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A Historic Season In Nepal
The 2014 Spring trekking season in Nepal came to a close last month. As many know, it was a tragic season on Everest this year, when 16 Nepali Sherpa lost their lives in preparation for the 2014 climbing season. However despite this tragic loss of life, MM trekkers were able to successfully travel to Everest Base Camp and ceremoniously pay their respects. Read about this year’s trek in the words of MM Guide Deana Zabaldo and MM client Brian Bogdanovich.
“Tomorrow I begin my second trek of the season, my 20th trip to Everest Base Camp. This year, the mountains are no less spectacular than when I first saw them, but I am bereft of new description. The extreme geography is comfortingly familiar, the dirt trails well-worn in my memory. The mountains fill my soul with an unsuppressable joy. I hike easily, greeting friends and former staff along the way, describing gods and history, relishing the fresh air after days in the particulate mass enshrouding Kathmandu.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=269f6ba15955725df4fb4056c9c70037 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=c5ce060f8acf789560220198fdbeb8c8 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=57c83ccfe25c71cbb42dd4318bc7d02b 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=f0d2a66e8f22d8699be1532b1a60e5f0 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=844b5148ce34598769a271483c707447 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=4ce2585810589b7c7c62781eecd8382a 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=d409687101515f08b09a362f86b3f6c7 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F14002469793_bf07f64d50_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=36a2afee66dc04c873e578b9a90e0f60 1024w)
Relaxing with a stunning backdrop. Deana Zabaldo photo
The tragic deaths of 16 Sherpas (13 dead, 3 missing) in an Icefall avalanche this week means summit expeditions are likely canceling their whole season. Out of respect for the dead, coping with their loss, and concerns about it being a “black year” for climbing, Sherpa support staff don’t want to climb this season. It underscores for me a major difference between Sherpas and foreign climbers. For most Sherpas, climbing Everest is not a hobby nor a passion. It’s a dangerous job that most do to support their families in the lack of a better opportunity. Sherpas are the backbone of Everest expeditions, and I honor their strength and courage in such dangerous work. My heart is saddened by the loss, and by the grief of the families they left behind.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=2a2ca596f821fca2c811867e30962b8b 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=c5286482768ffc04055650aba0d05fa1 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=30699f86b7c7a3c53831900356566b5e 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=78ebbf27d1232cbeaf59e3b755bccd21 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=259b9c23b1af4deb954ef6f85a6c26bc 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=b223a7906aef054ea841b0b1c1a20a4e 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=50af1d56c45b11c42e8d039c57f69b2c 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13979614662_e2a1dbbf11_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=bd665d62c1fc59e2948ee1ed05408058 1024w)
Our hardworking kitchen staff. Deana Zabaldo photo
Trekking is an entirely different experience. We walk every day as the landscape changes from lush and green, to high alpine scrub, and then to rock, ice, and sky. We absorb the culture, the sunshine or snow, and the smiles of our Nepali staff (who are also incredibly hard working!). As negotiations continue between summit teams and Sherpas, we make our way lightly among the mountains, unsure of what we’ll find when we reach Everest Base Camp. Regardless, the journey is where the magic resides.”
~ MM Guide Deana Zabaldo
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=44a766c550a9a8fdd3ff8239c23c34b5 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=d71ba7c9e9cc54e70b55a08c763b675a 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=15842e7526a2989f85dcc4fcc8dbf58a 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=1856659d3255b0292f30fb6d898cfd4b 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=4f782ba81a05809353b80afa0e773dc9 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=6a47530a017fd4755261129de2ff7d00 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=02a9e5de71c68b78aa03b7a0e813b78c 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2F13959649206_4bd3a7494d_b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=cdddf88624b6635e6cb2008055992015 1024w)
Fun with the first trekking group. Deana Zabaldo photo
“Trekking to Everest Base Camp far exceeded what I ever expected from the experience! My goal was to get to Base Camp, but what made this trip one I will never forget were the visits to Buddhist monasteries, being blessed by a Lama, hiking to the top of Kala Pattar for Everest views, a guided tour of Thamel to find the best souvenir shops, and much more.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=0ac4e375a898bacc280b23d25af0c35f 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=528caaaa46c735df95f183917c0016c3 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=32f89301e8f4468078a0ecc14e63669a 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=88044059f9bf4dcd28a348a9dc47516e 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=fb4738f8ca3322dbeac69ec62c0215db 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=b13a39e4e9cdb6c5508e3450fc78cf80 1200w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=9fb7d1293a56cc805cfd636b2a3dba03 1280w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=5bfd9bc445c4c7dde13163a42cf14efe 1280w)
Group photo with Ama Dablam in the background. Brian Bogdanovich photo
The small things like Sherpa staff checking your room every morning after you’ve packed up to be sure you haven’t forgotten items really added to the value of this trip. Deana takes the trekking experience to a whole other level. It will be hard to imagine finding on future treks, a more organized and knowledgeable guide. Her ability to speak the language and her good relationship with locals in various villages will take you to places most trekkers will not go. I understand why she was selected “2013 Guide of the Year” from the UK Magazine, Wanderlust.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=aadd74f33a6f4d311a4b8472c61dd50f 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=9281a4ee7832f605ab6ba972382b934a 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=13b35355ad7faa65d7c047aa1fbfcdda 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=0ebdbbb00df6af58c7c710c111498ee1 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=306163fd337abf622691066ca44753d8 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=54545c2f5041d9ed9bb3ce120a7f32c6 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=bdd125a61a57fb721ae3f89257ad5445 960w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2Fbrianb1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=a37b1706b7e631305b37bf71d5cef1b3 960w)
Brian with Pasang Sherpa at the end of the trek. Brian Bogdanovich photo
In addition to the tremendous scenery, our group had great chemistry sharing and helping each other along the way to achieve the final goal of spending the night at the base of the “Mother of Earth” – Mount Everest!”
~ MM Client Brian Bogdanovich