In this special two-part episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by fellow trekkers Sara and Tom to look back on their unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek in September 2024.
What began as a planned 12-day trek through the Himalayas quickly became something very different.
After arriving in Nepal with Intrepid Travel, the group found themselves stranded in Ramechhap for three days due to monsoon flooding, washed-out roads and cancelled flights into Lukla, forcing a complete rethink of the trek and compressing the route into just nine days.
In Part 1, the group reflect on:
- Why they signed up for Everest Base Camp
- Arriving in Kathmandu and first impressions of Thamel
- Meeting the trekking group and guides
- The chaos and uncertainty of the Ramechhap delays
- Monsoon flooding and the reality of Himalayan travel
- Replanning the trek in just nine days
- Altitude fears, Diamox and mental preparation
- Finally boarding the flight to Lukla
Along the way, they discuss travel motivations, challenges, resilience and the friendships that began forming before the trek had even properly started.
This episode captures the uncertainty, humour and emotional build-up before setting foot on the trail.
Part 2 continues the journey from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche and ultimately Everest Base Camp itself.
Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.
Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.
Episode Chapters
01:23 Meet Sara and Tom
01:48 Why We Signed Up
05:25 Arriving in Kathmandu
07:37 Thamel and First Day Jitters
11:09 Meeting the Trek Group
15:20 Guide Hemraj Spotlight
17:31 First Dinner and Packing Rules
20:01 Packing Mistakes
20:41 Ramechhap Road Trip
22:26 Airport Waiting Game
24:41 Why Lukla Flights Stop
26:49 Storms Floods and Doubt
30:38 Miracle Weather Break
33:06 Nine Day Trek Plan
35:37 Finally Flying to Lukla
40:12 Touchdown and Trail Begins
41:23 Part One Wrap Up
Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.
Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.
From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.
✈️ Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.
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