Everest Base Camp: The Spiritual Experience

Personal Insights

Apr 1

Naturally, it’s impossible to capture the entirety of this life-changing journey to EBC, but I would like to offer a few insights + epiphanies I experienced on my two week trek, separate from the more logistical side of getting to the base of the world’s tallest mountain.

Day 1 – Kathmandu
(March 15, 2019)

Stripped down to the essentials for the next week! I realized how little was necessary when trying to fit everything under a 15 kilo weight limit.

Day 2 – Flight to Lukla → Trek to Phakding, 2,660m / 8,727ft (Shangrila Lodge)
(March 16)

Had one of the best days of my life! In shock and awe of actually being in the presence of the high Himalayas – tears filled my eyes as we flew by the etherial peaks. I contemplated how these towering peaks oversee the earth, power over humanity, are living, breathing, and growing.
Took a thrilling nose pitch down as our plane descended into the cliffside runway! That was one way to get over flight anxiety.
Learned about how neither Tenzing Sherpa or Sir Edmund Hillary were the first person to summit Everest, rather they both needed each other to summit, therefore they were both the first.
We began trekking in a region dedicated to the first Nepali woman to summit, though she died on the descent. I became aware of my own judgments about this, as if she wasn’t worthy of the recognition because it wasn’t a successful summit. Nonetheless, I found it beautiful that this masculine-dominated sport had a region honoring a woman!
Spiritual insight: I wish to transcend feeling the need to receive in return for giving, instead learn to give purely because it’s joyful for all, and because I love it!
- The interplay of giving + receiving energy will likely be a contemplation on this journey. For example: the dream of seeing Mt. Everest makes me come alive in unique ways. This feels like a gift to be here, receiving the beauty and intensity of these peaks.
Shifted my perspective to find love for all on this journey; there’s no need to take their energy/stories personally and, instead, I could witness each interaction as a gift from the universe.
I kept feeling like this was divine timing. Almost as though part of my soul has always lived in the Himalayas – an inherent normalcy surrounded my day, but I still had to pinch myself!

Day 3 – Trek to Namche Bazaar, 3,440m / 11,286ft (Snowland)
(March 17)

“Om mani padme hum,” or the way of the Buddha, is written on prayer flags strung high up on the suspension bridges, sending this compassionate mantra through the air and in the water to all sentient beings. I found myself mantra-ing this a lot throughout my day, especially on said suspension bridges.
The whole group was keen on helping each other through words of support as well as sharing supplies like band aids, cough drops, water purifying tablets, etc.
When meeting people, I observed how some folks inherently talk about themselves and lack presence in holding space for others. In that moment, I had a hard time discerning how I wanted to engage or not. Ultimately, I felt encouraged to share my own thoughts/opinions because I wanted to work on attaching less to my words, when I otherwise might be shyer.
Despite feeling some minor pain in my right IT band, ball of my left foot, and right SI joint, I kept mentally imagining myself as the total image of health and feeling protected.
When some of the group requested another yoga session, I recognized that I needed to put myself first and prioritize alone time. After unwinding alone in my room, I came downstairs and guided some light stretching from a much easier space.
I experienced so much heart-centered energy throughout meditation, the trek and at the end of the day – I felt deep LOVE for everything and everyone!
My cup felt full as I clearly recognized spending time in nature is a priority for my life!

Day 4 – Rest day / test day at Namche Bazaar
(March 18)

Not-so-spiritual-but-practical-tip: if your clothes are wet when you go to bed, put them under your sleeping bag to dry them overnight.
Despite hopes to see our first glimpse of Everest today, a snowstorm clouded the sky. This was a kind reminder that we are not in control and cannot expect things to go according to our own plan… ever!
It was luxurious to take reprieve in the Irish Pub next to the furnace. It was my first time in a bar not drinking, but I didn’t feel the least bit compelled to drink, nor tap onto their free wifi. What a blissfully clear break from my societal attachments and conveniences. (I also recognized that I could moderate my eating habits similarly.)

