Mayo couple reach base camp on Mount Everest

A Mayo couple have this morning reached base camp on Mount Everest after six days trekking.

Rowena Gillespie and Oisin Herraghty, Castlebar, completed the 17,598 metre climb to arrive at the South Base Camp in Nepal on the southeast ridge of Everest.

The base camp is a rudimentary campsite at the base of Mount Everest that is used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent.

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side, is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and about 40,000 people per year make the trek there from Lukla Airport (2,846 m or 9,337 ft).

Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the trek to the base camp. There are no roads from Kathmandu to Lukla and as a result, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by plane.

From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa capital of Namhe Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,290 ft), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is the central hub of the area.

Typically at this point, climbers are allow a day of rest for acclimatisation.

They then trek for another two days to Dingboche, 4,260 metres (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatisation.

Most trekkers use the traditional trail via Tengboche monastery, but recently, the high trail via Mong La and Phortse has gained popularity due to the impressive views it offers.

Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.

Rowena, who is director of the Castlebar International Four Day Walking Festival said the photograph does not do justice, stating: “This is an amazing spot. However, it was a tough trek. The snow was so deep I fell several times,” adding: “But we will sleep well tonight.”

The couple have been training for the past 12 months for the trip of a lifetime.