Challenge: "Namaste" - Welcome to Kathmandu!

"Namaste" --  a common spoken greeting or salutation originating from India but also used in Nepal. It is a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a salutation upon their parting. Initiating the exchange is seen as a sign of respect in other hierarchical settings.

For many people, stepping off a plane into Kathmandu is an exhilarating shock - the sights, sounds and smells can quickly lead to sensory overload. Whether it be buzzing around the crazy polluted traffic in a taxi, wandering down the narrow winding streets of the old town in a rickshaw, marvelling at Durbar Square or dodging the tiger balm sellers and trekking touts in Thamel, Kathmandu can be an intoxicating, amazing and exhausting place.

Flying into and out of the most dangerous airport in the world...

Getting ready to board

Anyone with a fear of heights, weak stomach, or unaccustomed to flying without "The Herald Tribune", a perfectly manicured stewardess and a glass of champagne in hand stop reading and look away now... Go to your favourite travel browser and avoid any flight offered by Sita Airways, Yeti Airways, Agni Air, Tara Air, Nepal AirlinesGorkha Air and, perhaps more importantly, avoid Lukla Airport, the most dangerous airport in the world.

Ordering Etiquette on trail...

Kitchen in Guest House

During this initial stage of the acclimatisation process we are staying in local Nepali 'Guest Houses' along the Everest Base Camp trek which winds its way through the Khumbu Valley. For those not inclined to camping, the Guest House option is a quick and comfortable way to trek in the Nepal Himalaya.

Acclimatising in the Khumbu Valley

Acclimatisation walk to 5100m in front of Ama Dablam

Following a typical breakfast of porridge, cereal and bottomless cups of tea and we set out under a cloudless blue sky... As usual we are graced with absolutely breathtaking views through the Khumbu Valley in the shadow of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu off in the distance. The narow path cut into the side of the hill  and heavy yak traffic means we often walk in a long and winding 'trekking train'; the sounds of the white-water of the Duda Kosi river far below broken only by the 'clink' of our trekking poles chipping against the rock underfoot and the occasional porter carrying small battery powered radios playing what I can only assume is the Nepali Top 40.

Live GPS Satellite Tracking of Heather's Journey!

You can now keep up to speed of Heather's progress to the Top of the World via Live Satellite GPS Tracking!

First Views of Everest...

The start of any expedition brings on series of mixed emotions - from apprehension as you hold your breath as your gigantic overstuffed bags of gear are weighed at the airport check-in through to the first handshakes with new team mates and on to the feelings of excitement at the first views of Everest (wondering if the heart flutters are effects of the thin air or simply feeling of awe at the sheer size of the mountain!). It's been a monumental few days and I can't believe that it's only been 4 days since I left the UK..!

CBC.ca | The Bridge | Everest Updates from Namche

CBC.ca | The Bridge | We chat with a woman on the other side of the earth as she prepares to climb mount Everest.

Latest updates from CBC Radio interview from Namche Bazaar on Tuesday, 5 April.