Mountains, with their majestic peaks weathering storms yet standing resolute, have forever fascinated humanity. For avid mountaineers from around the world, reaching the Everest Base Camp (EBC) has always been a dream. Recently, Ranchi resident Rajeev Gupta (57), Founder Ideas Inspire Ignite Foundation too accomplished this great feat. The trek, which was jointly organised by Gupta and Satyarup Siddhanta had 34 others hailing from various parts of India, reached the base camp on May 14. EBC is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters or 17,598 feet above sea level. The enthusiasts started their journey at base Lukla, Nepal on May 6 and the hikers were back at the base on May 17 covering a distance of more than 150 kms in 12 days. Amongst the group members, Gupta was the senior most while the youngest adventurer to reach EBC was Shreehan Reddy (11). They call it the steps to heaven for a good reason. Visiting the base camp of the highest mountain in the world is on every mountain lovers bucket list. As you climb higher, the view is breathtaking gradually transitioning from lush green farmland, dense forests and fast flowing rivers to barren lands and glacier pools, reminisced Gupta. The group was led by legendary mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta- an Everest Summiteer who is known to have conquered 7 Summits, 7 Volcanic Summits and also holds a Guinness World Record. Siddhanta also runs an organisation where he taken keen climbers for treks under the banner Winner and Achievers LLP. Recalling his experience, Gupta also added that with so many hikers visiting the region, the area is very well developed. Ample accommodation facilities are available at various tea houses and guest houses while restaurants offer not just the local cuisine but also popular items like pizza and pasta. Witnessing challenges like hail, thunderstorm, heavy rainfall and lack of oxygen on the first day of the climb, Gupta emphasized that being physically and mentally fit is of utmost importance. For the past two- three months, I have been working on my physical well- being. A daily run of about 5kms at slow speed along with normal physical activity was advised by our mentor Satyarup. One also has to be very strong mentally to be able to reach EBC. The pace while climbing had to be slow and steady because the moment one tried to increase their speed, there is a drop in their oxygen level along with altitude problems like dizziness, headache and loose motion. Gupta was also accompanied by his daughter Kashyapi (27) who is an advocate at the Jharkhand High Court. Gupta has also trekked to the Annapurna Base Camp in December 2023. I strongly feel that mountains are the best teachers for life skills. This trek has taught me invaluable lessons like determination, discipline, resilience, courage, confidence and compassion. I also was very fortunate to have met legendary summiteers like Bachendri Pal Maam, Tenzing Jamling, Manisha Waghmare and Alexander Hillary- grandson of Edmund Hillary, which was unforgettable, added Gupta.  Another City resident who trekked to the Everest Base Camp is Pravin Rajgadia (58). Rajgadia was accompanied by his children- Rahul, Reshu and son-in-law Shlok Agarwal. Reaching EBC is a lifetime memorable moment and every minute of the journey was filled with new lessons and adventures. It is one of the biggest challenges and achievements of my life. I have been very active since my last trek in December 2023. In Jharkhand also I have been to Parasnath and other places to keep physically fit for the EBC, remarked Rajgadia. Rajgadia completed the trek in 14 days starting from May 5 to May 18 and reached Everest Base Camp on May 13. He has also been to the Annapurna Base Camp in December 2023. Jharkhand is surrounded with mountains but we dont have any organisations that organises treks in the region. In my school Sri Agrasen School I am staring a trekking club to introduce children to this activity. There are many such organisation in our country which take children on such treks and train them. I want children to be passionate about hiking, trekking and sports, added Rajgadia who feels one needs to be determined to be able to do it.

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