Embarking on this 10-day hiking journey through the Himalayas was like stepping into a dream, one where every morning unfolded with the grandeur of the mountains embracing us. Waking up each morning to the majestic, beautiful mountains, and enjoying a black tea with anticipation of the day ahead, felt like a privilege we’d never experienced before.

The physical challenges were daunting, no doubt, but what stood out to us was the inner journey we all undertook. There were moments when doubt crept in, and our minds whispered tales of impossibility. But being surrounded by such an incredible team, we found the strength to push through. "Pushing through, digging deep, and moving beyond those thoughts, knowing we really did have it in us to ‘do this’... was truly an achievement," as one of us eloquently put it.

The Diamonds Team with cloud coming off Mt Everest.

And oh, the highlights! From the thrill of crossing swinging bridges to the tender care of our Nepalese crew, each moment felt like a gift. "Honestly, you took such good care of us when we weren’t at our best," another member of our group remarked. “So many other highlights, not least of all the other Diamonds, World Ex team, food, culture, animals, Sherpas, & visiting Patan Museum & hospital when my Aunty Val worked for years was also very rewarding.” And in a moment when one of our team had to be evacuated by helicopter after falling ill…”I saw the Nepal national bird danphe (the male) on the edge of the helipad, quickly took a photo before he flew off, it was like the mountains saying goodbye. Then a few steps later, Sanjay pointed out the female, she was camouflaged in the undergrowth! Not sure if anyone else saw a female bird but I felt so lucky! If I wasn’t being evacuated I probably wouldn’t have seen them.”

But it wasn't just about the physical feats; it was about immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Nepalese culture. "We went to Nepal ready to immerse ourselves in the culture," we reminisced. "The chance to be blessed by the monk in a historic temple was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we never thought possible."

And then there were the landscapes, painting a canvas of awe and wonder before our eyes. "Just because it's famous and a fairly ‘trodden’ path doesn't change the pinch-me moments," one of us reflected. "The sheer enormity of the mountains around us is something we can't comprehend until we're there." The moment we heard and then saw an avalanche in all its power had us glued to the track. It was an unforgettable experience, one that reminded us of the raw, untamed force of nature.

Arriving at camp each day felt like a victory, a testament to our determination and resilience. "Just arriving in camp each day was a great moment for us," we shared. "Having not done anything like this before, it was all a huge highlight."

The green tents of home - Kyangjuma 3550m

But amidst the challenges and triumphs, it was the simple moments that touched our hearts the most. "Walking along the swinging bridges while viewing the beautiful plants and spring flowers surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas filled our cups completely," we recounted. "It was so fulfilling to hand out simple hair ties to young children who seem to appreciate the little things in life."

A visit to the Sir Edmond Hillary “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” at Khumjung.

Reaching Ama Dablam Basecamp was a momentous occasion for us, marking the culmination of our journey through the Himalayas. We always said that the journey, not the destination, was our main goal. But Sunday, April 7th, was the day we would reach our highest point at 4600m.

The skies were clear and the air still for the final early morning push. Ama Dablam stood before us, beautiful, majestic, and unique amongst a range of incredible peaks. Her name, meaning ‘Mother’s Pendant’ in Sherpa, perfectly captures her essence, as her summit resembles a mother embracing her young, with the ‘dablam’ serving as a massive hanging serac near the summit, resembling a holy locket.

We had been watching her for days in all lights and shades, feeling her call and warm embrace. And now, here she was. The whole team reaching her base was an emotional high after the previous days’ long hard ascent and subzero temps. What an achievement. As a team, we had come together, building each other up, and we celebrated with hugs all round. Taking it all in was incredible.

Our eyes followed the tracks used by experienced mountaineers ready to attempt the 3-day highly technical climb to the summit. Specialist tents and equipment were neatly arranged around her base. The basecamp bowl was surrounded by enormous snow-capped mountains, and there was an eerie quiet.

But the day had only just started. We were escorted by ‘Dimo’ the dog some of the way up, and ‘Stevo’ the Tibetan Mastif on the way down. Our descent took us along alternative less-known trails, far away from the hiker highway of Everest base camp trekkers. This took us back up and over mountains, and back down… and repeat, and repeat. What a day filled with yet more unexpected experiences.

Reflecting on our journey through Nepal, each of us holds a unique perspective, shaped by personal triumphs, challenges, and moments of profound connection. Here's a glimpse into what this trip meant to each of us:

Embracing Challenges: "Nepal was a lot of firsts for me: altitude, group trip, organised hike… My highlight was embracing the day and challenges, summed up with our last night: Sanjay presenting our prayer scarfs embodied the whole feel of the group trip. Something I will never forget."

Return to Adventure: "A return to the very core of my being; adventure travel and life enrichment fueled by personal challenge, cultural diversity, and the best bunch of incredibly supportive women ever! Every chapter of my life has an adventure travel story attached, one that’s shaped me, and taught me so very much about myself, the world we live in, and importantly… given me a strong perspective on what’s important in life."

Facing Fears: "I've always wanted to go to Nepal, so I jumped at this opportunity! As we got closer and I got to know the rest of the team, I knew that I would be okay showing my fears, vulnerabilities, and concerns along the way, thanks to Team Diamond!"

Listening to Limits: "Prior to leaving for this trip, I said to multiple people, this trip could be a once-in-a-lifetime. Altitude was not my friend, my body & my common sense nudging me every day we got higher, to take this seriously and I listened."

Nature's Immersion Therapy: "This trip has meant a great deal to me personally. I have been to the Himalayas, saw Mt Everest in real life and had an experience where nature was the hero or heroine of the story, total nature & cultural immersion therapy."

Cultural Perspective: "For me, it was a chance to immerse myself in another culture totally different to ours. I grabbed the chance to learn as much as I could about the Nepalese way of life... I feel this trip put a lot about life into perspective."

Goal Setting: "Having been with DITRA since the start... I said to myself time to set goals, if a trip to Bhutan or similar comes up, I am in. Fast forward through the covid years and there it was, calling me “Ama Dablam - Nepal.”

Personal Growth: "After many years of supporting my husband and children in their pursuits, I felt I needed to have my own adventure... So personally, it has meant self-growth and confidence."

Overcoming Worries: "Prior to the trip, I had so many worries... What I learnt from the trip is that treating worries as realistic issues made me more organized... I wasn’t worried about fitness or altitude as I feel our diamond physical and educational sessions covered all of these needs."

Each reflection is a testament to the transformative power of adventure, camaraderie, and self-discovery. As we return home, we carry with us not only memories of breathtaking landscapes but also a deep sense of gratitude for the journey we've shared together.

Hiking Nepal - a Diamonds adventure to Ama Dablam Basecamp

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Diamonds in the Rough Adventures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and trek, and recognise their continued connection to country. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to their Elders past and present.

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Diamonds in the Rough Adventures (ABN: 38901837498)