I arrived in Kathmandu around 11 am after a long delay in Doha. It was such a welcoming feeling to find Gobinda waiting for me with his CTSS sign and dressed to impress as always. It was humid and hot, just as expected. We drove to the hotel. The streets were full again with cars and motor bikes. Last year was shut down and so quiet. It seems this part of the world is recharging back to life. We arrived at the Hyatt. I have not stayed here before, so always enjoy staying somewhere new. As long as they have a decent glass of red wine, I’m good! Jet lag got me this time and I spent a good 20 hours sleeping to regulate. But the next morning, bright eyed and sassy tailed, I headed to breakfast to meet the rest of CTSS Wave 3 crew.
This year, I am climbing as a “private”. This means it’s me and my guide Naren. He was one of my guides last year on the “Western Guided” team. He is extremely talented and highly certified Nepalese badass! I am beyond thrilled I get him all to my own! So, why go with a private guide instead of a team? Good question! I LOVE a team, and the bonding and camaraderie. I also absolutely loved my experience last year and learned so much from Casey, Mark and Naren. BUT, I also learned that I can be far more nimble going private. If there is an early weather window, I can thread that needle with only 3 of us (Me, Naren and a climbing Sherpa) moving at our own speed. So, here we go again, just 10 months after I returned from Nepal early June 2021. This is the year to summit Everest and complete the Seven Summits!
About the author : MEGHAN
