Bedfordview adventurer shares Everest trek story

A man who is a ‘nature boy’ at heart shared his adventurous expedition to the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest.

Gordon Forbes (73) shared his experiences as the guest speaker at the Probus Club of Bedfordview open meeting on May 5.

Forbes, who has taken part in various sporting events, including the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, Ironman events, and the Dusi Canoe Marathon, said he participates because he believes that nothing is impossible if you truly believe you can do it.

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The adventurer shared that the hike to Everest Base Camp is a 160km round trip from the town of Lukla, gaining over 2 500m in elevation and reaching a maximum altitude of 5 545m above sea level.

He said no technical climbing is required, but it involves trekking at altitudes where oxygen is as scarce as Wi-Fi, and every incline can feel like ‘summit day’.

Sharing details of day one of his hike, which took place from April 1 to 20, 2024, Forbes said he endured five hours of one of the most terrifying drives in a Toyota Quantum taxi.

The journey was from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in order to catch the earliest morning flight, as Lukla Airport is rated among the most dangerous airports in the world. Only 15kg of luggage was allowed on the flight.

On day two, the hiking team set out for five hours of walking, as there is no motorised transport beyond Lukla. Horses and donkeys are used as transport up to 4 000m high altitude, after which yaks or dzos (a mix of yak and domestic cattle) are used.

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“From Lukla to the Everest Base Camp, you cross nine suspension bridges on the way, including the famed ‘Hilary Bridge’,” said Forbes.

On day three, upon reaching Namche Bazaar, the team stocked up on necessities as prices continued to rise further up the valley.

Day four was acclimatisation day. Their team leader, Klassie Wessels, measured and recorded everyone’s blood oxygen saturation levels, which is one of the first indicators of altitude sickness.

Fortunately, none of the team members required medical attention.

The mountaineers walked for six hours to Dingboche at an altitude of 4 906m on day five, which is the recommended peak acclimatisation point for mountaineers before attempting to climb Everest.

Day six was another acclimatisation day, with helicopters hovering overhead ready to ferry hikers suffering from altitude sickness or other medical conditions.

On day seven, the hikers visited the Tengboche Monastery, where they were blessed by a monk to complete the trek safely.

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Excitement reached its peak on day eight as the team made their way from Dingboche to Lobuche.

“The route goes up the Amphu Lapcha Pass, where you see many memorials to hikers and mountaineers who have lost their lives on the mountain.

“It was a moment of silence for the fallen, but also a sense of excitement knowing you are close to the Everest Base Camp, as well as being near four of the world’s highest mountains, especially the highest mountain, Mount Everest!” expressed Forbes.

Forbes and the team dropped their bags at the tea house and headed straight towards Everest Base Camp.

“At last, I’m at the top of the world, almost 5 364m high. So many emotions — happiness, excitement and an absolute feeling of accomplishment — though humbled by everyone, particularly the Himalayas and the people who belong there,” were Forbes’ summit words.

Forbes advised that the best seasons to walk to Everest Base Camp are spring, from March to May, which offers dry weather and clear skies, and autumn, from September to mid-October.