Day 5 – Trek to Tenboche, 3,880m / 12,730ft (Tashi Delek Lodge)
(March 19)

Ended my morning meditation with a new mantra + mudra: hands at 4th chakra + “I receive love,” hands at 5th chakra + “I trust in love,” hands at 6th chakra + “I surrender to love,” hands at crown “I am love.” Then bowed down to close out.
These have been some of the best days of my life – so simple, clear, focused, present, joyous. Being in these mountains was a gift of a lifetime. I felt intensely connected to this land – in total awe of what surrounded me.
Life up here is hard (with altitude, cold, lack of amenities, food options, etc.) but it’s also pure in its intentions. Being here and now. Embracing all of what is.
Meditated in the Buddhist temple, activated malas with 108 “Om mani padme hum” and felt tons of compassion in my spiritual body.

Day 6 – Trek to Dingboche, 4,350m / 14,272ft (Peaceful Lodge)
(March 20)

Happy Holi! No color was thrown along our hike, but the beautiful full moon clearly radiated at night.
Before I left, a friend commented on my FB post providing tips for hiking in the Himalayas. For some reason, her suggestions proved bothersome as I trekked on – why though? She was merely trying to share her love with me through her own personal experience, but I read it as a way for her to project ego on social media. Social media + ego trigger me (which means these are unresolved in myself). Life has been much simpler without SM… but then again, I do take pictures up here with posting in mind; I’m not better than anyone else. Life without social media seems ideal, but I also see the benefits of keeping in touch with a network… dilemmas
Despite recognizing that we all care for each other like a family on this trip, I realized that I got agitated by people only when my cup isn’t feeling full. I sat with ways in which I can I actively fill my cup up in my normal day-to-day:
- Nature, meditation, deep conversations, solo time, trips to look forward to, feeling connected to the present, connection to love

Day 7 – Rest day / test day at Dingboche
(March 21)

Everyone shared how vivid their dreams have become, some more anxiety/fear-based than others
Did some journaling on what makes me unhappy / happy / very happy

Day 8 – Trek to Lobuche, 4,910m / 16,109ft (National Park Lodge)
(March 22)

Meditated on taking up space in this world and how these peaks protrude into the sky, sharp edges piercing into unscathed skyspace
Reflected on humankind’s ability to adaptability as yaks crossed our path and forced us up + to the sides. Chris calmly commented, “I think we’re gonna be here for a while,” as if we were stuck in rush hour traffic on a Tuesday afternoon. So casual, so easy it was to accept the new normal.
As we traversed through the memorial site, I felt profoundly connected to the fear and love the deceased felt in these mountains. Trusting that they died doing what they love, I was curious if their deaths could have been prevented? Does it matter? Is it judgmental to consider that?
While high elevation is so inhospitable to humans, it was simultaneously some of the most beautiful, majestic land I’ve barred witness to. It’s hard to imagine this being the only time I’m there.

Day 9 – Trek to Gorakshep, 5,180m / 16,995ft → Everest Base Camp, 5,364m / 17,598ft
(March 23)

