Concluding the natural wonders book with the jaw-dropping Mount Everest was quite an experience. I hope you can follow the remaining part of the journey when the new volume is released in March 2009.
Preparation
Altitude is the single biggest concern with any mountain adventure. Because no amount of fitness training or previous experience can prepare the body for high-level exposure, it is also the most difficult to manage. Therefore, I decide to set this issue aside and instead concentrate on more practical points such as clothing, crampons and cameras. Given the demanding terrain, I eventually opt for the Linhof 617 with just one lens, a digital system comprising two lenses and some sparse ancillary equipment.
Days 1-5
The journey to Everest itself begins in Kathmandu - a frenetic capital where man, motorcycle and cow often meet. After a short flight, I find myself in Lukla; the focal gateway to the Nepalese Himalaya. Although I’ll be in the region for a while, the usual butterflies are beginning to appear. The next few days entail slow acclimatisation and long - often punishing - walks uphill to Namche Bazaar.
Days 6-10
Namche is 3,440m above sea-level. I attempt to cope with the headaches and restlessness as best possible but invariably there are times when photography falls off the agenda. However, Mother Nature is inspiring as she is harsh and by the time I get into the magnificent Goyko Lakes, I’m truly getting into the ‘zone’. My incredulity also stretches to the porters and sherpas carrying indescribable loads over very tough terrain. Complete respect goes to them and bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).
Days 11-15
Only amongst mountains can one truly appreciate how plate tectonics literally shape the world. Sheer rock faces appear from nowhere and I am acutely aware of the 8,000m peaks all around me. Capturing this beauty with a panoramic camera is proving difficult given the vertical aspect of the terrain. As a result, I am constantly looking for high vantage points to capture the grandeur. The temperature is dropping (particularly at night) and the air is thinning rapidly.
Day 15-20
Crossing the Cho La pass en route to Gorak Shep (5,164m) and I am greeted by awe-inspiring views of Naptse, Lhotse and Mount Everest. Also, known as Sagarmatha in Nepalese and Chomolungma in Tibetan, Everest is mighty as much as it is imperial. Views improve further at Kala Patthar (5,545m) due to the breathtaking context of the entire Khumbu Valley. I have seen a lot of mountain ranges in my life, but none compare to the Himalaya.
After frantically capturing as much of the experience as possible, the journey back to Lukla allows the focus to switch to the smaller world. I can now explore forests, streams and rock formations without the worry of Everest the mind. Ironically, it is often during these ‘free-times’ when the best images are created!
A detailed visual diary is now available to pre-order...
