As a girl travelling solo you run the gamut of feelings; every thing from liberating highs to paralysing fears can cross your adventuring path.
For me, impartial journey has at all times been an extremely liberating expertise – I’m lady, hear me roar/snore/converse horrible Spanglish kind-of-freeing. I suppose you possibly can say I’ve been fortunate, in that solo journey has seen me encounter among the world’s loveliest folks and share an abundance of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Plus, I solely had my bag stolen one time.
Solo adventures will be the most effective form of adventures.
However after I began telling people who I used to be trekking to Everest Base Camp, I met a variety of differing opinions. Some folks had been stoked. Others had been in awe that I used to be taking over the problem. Others expressed pointless concern for my well-being.
I severely battle with that query, “Is it secure?”. I’m unsure whether or not I’m offended as a result of it implies that I make dangerous life selections; indignant as a result of I do know males aren’t requested that query half as usually, or angered on the suggestion that I can’t take care of myself. Not solely was the EBC trek secure however it additionally shortly grew to become one among my aforementioned ‘once-in-a-lifetime experiences’.
Moreover studying that, sure certainly, ladies can do something, I additionally got here again right down to sea degree with a handful of different beneficial life classes tucked beneath my belt, scribbled in my journal and saved in my coronary heart.
1. Social media doesn’t validate your journey expertise
Welcome to Sagarmatha Nationwide Park.
I repeat, social media doesn’t validate your journey expertise. Certain, I’m a twenty-something who communicates nearly fully through DMs, however I strive to not purchase into the entire ‘if it isn’t on Instagram, it didn’t occur’ mindset. This strain to replace our life’s feed will be tremendous exhausting, to not point out a problem if you’re travelling. Nothing takes you out of the current expertise greater than spending 20 minutes making an attempt to get the Wi-Fi password.
The fantastic thing about my EBC journey was that I existed in a digi-free bubble. Certain, I might’ve paid to make use of the web if I had been determined, however I felt no need to scroll Instagram when the solar was setting over Ama Dablam or my mates had began a brand new spherical of playing cards.
It took me a number of days to shake that sense of obligation to submit, however as soon as I used to be free, I realised that this expertise, this loopy trek, was for me. And solely me. And whether or not or not my handful of followers bought to come back alongside for the trip, it made no distinction in any respect.
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2. All you want is a little bit perspective
The peaks of the Himalayas.
Perspective is a stupendous factor. No matter anxieties or points, troubles or fears that may be plaguing you’ll be able to usually be calmed with dose of perspective. More often than not, I get this angle from my mates, those who inform it to me straight.
However on the way in which to Everest, I bought that perspective from the panorama. The immense Khumbu peaks and deep troughs, glacial plains and huge valleys have the facility to each intimidate and encourage. You’ll be able to’t not end up humbled if you stand surrounded by the Himalayas, the place you’re only a speck in a kingdom of giants.
At any time when I felt my mind turning to my expensive good friend nervousness, I’d go searching, pinch myself and ask, ‘Will permitting myself to offer into the stress make any distinction?’ and the mountains nearly at all times mentioned ‘hell no’.
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3. I’m in an important relationship… with me
Slowly however absolutely climbing to Base Camp.
I do know, that is all very Eat, Pray, Love however actually – it’s true. For all of us, really. I really like ‘love’ as a lot as the following particular person, however enduring 200,000 steps as much as the roof of the world made me realise how a lot I cherished myself.
That’s why solo adventures are so unbelievable. Don’t get me improper, my trekking crew had been absolute gems, however EBC was at all times going to be a profound private expertise. I imply, two weeks of mountaineering equals A LOT of considering time. Admittedly, typically I used to be simply internally debating which Disney prince character can be the most well liked in actual life (the Mulan man, clearly). However different instances, I used the stroll as a possibility to judge my life, what I’m doing with it, and the place it’s heading.
And have you learnt what I realised? As long as I’m doing one thing, something actually, that leaves me happy – in a joyously, unashamed method – then that’s all that issues. You’ve bought to place you first, and your relationships shall be all the higher for it.
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4. Girls are simply as robust as males
Taking a break when mountaineering is crucial.
This could come as no shock, women and gents. I believe us ladies have confirmed time and time once more that we’re manufactured from metal (ahem, childbirth) besides, it’s good to get a reminder of our energy every so often.
You see, there isn’t a gender bias on the way in which as much as Base Camp, and that’s as a result of outdated mate altitude illness doesn’t discriminate. I’ve recognized athletes, among the fittest people going round, who had been delivered to their knees at 5,000 metres. And but all I do know is that I hiked the path with a bunch of bodily, mentally and emotionally robust ladies who not solely saved up with the boys however gave them a run for his or her rupees. We will actually do something, women.
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5. Kindness is underrated
On the path from Lukla to Gokyo Shep, a little bit goodwill goes a good distance, and the identical will be mentioned in life. Our trekking chief Jangbu might usually be heard saying “sharing is caring and caring is sharing” – more often than not he’d simply noticed one among us cracking open a bag of chips, and he wished a handful, however it additionally applies to normal life on the paths. In any case, EBC will be confronting: the folks round you might be drained, unwell and typically even homesick, so displaying a little bit empathy (and perhaps additionally sharing your chocolate) could make somebody’s day.
I additionally learnt so much about kindness from the native Sherpa folks in Nepal. Whereas it would sound cliche, they did at all times have a smile for you and would go above and past to assist. These communities welcome troops of overseas trekkers by way of their sacred lands with an extremely distinctive generosity of spirit, and I’m making an attempt to convey a little bit of that kindness residence with me.
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All pictures by Tayla Light.