It’s probably not everyone’s idea of a trip of a lifetime, but our very own Paraplanner Nick Robinson has always wanted to visit Everest Base Camp. And in November 2016, he got his wish when he undertook a hairy flight into the Himalayas, followed by a gruelling 13 day trek to get to his desired destination.

Breathtakingly spectacular

Travelling alone initially, he then joined a group of 14 others, including guides and porters, to undertake his memorable trek. Walking between 6-8 hours per day for 15 days, in temperatures as low as -25°C and at altitudes of up to 5,500m, Nick was delighted to finally get to the Camp. Describing it as “one of the best things I’ve ever done,” he was  even more excited a day later to climb a little higher to Kala Patthar where the 365° views were “breathtakingly spectacular.”

Sleep challenges

When asked what the hardest part of the trip was, his answer was simple. Sleep.  “It was so cold and even though you are wearing almost all your clothes, including a hat and gloves, and bundled into a specialist sleeping bag, it was not your ideal conditions for good quality sleep. However, whilst some of the others struggled to adjust to the altitude, I was grateful that it didn’t affect me too badly.”

On top of the world

Nick continues. “Being at Everest Base Camp was the culmination of a dream I have had for many years, but the views from Kala Patthar with Mt. Everest on your left and Nuptse on the right were incredible. You could see for miles and I really did feel ‘on top of the world’. Now that I’m back and it’s all had a chance to sink in, I’ve decided not to rest on my laurels. I am already planning what to do next to top this experience.  And I think that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro might just be the answer!”

Well done Nick and good luck for your next adventure.