy to keep in touch.

Namaste, My name is Pasang Dendi Sherpa and I am a professionally qualified Mountain and trekking guide here in Nepal. I have many year of experience in guide and I only offer a top class service with my ultimate aim in providing all of the clients who I work with a safe, enjoyable memorable experience and always at a competitive price. Whatever you're aims and aspiration I can guarantee a suitable itinerary that will meet all of your requirements taking into consideration the associated hazards with altitude to prevent any problems. Too many people every year are caught out with altitude problems due to poor planning and over ambitious trekking itineraries. My approach is to prevent this by careful planning and by using my extensive experience and knowledge of this medical issue. I can facilitate you with all your arrangements and itinerary, and help you go around the town. I speak Nepali, Tibetan, English and Sherpa, so I can help you to talk to most of people in Nepal. My rates you will find to be very competitive. I do not have the same costs as companies do but certainly I offer better service. If you require any guiding services for your group regardless of the size please contact me to arrange a professional service.

Thank you all for the support and check the blog often for up-dates.

Going forward

Base Camp Everest

I have passed the point of no return for my trip! I have booked my flight for December 15^th 2012. The flight will be a long one but I am looking forward to the trip. I am going to leave from Washington DC and travel to London then on to Istanbul Turkey then to Bahrain before my last flight to Katmandu. I arrive two days after I leave at 11:45am in Nepal where I will meet my guide and spend the day looking around Katmandu. After some sleep (I hope) I will fly off to Luka where I start my trek. I hope a fair wind with be with me! Time to start getting my gear in order and finishing my packing list! I have a couple of things to buy still but at this point I am well on my way. “To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act” Antole Frank. The dream is done now it is time to act!

To fly or not to fly?

Tourists headed for Everest region among 19 killed in fiery Nepal plane crash

Not the headline you want to wake up to when you might be flying on the same flight! Well its 74 days till I leave and I still do not have a flight booked yet! My guide Pasang Dendi Sherpa and I have been speaking thru Facebook about the things I need. After I get my flight set I will then buy a couple of things that I need and start packing. If you have ever had a dream for a long time you will know how it feels to have days before you set out on an adventure of a lifetime.

      Here is my trip schedule:

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary 2012-2013

         12/15/12

The Everest adventure begins with a flight to Kathmandu.

Day 1        12/17/12                     Arrival Day

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan
intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in
your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet
and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in
the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft),
3-4 hrs walk

Day 2        12/18/12                To Lukla then Phakding

Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft),
3-4 hrs walk
Early morning we fly from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip at Lukla for about
40 minutes scenic flight; you will have time to stroll around, while the
guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. Guide will
manage the lunch place depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla. We then
take an easy walk to Phakding village for the overnight stop and rest of the
time stroll around the village for local knowledge.

Day 3        12/19/12                 Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast we will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it
twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo the
entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. When enter the National park
boundary we descend and a gradual walk brings us to the suspension bridge
over the Bhote-Koshi river to Jorsalle village, the last village till Namche
Bazaar. Namche is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu
Region.

Day 4          12/20/12                     Namche Bazaar  rest day

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to
become acclimatized to the altitude of (3,440m/11,283ft). You have full day
leisure or visit Everest View Point hotel for wonderful panoramic view or
stroll around the market, if Saturday can be seen many people in Saturday
market for shopping to fulfill their daily needs and only one shopping
market in the surrounding areas. Also you can visit Sherpa Museum as well a
great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering and stroll
back to hotel for overnight. 

Day 5          12/21/12                     Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche

Namche to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Today after breakfast we start our trek with pleasant walk through the
forest with magnificent view of mountains. The great view of the mighty
peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde peak
with view of the eastern snow capped mountains. The trail leads uphill
through the forested path and the hardly walk to get to Tyangboche. One of
the most beautiful place in the Himalaya and the first thing that comes to
your eye is the big Monastery, then the large field with campsites and
teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam.Today’s journey crossing valley’s with views of mountains to the town of Typangboche. Visit the Monastery in the village of Tyangboche. Namche market day today am. (5-6 hour trek)

Day 6        12/22/12                    Tyangboche To Dingboche

Tyangboche to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
The trail descends down from Tengboche, winding through the rhododendron
forest to Deboche and crossing a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. Hug
the valley wall, and then traverse the plains to Dingboche, the start of the
Imja Tse Valley. Dingboche is also the gateway to Chukung and farther beyond
for the most challenging traverses towards Makalu area and Hinko Valley via
Sherpani col 6,100m and Amphu Laptsa pass 5,780m.Travel a leisurely descent down to Dingboche.

