Intrepid Ballito climbers to take on Everest Base Camp

Hindu scriptures say that in “a hundred ages of the gods” you could not do justice to the Himalayas. So, where do mere mortals start?

For an intrepid team of twelve Ballito residents the 17-day expedition to Everest Base Camp will begin this week when the four men and eight women team embark on the high-altitude trek that will see them cross some of the world’s most inhospitable yet breathtaking terrain.

The close knit group – that formed their close bonds of friendship at Bob’s Bootcamp some years ago – tackled Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, three years ago.

A number of local expeditions followed and it was a natural progression for the team to set their sights on Everest Base Camp.

At an altitude of 5364 m above sea level Everest Base Camp is around 500 m short of Kilimajaro’s Uhuru Peak at 5895m.

While group leader, Natasha Barnes has tackled Everest Base Camp previously, the team expedition will include a trek to the Gokyo Lakes.

Situated in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4,700-5,000 m above sea level, the lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes.

Speaking on the trek, expedition leader Natasha Barnes who has six altitude treks under her belt, said she was looking forward to the adventure.

“Running Comrades is far more challenging than Base Camp, but it should not be underestimated. We have all be training in preparation,” said Barnes.

The team will be staying at tea houses (local lodges) that line the trails of the popular trekking route along the way in order to experience the culture and way of life in the Himalayas.

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