Peak Performance: A Journey of Determination and Learning
–Sarada Karri, EMBA 2009
For the past seven years, I’ve been passionate about hiking and have explored the smaller mountains. Reaching the summit always gives me an incredible sense of accomplishment, as if I’m on top of the world! I love the personal challenges that test my physical and mental endurance and push my limits as an adventurous person.
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a bucket list item for many, and I’m no exception. It is a desire to watch the majestic beauty of the Himalayan mountain range and the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.
This trek has undoubtedly been the longest I’ve ever undertaken, encompassing physical endurance and mental resilience over 10 challenging days. You need to start physical training at least 2-3 months before the trek. Preferably, running and long-distance walking with a load will help the trek. No specific mental preparation technique exists, but a positive mindset will go a long way.
It is crucial to have a clear goal and a focused mind. To achieve this, I would read extensively to understand the potential risks involved, ensuring I’m mentally prepared. Self-motivation, dedication to the goal, and an adaptable mindset would also be essential. Self-awareness is an excellent foundation for leadership, enabling me to recognise my limits and weaknesses and navigate challenges more effectively.
Life Lessons from the Everest Base Camp Trek
- One Team One Goal:
A team of twelve individuals from diverse backgrounds united by a common purpose embarked on this journey from April 9th to April 20th, 2024. Bound by team values, these are the individuals I trust in my life.
- Mind over Body
Despite initial apprehensions, I delved deep into preparations, equipping myself with knowledge from various sources to overcome fears, particularly regarding altitude sickness. I’m proud that our group successfully navigated the trek without resorting to preventive medication for high-altitude sickness (Diamox)!
The team does several weeks of training to prepare physically and mentally to avoid the pitfalls. Walking for 9-10 hours might not seem like a big deal, but considering a range of other external factors, your mindset can make the difference. We all have the potential beyond what we may think, and the biggest obstacle to achieving more is only ourselves.
Trekking through the rugged terrain of the Everest region presented us with unparalleled challenges, from altitude fluctuations to unpredictable weather conditions. Each step offered a new perspective, and every obstacle served as an opportunity to surpass our limits and conquer adversities.
- Acclamation
Everest was our mission, but each day, we had different goals to achieve. Until Day 9, worrying about EBC was pointless. We wouldn’t get there without first travelling to many other points—one step at a time and one day at a time!
On day 1, the goal was to reach Lukla and then to make it to Phakding, the legendary Namche, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorekshep and then EBC. Every place introduced a new elevation and altitude, and every trekking day was much tougher than the previous day as we climbed higher and higher. The hike from Lobuche (4910m) to EBC (5364m) and return is the longest and most challenging day of the entire expedition journey to complete the mission of reaching EBC.
- Being positive is key
When there is a steep up, there is always a steep downhill; some areas of the hike remind you of the purpose of the trek. Every step reminds you of Mother Nature’s importance and appreciation for our planet’s stunning beauty. So, being positive always builds resilience.
On our way down, we had issues with flight cancellations due to extreme weather conditions. We also had to take horseback rides and helicopter rides. This was my experience with all these adventures, but being positive helped me to be adaptable. We made the best of our downtime at days. Lacking an internet connection enabled us to do a digital detox and be humanly connected.
I’m reminded that work is just one part of the equation. Actual achievement lies in the effort we put in, the lessons we learn, and the people we meet and lift along the way. Reflecting on this incredible journey, I am thankful to have made this once-in-a-lifetime trip, which helped strengthen existing bonds and create enduring new friendships.
