Keeping “up mountain” when passing a Yak was one of the lessons learned by the members of Largs Probus Club during a recent talk by Des and Linda Nicholl on a 15-day trip they had made in November 2018 from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp with G Adventures. This event was to mark a significant birthday and to fulfil a childhood dream Des had having read a book by Tom Weir about his experience of Mount Everest. Flying into Lukla Airport, which serves Kathmandu, was a challenge for any pilot – there is a rock face at the end of the runway!. Rated at one time as the most dangerous airport in the world, it lies 2,840 metres up on a mountain side with no opportunity for a go-around.
The trek to the Everest Base Camp was along a route 84 miles long with an elevation gain of 22,000 ft. which followed the Milk River. Every bend in the trail opened spectacular views of beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. Des commented on the cleanliness of the trails which were litter free, now there is a requirement for all expeditions to remove their rubbish. While the trip was very active, they travelled with a light pack while a Sherpa porter carried their trekking gear. Photographs of Sherpa’s carrying some monstrous loads were shown, as everything going in and out of the area had to be carried, which is where the Yaks came in with their sure footedness and ability to carry heavy loads – generally in plastic containers strapped to their sides. Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek was a constant concern but fortunately neither Des nor Linda had issues in that regard.
Eating was a big part of the adventure with the group stopping regularly at a tea house (a combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out) to eat together and taste a variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. Most tea houses served the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) and Des’s favourite “Sherpa stew”.
Linda spoke about the impact of the Buddhist and Hindu religions in the area with supporting photos, and on the life of women in Nepalese society. Historically, Nepal has been a predominantly patriarchal society where women are generally subordinate to men. Women do not normally travel, and their work is confined to the household ……. where they are responsible for cooking, washing, collecting fuel and firewood, fetching water, engagement in agriculture (many running market stalls), maternity and service to males and other family members. Although their work plays a vital role, it is normally left uncounted.
The President, Roddy Eunson, gave a hearty vote of thanks to Des and Linda for a thoroughly enjoyable talk which demonstrated the humility they had encountered with the people of Nepal.
Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 23rd October at 10.00am, Coffee Morning, when three members will speak on subjects of their choice.
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and then use our Contact Form if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.