A day culminating our physical and mental efforts to arrive at our dream destination: Everest Base Camp
I experienced a profound spiritual healing and forgave myself…for everything. For cheating, for hurting others, for hurting myself, for all the anger, angst, struggle with my family… In that realization I understood it all brought me to this exact moment. And this moment is perfect. As is every moment.
This belief reverberated on my deepest soul level. And a wave of pure, blissful peace washed over my entire being.
I recognized the significance of having dreams and realizing them through hard work is the essence of life. Accomplishing them gives you purpose, drive, perspective.
Received a download that 29, 30, and 31 will all be great years of my life, but 33 will be especially transformative. For some reason I felt that at 32 I’ll lose someone (perhaps death?).
On this martian territory, certainly not designed for humans, we find our way to conquer the elements… yet, is it a battle or a union of forces?
My roommate / EBC BFF Courtney experienced immense fatigue from the altitude towards the beginning of this day – one of the longest on the trek. I made the decision to stay behind the pack (which I was typically towards the front of) and helped hone her mind. Pasang Sherpa told us this trip is 60% mental, 40% physical. Courtney and I witnessed that together as I tried to help curb her mind away from thinking about being helicoptered out, from thinking she may not make it… “Just one step at a time… right in front of left… call on all the people back home who are thinking of you today and sending you love + strength.”
While this certainly felt like a noble pursuit for a friend, I had an internal conflict with my ego and attachments. It felt good to be called on as the helper/healer – but could I offer this energy without feeling holier than thou? Did I genuinely enjoy helping support her? Did I feel as though I needed something in return?
Ultimately, I arrived at realizing the exercise was good practice in reminding me to move slowly, no need to race to the front. Take this experience one step at a time.
When Courtney and the entire team finally reached EBC I felt elated to be surrounded in a community, celebrating this life accomplishment together. When Mary started crying, I empathized and took a step back to let it wash over me.
The experience at-large was a big contrast to my time in Bali. Perhaps it was the specific group, perhaps it’s G-Adventures, perhaps it’s Nepal, perhaps it’s just what it is, but the experience was very masculine, surrounded by guys talking about sports, war, drinking beer… guy stuff. This is not to undermine the camaraderie and other common ground felt, but I was no longer in the divine feminine embrace of Bali. Moreover, the grounded, physicality of this trek contrasted the esoteric life and energetic contemplations that Bali hosts.
Ultimately, this day put me in touch with forgiving myself. All of the moments of my past have lead me to the divine moment and blessing of this treks. Wow, the power of presence here. It’s as if we didn’t realize we would be arriving at EBC until the day of – there’s be so much to take in beyond arriving at the base of Goddess Mother.

Day 10 – Trek to Kala Patthar, 5,545m / 18,192ft + descend down to Periche, 4,270m / 14,009ft (Panorama View Lodge)
(March 24)

Our final day ascending. The first light snuck up behind Mount Everest’s summit. Pink, cotton candy waves float around her broad peak. As I lead the pack, in that moment, maternal energy felt strong. A rebirth of self, identity, presence was underway.

I heard her say, “Trust in the universe and you will find your way.”
Downloaded a reminder to release attachment to ‘I’ and ego. As you do, you’ll find more fulfillment in each moment.
- Exercise: try starting less conversations/sentences in “I” and see if the subject can be focused elsewhere. Also, try caring less about what others think by reducing your attachment to identity and expectations.
Felt immense gratitude for my boots as well as my physical health.

Day 11 – Down to Kenjuma, 3,570m / 11,713ft (Ama Dablam Lodge)
(March 25)

So much presence is required in each day on this mountain, including the ones of descent. You can’t even focus on what’s coming up to safely accomplish arriving there – similarly, as soon as you look back you risk your movement forward. The only thing you can focus on is the present.
It was this day that I began looking forward to washing my hair and doing laundry!
Contemplated: Why rush anything if you don’t have to?
Felt grateful for my yoga practice preparing me for the physicality of this trip. Felt grateful for my meditation practice preparing me for the mentality of this trip. Both cleared the way for a spiritual aspect to emerge and garner respect.

Day 12 – Down to Monjo/Chumoa, 2,790m / 9,154ft (Chumoa Guest House)
(March 26)

Crazy dreams! Doesn’t make sense to type them all out here… but long and vivid.
Did reiki on a group member with a badly strained knee. He showed improvements throughout the day, and little did I know he was actually considering doing reiki training soon. This quiet, French-Canadian was full of surprises! Glad to have had the opportunity to tap into the divine healing powers of the Himalayas.

Day 13 – Trek to Lukla, 2,830m / 9,285ft (Mera Lodge)
(March 27)

We made it! As a means of celebration, I decided to drink for the first time in 2 months. This took a lot of deliberation on the trek, but ultimately chose to have fun with the group and indulge in some beers.
4:30 a.m. came quickly and I harshly awoke with a hangover and the decision to no longer drink beer, only wine when I feel called to indulge. Should’ve been a given ;)

Day 14 – Early morning flight to Kathmandu
(March 28)