Not only is it a hike to explore the natural wonders, it is also a rich learning experience about Sherpa culture. Visit Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries.
As a regular hiker, this is not Richard's first adventure of Everest - in 2004 he completed the Annapurna Circuit after 22 days of trekking. Unfortunately, things didn't go well in the 2010s and he had two discs in his back and two knees each replaced.
In early 2020, with full recovery and full preparation, he teamed up with experienced hikers to challenge the 6,500m Mera Peak for his 60th birthday, but the event was called off at the last minute due to the epidemic. Three years later he did it again, stopping at 5,800m due to heavy snow.
Now the determined Richard packed his bags again for the three mountain passes (Kongma La 5,535m/18,159ft. Cho La 5,420m/17,782ft. Renjo La 5,465m/17,930ft) and the Everest Base Camp with his adventure partner Philip Au.
The following is what Richard shared:
"Trekking in the Himalayas gives you an opportunity to reflect on the world we live in. It gives a great sense of just how small we all are and the awesome scale of nature. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the world of privilege most of us live in and meet many people who, by location of their birth, have never had our opportunities. Yet, their goals and aspirations are not that different. It makes me more committed to whatever we can do the empower people in these developing economies."