What does it feel like to set foot on the tallest mountain in the world?

Ask local pilot Shannon Hutchinson, who displayed the Trinidad and Tobago flag proudly after reaching Mount Everest base camp in February this year.

Speaking to LoopTT, Hutchinson said her dream finally came true in February after she made the strenuous eight-day climb, just days after playing Carnival in T&T.

Hutchinson, who spends much of her time in the air, said the experience of scaling the world's tallest mountain was a life-changing one.

She described her whirlwind journey straight from the Queen's Park Savannah to the airport, where she would embark on her 40-hour flight to Nepal, and from there, Everest.

"On the 13th of February I crossed the stage on Carnival Tuesday with all the other beautiful Entice Carnival individuals and hopped into my car waiting for me on the other side of the Savannah stage to head off to the airport to start my 40-hour journey to Nepal."

"On Friday 16th I boarded the flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (a notoriously dangerous flight to "the most dangerous airport in the world") and it was here in Lukla, the gateway to the Himalayas, that my journey to Everest base camp began," she said.

Hutchinson, who has previously climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as well as completing the Salkantay trek in the Peruvian Andes, felt that this time she was ready for the big one.

(Photo: Pilot Shannon Hutchinson on her eight-day trek to Mount Everest).

"I spent 8 days hiking the Khumbu Valley, known as one of the best high altitude hikes in the world. Every few days the environment changes as you move up the mountain and move through the forest, and up the glacier."

"The days that followed were physically and mentally gruelling as I spent 6-9 hours hiking over 18 kilometres to reach the next rest spot that was always beyond the horizon," she said.

Hutchinson braved extreme temperatures during days six and seven of her tour, with nights getting as cold as -35 degrees Celsius.

Hutchinson experienced gruelling conditions as a result of a lack of oxygen associated with high altitudes, as well as undergoing acclimatisation hikes, hiking up 1-2000 feet and then hiking back down to a lower altitude to train herself for the difficult ascent.

"It sounds counterintuitive but these hikes are critical for anyone hiking above 8000'. With less atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes the amount of oxygen driven into the lungs is much less (50% less at Everest base camp and 30% less at its summit). Acclimatisation hikes encourage your body to produce more red blood cells increasing the volume of oxygen in the blood," she said.

Finally, she was able to take the ascent up to Base Camp.

"On day eight, the 24th of February, many hours up and down the Phantom Alley's turquoise ice towers, and up and down the unsettled rocks of the Khumbu Glacier's lateral moraine I finally made it to Everest Base Camp."

"The journey to get there was nothing short of surreal," Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson, who grew up in Couva, said she has always tried to push herself and has always liked colder climates.

"I enjoy being disconnected and immersing myself in nature (I grew up in Couva) and the culture of the people and the place I'm visiting. I'm a Caribbean girl that is more interested in hiking and glacial trekking than going to the beach, and my vacations are often centered around pushing myself physically."

"For those who dare, these experiences offer something special beyond the power of words to describe, and it is that that inspires me," she said.

Hutchinson said it is important for her to be able to unplug from the hectic pace of society.

"I always feel refreshed and reawakened when I take trips like these. Having to unplug and just be in the moment far away from busy days and screens and remembering and existing in a quieter space is a beautiful thing."

Hutchinson also took photos with the Trinidad and Tobago flag, saying she carries it everywhere with her.

"I don't believe in leaving tokens in nature. I'm a proud Trini so yes, I took my flag, and took a photo with it but I took it off the mountain with me. That flag lives in my backpack and comes with me on all of my adventures," she said.

Hutchinson said if considering a strenuous trip like this, it's important to ensure one's physical fitness level as well as having the right gear.

"Do your research well in advance. Be honest with yourself about your fitness and comfort level. These treks are physically demanding and of course, your creature comforts (running water, restrooms, special food, warmth, comfortable accommodation) will not be available to you."

"Do your research about high altitude hiking and know the signs of altitude sickness, HAPE and HACE, and be sure to know what gear you need and what you can get when you're there," she said.

She added that layering and wearing warm winter clothing is imperative, as well as staying hydrated.

Hutchinson also had some wise final words on the importance of being in the moment.

"Leave room for adventure and don't over-plan, and don't forget to have fun," she said.

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