Bobby van Strijp, about whom Highvelder reported last year when she summited Kilimanjaro, has returned from another extraordinary adventure, completing the Everest Base Camp trek with G Adventures.
From September 7 until they reached the base camp on September 15, Van Strijp and her companions had traversed 129km through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, a journey she described as ‘deeply enriching’.
The expedition began with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to the famously thrilling airfield in Lukla.
“As we landed on the tiny airstrip surrounded by towering peaks, I felt a mix of excitement and awe,” Van Strijp recounted.
The trek took the group through the charming villages of the Khumbu region, where they experienced the renowned hospitality of the Sherpa people.
They stayed in cosy tea houses and enjoyed traditional meals, indulging in delicious momos, hearty dal bhat and ramen noodles – one of Van Strijp’s personal favourites.
“We even had a sneaky beer when our head guide wasn’t watching!”
In addition to the stunning scenery, she and her fellow trekkers reflected on the challenges of climbing Everest by watching documentaries about adventurous climbers attempting to conquer it.
GALLERY – Everest Base Camp through the eyes of Ermelo trekker
The initial days on the trail proved to be a challenge for Van Strijp, who experienced severe fatigue due to insufficient sleep.
However, a fellow hiker, a young doctor from Ireland, offered an unconventional remedy in the form of a mix of beer and antihistamine tablets.
“After that, I slept like a baby and woke up feeling ready to tackle the trail ahead,” she said.
One of the stand-out moments of the trek for her was the hike from Namche Bazaar to the Tengboche Monastery, with Coldplay’s Everyday Life album accompanying her steps.
The majestic Himalayas framed the paths winding through lush pine and rhododendron forests.
Unfortunately, Van Strijp soon faced another challenge – hayfever that transformed into a persistent flu, leaving her drained for the next few days.
A particularly meaningful experience for her was visiting the Everest Memorial Site at Chukpi Lhara.
“As I wandered among the memorials, I came to realise that the discomfort I was experiencing was a shared struggle among countless climbers who had faced this daunting journey.”
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
