Natasha
Natasha’s Trek to Everest Base Camp for PoTS UK
In November, Natasha embarked on an incredible journey to Everest Base Camp, fundraising for PoTS UK, a cause close to her heart, as her daughter lives with PoTS and EDS. Her daughter developed PoTS after having her second child, and it can be really hard on her, her husband and children.
Below is an account of her experience.
Stage 1
Natasha found herself at Hong Kong airport, ready to fly Kathmandu. “Hong Kong is looking mean and moody!” she remarked, soaking in the city’s intense atmosphere. When finally in Kathmandu, she took a moment to relax by the pool with a well-earned beer, knowing the real challenge was just beginning!
They then flew to Lukla airport ready to start their adventure.
Day 1
The first day of trekking was accomplished, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2
The group trekked from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a seemingly short 8-mile hike that took 8 hours and involved climbing 1,000 meters. Along the way, they crossed five suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. Natasha found herself thrilled at the sight of donkeys and yaks, marvelling at a man hiking with metal poles strapped to his back.
Day 3
The trek continued from Namche Bazaar to Kyangjuma, a magical but freezing village. They visited a national park and a recycling centre, where locals had turned mountain litter into art. Reaching the Mount Everest Hotel at 3,880 meters offered breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. A poignant two-minute silence honoured the mountains’ majesty, followed by a visit to a monastery with stunning artwork.
Day 4
Laughter and camaraderie carried them from Kyangjuma at 3,600 meters to Phortse at 3,840 meters, climbing to 4,000 meters for acclimatisation along the way. Natasha embraced the Sherpa motto: “Climb High, Sleep Low.”
Day 5
Leaving Phortse, the team trekked to Upper Pangboche, reaching heights of 4,100 meters. The narrow paths were thrilling for some, terrifying for others. Along the way, they encountered yaks (a female called a Nak, whose cheese tastes like Parmesan) and even attempted Sherpa-style carrying, heavy work indeed! The high-altitude diet of carbs, vegetables, and eggs fuelled their progress, and they learned about the ingenious use of dried yak dung for fuel.
Day 6
Trekking from Upper Pangboche to Dingboche at 4,360 meters, Natasha described parts of the landscape as “Tellytubby land.” While some of the trekking was straightforward, the mental challenge was real. Accommodation that night had an “Austin Powers” vibe, and the vegetarian/vegan menu kept everyone well-fed (and full of wind!). They passed several Sherpa graves and learned about the rare “zopkyo,” a hybrid of yak and cow.
Day 7
A shorter day allowed the team to further acclimatise. Natasha reached 4,600 meters before opting for a gentler route. They enjoyed a relaxing pause in a fancy coffee shop, complete with a proper toilet and gathered around a wood burner fueled by yak dung, readying themselves for the final five challenging days.
Day 8
Leaving Dingboche behind, the team set off for Lobuche at 4,930 metres. Along the route they passed through the Sherpa memorial area near Thukla Pass (4,800m), often referred to as the “Sherpa graveyard.” Stone chortens, mani walls and memorial plaques stand in honour of Sherpas and climbers from around the world who lost their lives on Everest. It was a moving and reflective part of the journey.
As they climbed higher, the temperature dropped sharply. By night, it was freezing, with ice forming on the inside of the tea house windows. Snow blanketed the landscape, creating breathtakingly beautiful scenery, but the icy paths made trekking more challenging and required careful footing.
Day 9
An early start marked the push towards Gorak Shep. The walk was tougher now, with the altitude making every step feel heavier, but the scenery remained absolutely spectacular. After a lunch stop to refuel, the group began the final stretch to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres.
Reaching Base Camp was a surreal and emotional moment after all the months of training and days of trekking. There were celebrations all round, and of course a well-earned group photo with the incredible Sherpa team who helped make it possible.
That evening’s meal felt like pure luxury, egg and chips instead of the usual dhal bhat. At that altitude, it truly was heaven!
Reflecting on the journey, Natasha described it as a blast, full of laughter, tears, friendships, and even some spontaneous business ideas. As they waited at Kathmandu airport to begin the journey home, she couldn’t help but smile at the incredible adventure she had just completed.
