Most Inspirational Moment
So many, but the fact that all 16 of our group made Base Camp was special. Many, many other great moments, with the best for me being :-1. Reaching Namche, realising I was in the heart of Sherpaland after a long day mainly trekking uphill.2. Standing outside our teahouse at Tengboche on a beautiful, clear, sunny day with Nupste, Everest, Lhotse and Amu Dablam in the background.3. My favourite - an 'optional' walk after trekking to Lobuche, which took us to a ridge from the teahouse to watch the sunset on the Nupste Wall. No colour at first, then the sun began to set, turning the Wall to yellow, then gold and eventually red.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sherpa Pasang was brill. He even organised taxis for us in Kathmandu to go sightseeing ! Nothing was too much trouble for him on the trek. Everything was explained to us the night before trekking. He made sure the pace was correct ( hence everyone made it to Base Camp ). Everything was sorted for us at the teahouses, packs ready in our rooms on arrival at the end of the day and collected early next morning. We even had a flask of tea at Base Camp. Of course, all of this was with the great help given by his team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have a good level of fitness. You will stop for a breather on the treks uphill, everyone did. Therefore stick to the pace your Sherpa tells you to do. You can do it - there were four over 60 year olds in our group and we all made it.We had mainly beautiful, sunny days ( late November ), but it was cold at the trek start in the morning and freezing in the evening, so plenty of thin thermal layers ( I slept in mine plus leggings and walking socks ), a good down jacket and sleeping bag.Age is no barrier, you won't be walking fast. The food is excellent in the teahouses with a tremendous variety. Just keep loading up on the carbos.If you fancy the trek, don't think twice - JUST DO IT - if you don't, you'll always wonder - what if ?
Suggestions
My only disappointment is that I don't think this trek can be surpassed, therefore where do I go next ! You do not have to be superfit, but climb those mountains beforehand, it will help. The most common word used by the 'kids' and by the 'golden oldies' on trek was - awesome, as we saw sights which now unfortunately put our mountains to shame.Take wetwipes ( for various uses ), lipsalve, a hot shower every few days is a luxury - expect a cold outdoor shower !I wish I was back there now.