Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A life-changing journey up Mount Everest
DESPITE a global pandemic and Covid19-related restrictions, a group of 15 South Africans reached Everest Base Camp in Nepal on a life-changing voyage.
The group was led by Klasie Wessels from Streetschool, which is based in Stellenbosch. Wessels said the most challenging parts of the trek were the physical challenges involved.
“One of the most challenging aspects of the journey was acclimatising to the high altitude and being that high above sea level. Pacing is more important than distance in terms of altitude. The climb is roughly 60km up and 60km down. With the change in altitude, there are risks of altitude sickness and mental anxiety.”
The Himalayas are renowned for having the world’s largest mountains. Of the only 14 peaks in the world to be above 8 000 metres, nine are in Nepal. Mount Everest is the tallest at 8 848m.
The eight-day climb entailed overnight accommodation in tea-houses in small villages along the way. With interesting names like Phakding, Namche Bazar and Gorak Shep, these mountains offer clean accommodation and basic food for all hikers.
The 65km climb is physically taxing and required a level of fitness and mental strength. One typically walks for five to six hours a day and altitude is more important than distance. The thin air makes covering even the shortest distances difficult.
The Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5 363m with 50% less oxygen than at sea level. In terms of fitness, one needed to be fit enough to cover five to six hours a day for 15 consecutive days.
The purpose of the journey was for climbers to develop a sense of appreciation for the beauty and richness of life and the opportunities that are presented to them. The journey aimed to be insightful and inspiring for all the hikers embarking on the journey, through offering different perspectives.
Professor Sonia Human, was one of the people that hiked up the mountain alongside Wessels. She said that despite the physical challenges involved, the journey was the most life-changing journey she had embarked on.
“It was everything I could have ever hoped for. It was an emotional and spiritual journey. Being surrounded by the tallest mountains, that’s so big it really humbles you and makes you see how small you are in the greater scheme of things. I was so amazed by the kindness, and the dignity of the simplicity of the Nepalese people, and the compassion they showed.”
John Thöle, who is from Somerset West, said the two weeks they spent there were “truly impactful”. He described the journey as overwhelming and life-changing, as they were exposed to the Nepalese religion and culture which is completely different to South Africa’s.