From Pune to Kathmandu: The Exciting Prelude to Our Everest Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Saturday, April 16, 2011 (Pune – Delhi – Kathmandu | Flight)

The anticipation had been building for eight long months before this day finally arrived when were to embark on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Our bags were packed a week in advance, and everyone eagerly awaited the journey ahead. Although we all lived at or near sea level, the excitement we felt had already reached the 8,850-meter mark. In our minds, we had already scaled Everest – a thought that was undeniably invigorating!

Exploring Delhi

We boarded our flight to Delhi and touched down in the early hours of the morning. With a five-hour layover ahead of us, we took advantage of the newly completed airport express segment of the Delhi metro and ventured to Connaught Place. Most establishments were still closed, so we wandered for a bit before returning to the international airport. After enduring a lengthy and exhausting wait at immigration and security, we finally boarded our flight to Kathmandu.

flight to Kathmandu

I had hoped to catch a glimpse of snow-capped peaks during the flight, but the cloudy weather dashed those expectations. An hour and a half later, we landed in Kathmandu for yet another extended wait. Some of our group members were scheduled to arrive on the next flight, so we used the time to get acquainted before leaving the airport together.

At Kathmandu

That chilly night, we found ourselves settling into the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the EcoResort in Thamel, Kathmandu. Nestled in the heart of the city, the resort provided a comfortable respite after a day of travel. As we gathered for dinner, we were treated to a variety of mouthwatering local and international dishes, each bursting with unique flavors that delighted our taste buds.

The warmth of the dining area and the camaraderie among our group members made for an enjoyable evening. Engaging in lively conversation, we shared our excitement, aspirations, and concerns about the upcoming trek. We exchanged stories of previous adventures and speculated about the challenges we might face during our Everest Base Camp Trek. Our collective enthusiasm filled the room, leaving us eager to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As the evening drew to a close, we retired to our comfortable rooms, the soft beds and warm blankets providing a welcome contrast to the chilly air outside. Cocooned in our peaceful accommodations, we drifted off to sleep with our minds filled with vivid images of snow-capped peaks, winding trails, and the unforgettable moments that awaited us in the days to come.

Coming up next – From Lukla to Phakding: The Exciting Start of Our Everest Base Camp Trek

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