EBC Trek Diary – Day 1: Kathmandu Flight To Lukla

The Excitement Builds in Kathmandu

Day 1 of the Everest Base Camp trek has finally arrived! After weeks of anticipation and preparation, the day to start our journey to the Himalayas has come. We begin in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal, where the streets are full of life and energy. Our group has gathered early in the morning at our hotel, ready for the flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region.

Kathmandu is a city that pulses with adventure, and it’s easy to feel the excitement in the air. We’ve spent the previous days finalizing gear, acquiring permits, and soaking in the vibrant culture of Nepal. But today marks the beginning of the trek that will take us closer to the highest peak on Earth.

The Flight to Lukla: A Thrilling Adventure

After a quick breakfast, we make our way to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight to Lukla is a highlight of the journey itself—a thrilling and somewhat nerve-wracking experience. The small, twin-engine plane, with room for just a handful of passengers, is the most common way to reach Lukla. As we board, we can feel the excitement building among the trekkers, knowing that we are about to take our first step into the mountains.

The flight is only about 30 minutes, but it is unlike any other. The plane soars over the lush green valleys of the Kathmandu Valley before entering the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The contrast between the flat plains and the jagged mountains is striking, and the sight of snow-covered summits in the distance is awe-inspiring.

As we approach Lukla, the excitement turns to nervous anticipation. The Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its short, sloped runway that ends at the edge of a cliff. The landing is an exhilarating experience as the plane makes a steep descent and touches down on the narrow runway. We all breathe a sigh of relief as the wheels hit the ground, grateful for a smooth landing and ready to begin our trek.

Arriving in Lukla: A Bustling Mountain Gateway

Lukla is a small but vibrant town, nestled at an altitude of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet). It serves as the starting point for most Everest Base Camp trekkers. The air is thin, and the weather is cool, but the energy here is infectious. As soon as we step off the plane, we are greeted by the sounds of yaks, porters, and other trekkers preparing for their own Himalayan adventures.

Lukla has a few essential facilities like tea houses, shops, and lodges, catering to trekkers and trekkers-to-be. The atmosphere is one of organized chaos, with people hustling to and from the airport, and groups of trekkers adjusting gear, preparing for the days ahead.

After landing, we take a brief moment to soak in the surroundings before meeting our guide and porters. They are seasoned locals who will lead us through the trek and carry some of our heavier gear, allowing us to focus on the journey ahead. Our guide shares a quick briefing about the trek and the day’s plan, and we are ready to set off.

The First Steps: Lukla to Benkar

After organizing our gear and having a light snack in one of the local tea houses, we start our trek. The first day’s hike is relatively short, but it sets the tone for the adventure ahead. From Lukla, we begin walking toward our first overnight stop in Benkar, a small village located along the Dudh Koshi River.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, winding through lush forests and small Sherpa villages. We are immediately struck by the beauty of the surroundings—the towering peaks in the distance, the sound of the river rushing alongside us, and the vibrant greenery that contrasts with the snow-capped mountains above. The air is thin, but our pace is steady, and we make sure to stop regularly to drink water and acclimatize.

Along the way, we pass through several small villages, where locals greet us with smiles. The Sherpa people, known for their hospitality and endurance, are the heart of the Everest region, and it’s humbling to see how they go about their daily lives in this rugged and remote area.

The Changing Landscape: From Lukla to Benkar

As we make our way toward Benkar, the landscape continues to change. The path gradually ascends, and we are treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks. We pass over small suspension bridges that span the Dudh Koshi River, with its turquoise waters rushing below. The bridges creak underfoot as we cross, adding to the sense of adventure.

The trek to Benkar is not particularly strenuous, but it is a good introduction to the kind of terrain we’ll be navigating over the next few days. We slowly gain elevation, and though it’s only the first day, the altitude is beginning to be felt. The thin air makes every step slightly more taxing, and we are reminded to take it slow and steady.

Arriving in Benkar: A Peaceful First Night

After a few hours of trekking, we arrive in Benkar, where we will spend the night. The village is small, and there’s a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. We check into a cozy tea house, where we’re greeted with warm tea and traditional Nepalese hospitality. The hosts are friendly, and the tea house provides the perfect setting for us to relax after our first day on the trail.

As the sun sets, we gather in the common room, where fellow trekkers share stories of their journeys. The warmth of the tea house contrasts with the cold mountain air outside, and we begin to feel the camaraderie of the trekking community. The day’s excitement is slowly giving way to a sense of calm anticipation for the days ahead.

Reflections on Day 1

Day 1 of the Everest Base Camp trek has been an exciting start to what promises to be an unforgettable adventure. From the thrilling flight into Lukla to the serene trek to Benkar, it has been a day full of awe-inspiring views, new experiences, and the first steps toward Everest Base Camp. We’ve begun to acclimatize to the altitude and are already soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Tomorrow, we continue our trek, making our way deeper into the Everest region. There is a sense of anticipation in the air—each step brings us closer to our ultimate destination, and we can already feel the pull of the majestic Everest on the horizon. The journey has just begun, and with each passing day, we will draw nearer to the summit of adventure.