Day 7        12/23/12                      Dingboche rest day

Acclimatization day at Dingboche
On this day you will rest before the last leg of the journey. You may have
full day rest or there are some places where you can go for a day walk like
trek to Chhukung (4,730m) is worthwhile which takes approx. 3-4 hours from
Dingboche, towards east within the Imjatse Valley, although the trek is
gradual, however you can feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly
coming towards Chhukung. At Chhukung, there are few teahouses overlooking
superb view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers After enjoy stroll back to
Dingboche for overnight.

Day 8        12/24/12                Dingboche to Lobuche

Dingboche to Lobuche (4,928m/16164 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Tackle the steep incline to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier,
continuing along the rugged route to your resort at Loboje. Above the huts
looms the famous Lhotse Ridge.

Day 9          12/25/12                     Lobuche to Gorek Shep &  Everest Base Camp

                        Christmas Day

Trek to Gorakshep (5,160m/16,929ft) & hike to Everest Base Camp
(5,320m/17,450ft) 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast we continue our trek to Gorekshep in a windy and rocky path
with the wonderful view of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse and other magnificent
peaks. After check in at lodge & lunch, our adventure continues towards
Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall. The trail passes through over
rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. In
Everest Base Camp the climbers gather for summiting Everest during the high
expedition season. We explore base camp and its surroundings glacier and
return back to Gorekshep for overnight.

Day 10       12/26/12                     Early hike to Kala Pathar and back to Pheriche

Early Hike to Kala Pathar(5,550m/18,204ft) & trek back to Pheriche
6-7 hrs walk
Your Guide will arrange time for this morning to start early hike up to Kala
Pathar for the most wonderful sunrise views of the Everest. It takes about 2
hours to reach this hill top (the famous view point). This small peak offers
the best views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the
entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. Being here for some hours,
we hike down to Gorekshep, breakfast and retrace back towards Pheriche for
overnight

 Day 11      12/27/12                     Pheriche to Kyanjuma

Pheriche to Kyanjuma (3,500m/11,480ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Heading down now, the going is easier and the pace faster. Take back great
memories with you and walk down hill towards the Phungithanka vis Tangboche
and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek
onwards to the Kyanjuma the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley,
Khumjung village and Namche Bazzar. Great view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku,
Tawache and Lhotse as well as dense wildlife of some species of Pheasants,
Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer and wild goat can be found insides the
rhododendron forest, evening explore small surrounding area with magnificent
scenery.

Day 12       12/28/12                      Kyanjuma to Khumjung to Monju       

 Kyanjuma to Khumjung to Monju (2,850m/9,348ft), 6-7 hrs walk
Today after breakfast short climb to hidden valley called Khumjung village,
probably the biggest village of the areas and visit Hillary school
established by Sir Admund Hillary and visit to Khunde village where a place
of famous climber and big hospital running by charity, after a great moments
take back to Namche Bazzar for lunch via Syangboche airstrip which is the
world highest airstrip. We walk back to the downhill for overnight at Monju.

Day 13                   12/29/12                     Monju to Lukla                    

Monju to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Leisurely this morning we trek back to Lukla, you can walk at your own pace
and enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the
incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. Arrival in Lukla and
you'll have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your
flight ticket and enjoy the last celebrate dinner with your crew member and
overnight at Hotel.

Day 14                   12/30/12                     Fly back to Kathmandu                                 

 After an early morning flight to Kathmandu our guide transfer you to your
hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your
breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us.

Day 15                   12/31/12         Kathmandu   

New Years eve

Spend today and tonight celebrating New Years eve in Katmandu.

Day 16                   1/1/12 Flight home

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family,
friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to
commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If
departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your
departure flight to your onwards destination

FINISH                 1/2/13                         Arrive home

The 19 day Everest adventure ends!

Dream the dream

Over 10 years ago I was challenged to make a personal goal for myself! As I often do I wanted to dream big so I told my boss that I wanted to climb to the base camp of Everest! As the years went on I found myself very busy but each and every year I placed on my yearly goals to travel to Mt. Everest! Well it's time to do it. I have 84 days till my flight! This Blog will allow everybody to follow the trip as I accomplish my long term goal of climbing Everest. Please enjoy the ride!