Everest Base Camp Trek After A Covid-19 Pandemic

This blog is about my journey in Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Trek. But for some reason, this trip gave me a new sense of anxiety. COVID-19 and the restrictions surrounding the pandemic made this the first international trip I had taken in nearly two years. In contrast to leaving the USA every 3-4 months, I was long overdue for seeing some foreign soil. I did as much research as possible about hiking to Everest Base Camp and decided it was time. I filled out all the documents, got my vaccine several months before, and went for it.

The journey from Montana to Kathmandu was long. I stopped in Dallas and Doha but was ecstatic when we touched down in Nepal. I only met one other American on my flight who lived full-time in Saudi Arabia but occasionally did work in Nepal. We chatted in line, and when he got to the immigration counter, he realized he was ignorant that he needed a recommendation letter to enter (although this has since been lifted). I had mine, so I was in the clear and waved goodbye to him as I entered Nepal.

I would love to share photos of my Everest base camp trek.

My checked bag took over an hour to arrive, but after some patience and a trip to the airport staff, I was on my way. My ride was waiting for me with a smile and took me to Hotel Jampa in the Thamel District of Kathmandu (a touristy area). I met the staff and immediately befriended a 25-year-old woman named Narmada.

I went upstairs and napped until 4 pm when Narmada and I went to the Garden of Dreams. I felt lucky because they recently opened, and I was among the first foreigners to visit since COVID-19 closed. We went to a rooftop bar and then a fun nightclub.

Over the next several days, I visited Kathmandu with my new local friends from the hotel. Narmada and I even flew to Lumbini (her first flight ever) to see where Buddha was born. I enjoyed seeing things many foreigners wouldn’t be lucky to do.

About the trek

The trek was everything I could have dreamed of and so much more. I met two wonderful solo travellers from India and one woman from Mexico. My guide was a hilarious, caring man from Nepal. I felt blessed to be doing the trek with a few others because usually, it’s hard to cross bridges and get scenic photos with the massive crowds (although my heart hurt for the locals who were struggling with less income).

This was also the cleanest the trail and base camp has been in a very long time. When trekking wasn’t happening, some locals and foreigners cleaned up the area, and I felt blessed to be in this gorgeous area with little trash.

I also learned that some Americans travelling with my travel company were informed of how easily I made it through immigration. Although this may be a stressful time to travel, it’s also one of the best when it comes to scenic/outdoor areas like the Everest. This area of the world has struggled through the pandemic, and tourism is their main source of income.

Travel. You won’t regret it. Get vaccinated and do what you can to be responsible, but go to these gorgeous places because there will never be a better time. Meet the locals. Tip them. And keep in mind how strong these people are.