Prepping for My First Trek in Nepal: A Grandfather’s Tale

Every adventurer remembers their first trek, but what if that trek happens in the sixth decade of their lives? Well, it’s a turmoil of mixed emotions! Here’s a blog by a senior adventurer with his grandchild narrating how it went to travel to Everest Base Camp. Let’s go through “Prepping for My First Trek in Nepal” to dig into the details and experience of the narrator.

Prepping for My First Trek in Nepal

I never imagined that at 57, I’d be achieving the adventure of a lifetime at the base of Mount Everest. But here I am, packing my bags, training my legs, and prepping for my first trek in Nepal, and I am not alone. I have my companion, my 6-year-old granddaughter, the most spirited little adventurer I have ever known.

I have spent most of my life as a teacher, guiding young minds and helping them grow. My days were filled with stories and tales of sea, ocean, hills, and mountains, but I never got the chance to see them. I was not directly involved with the mountains, but I’ve always had a profound esteem for their beauty and the stories they hold.

My experience with mountains and terrain lands is often limited to beach vacations and local hikes. I’ve walked through rural trails and climbed small hills, but I have never faced the challenges of high altitude or Himalayan terrain. This is my first true adventure in such majestic landscapes and I am proud to share the experience in hand with my granddaughter. This journey is more than a trek; it’s a celebration of my life and resilience—and a tribute to my family. Let me walk you through how I plan and prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime intergenerational experience.

Why Nepal and Why Now?

It’s been a year since I retired. I lost one of my friends, let’s say a colleague, 4 months ago. We worked together for many years as teachers and shaped many fresh minds. I suddenly realized I was also in the queue for the same journey from where I would never return. Then I thought of Nepal, which was always my dream. The images of Buddha, temples, towering peaks, fluttering prayer flags, and serene landscapes flashed back in my mind. At this age, I want to prove to myself that age is just a number and age knows no bounds. I also want to create a path for my descendants to achieve what they dream of.

Choosing the Right Trek

After retirement, I have my bank account full of cash. That is not the problem. Time? We both have had enough of that. So, I started doing my research about the destination. I started surfing the internet to evaluate the trekking routes to see if they were suitable for both my age and my granddaughter’s endurance. After doing a general inquiry, I chose a trail that balances challenge and enjoyment, the Everest Base Camp.

Why I Chose Everest Base Camp (EBC)?

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is more than just a destination; it’s a symbol of resilience, aspiration, and achievement. While easier treks in Nepal like ABC offer beauty and accessibility, EBC stands out as an iconic challenge that pushes boundaries and creates a profound sense of accomplishment. For me, a 57-year-old grandfather trekking with his 5-year-old granddaughter, choosing EBC was a bold statement. This trek represents the spirit of exploration, offering not just breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and vibrant Sherpa villages, a culture I could teach to my baby girl.

I have taken it as a chance to share unforgettable memories, from crossing suspension bridges to standing at the base of the world’s tallest peak, inspiring my girl to dream big and embrace challenges.

Why I Chose to Trek With My Granddaughter?

Taking my 5-year-old granddaughter on this journey might seem unconventional, but for me, it is a natural decision. My son and his wife are busy with their work. The only free person I could get was my granddaughter. Yes, she’s young, and I’ve carefully considered the challenges this trek might bring for both of us.

I have consulted some of my buddies who had been to Everest Base Camp previously. I have decided that it’s not the destination that matters: it is the journey and your company. This journey isn’t about pushing limits recklessly; it’s about sharing a dream that can be approached with the right preparation and determination. I have prepared for every possible scenario and promised myself that if at any point it feels unsafe, we’ll turn back.

Her safety and well-being are my top priorities. We planned a slow-paced itinerary with plenty of acclimatization days, and I ensured we had all the right gear to keep her comfortable.

Training and Prepping for my 1st Trek in Nepal for Two Generations

Telling the truth, preparing for this trek is itself a challenge for me. At 57, my knees sometimes remind me of their age, but I keep on telling them, You might have become older, not me. I have made the training a part of my daily routine. I walk around my neighborhood and the nearby hills to strengthen my stamina and endurance. I often go to the mall to climb the stairs. People around me look at me with wide eyes open as I am choosing the stairs instead of the elevator.

My granddaughter?

Na!! She does not need training; her daily sprint around the garden is enough to prove that she is ready! But, to synchronize our speed and way of walking, I often take her near the hills and explore local trails.

Her safety is my first priority!

Ensuring our safety is my top priority. Consulting a trekking operator in Nepal, we have developed a detailed plan to make the trek safe and comfortable. The company has ensured me a guide who already has experience taking a child to the base camp.

Our itinerary is designed to be slow-paced, with shorter daily distances and plenty of rest days to allow our body to adjust to the altitude and get comfort with the decreasing oxygen in the atmosphere.

We need high-quality trekking gear, warm clothing, insulated sleeping bags, and waterproof boots to protect us from the unpredictable mountain weather like wind and snow. I would carry a medical kit with essential medications like Diamox (Acetazolamide), a pulse oximeter, electrolyte drinks, and plenty of snacks.

The tour manager would manage porters to carry our stuff and, if needed, to carry the girl as well. The goal of this trek isn’t to push her limits but to share an unforgettable experience and encourage her love for nature and adventure. Her health, safety, and happiness are what matter most, and I’m committed to making this journey as enjoyable and secure as possible for both of us.

Packing Light, Packing Right

Now the vital question. What to pack for the trip? Making a light bag with items that are of prime importance for both of us during the trek is key. As I was surfing the internet, I got to read a blog about packing light for your trekking in Nepal. There I learned that trekking is not about carrying everything but carrying only the essentials wisely. Packing for a trek with a 5-year-old requires a mix of essentials and comforts.

As I was prepping for my first trek in Nepal, I decided to choose comfortable trekking boots, warm layers, durable walking poles, and a camera to capture memories. She insists on getting jackets of her favorite color. Girls have their priorities, you know. I have not got a pair of tiny trekking shoes yet. So, I am going to get a pair of durable sports shoes for her along with other clothing and gear.

Learning About Altitude and Prepping for the Challenges

The Everest Base Camp is at a height of 5,364 meters. I am aware of altitude sickness and its effects on the human body. To respond, we have designed our 14-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek, keeping enough days for acclimatization. We have set Namche Bazaar and Dingboche as our resting spots for proper acclimatization. I have also promised myself to go slow and steady and ready to abort the mission if any of us show any signs of discomfort.

Beginning A Memory For Lifetime

I think it is all set and we are ready to go. Next week, we are leaving our homeland and reaching the city of temples, Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the vibrant capital city of Nepal. We will stay in a hotel for a night and I have already made the reservations.

There are still a couple of items I will buy at Kathmandu to reduce the weight from here. I will get trekking poles, a water bladder, a warm woolen cap, and gloves from a store at Thamel. Next week, we will take our flight to Lukla and reach the majestic district of Everest. I will write further and share my experience and photographs as soon as I reach Nepal.

Note: The content is written from the perspective of a conversation with Mr. Nick Dimeo from Wisconsin, USA.