For UBX coach Ed, reaching Everest Base Camp was an unforgettable experience filled with plenty of challenges, beautiful views and great company.
“Reaching Base Camp was an awesome experience,” Ed reflects. “It took days of hard, constant work and there was no easy way around it. It was a trip you had to power through mentally and physically.”
A Morning He’ll Never Forget
Among countless breathtaking moments on the trail, one stands above the rest.
“One morning we got to wake up and have a magnificent view of Everest from the valley. There was a monastery to the right of us as we began the day. That moment… it just sticks with you.”
It’s these quiet, awe-filled scenes – far removed from the busyness of everyday life – that left a lasting imprint.
The Unexpected Challenges
While trekking to Base Camp is famously strenuous, Ed says the biggest test wasn’t just the altitude or the steep climbs, it was the constant change in terrain and direction.
“The most physically and mentally challenging points were that it wasn’t all uphill. There were times where you’d head downhill for an hour, already knowing you then had to climb for the next three. That really tested you.”
But thanks to his UBX training, he was ready for it.
“The style of UBX training – being HIIT-focused – meant I was used to the high heart rate and being able to work with it for an extended period of time. That made a huge difference out there.”
The Power of the Group
Just as meaningful as the mountain itself was the group of UBX’ers who shared the journey.
“The UBX group I went with was awesome – such a friendly group of people who loved to have a good laugh. We were known as the fun group while trekking up. Other tours would join us at the tea houses at the end of the day to play cards and games before bed. It made the whole experience even better.”
New Appreciation, New Perspective
The simplicity of life on the trail brought unexpected clarity for Ed.
“I’ve learned to appreciate the little things – like a working bathroom, a comfortable bed, and spending time with people without the distraction of phones and the internet.”
His Advice: Say Yes to the Challenge
For anyone thinking about taking on their own version of an “Everest,” Ed’s advice is simple:“Just do it. You only live once, and I’d rather be outside my comfort zone living life than stay comfortable and stay in the same place. There’s a quote from Marcus Aurelius: ‘Death smiles at us all, all a man can do is smile back.’ So take the opportunities to live life while you can.”
What’s Next for Ed
Far from ticking Everest Base Camp off the list and calling it done, the experience has sparked something bigger.
“I now have the ambition to trek to the base camps of all the 14 peaks – a journey I hope to complete over my life.”
For Ed, Everest wasn’t the finish line. It was the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of challenge, adventure, and growth – one peak at a time.
