Trip Preparation - The power of the internet

I can't even fathom how much more difficult it would have been to plan this trip if we were doing it 20 years ago. So many unknowns, and seeking the answers to such a variety of questions, it would make for a far more daunting experience. (That is if you are a bit of a preparation nerd like me, I know some people can just throw some stuff in a bag and go, but I am just not like that!)  We have been reading blogs from several different people who have done the same or similar treks, some guided, some independently, all willing to tell their stories and experiences and share the photos that are almost mandatory to even come close to explaining what you will see as you undertake this adventure. TripAdvisor has more recently become known to me as a fantastic resource, with dozens of regular posters happy to assist with a wide variety of questions you may have on anything from packing lists to local pricing and even sample trip itineraries. There are a select few who post frequently and hold untold experience and knowledge of particular regions, they are highly valuable resources, I would love to meet some day to personally thank!

The Nepal forum is a great place to start with any particular questions you may have about the country

The weather station at Lobuche has a webcam so you can stay up to date on how things look up there, I see just now it's about 6:30am, the sun is up and it snowed a little overnight.

Nicky and Rhys of 2Nomads have a fantastic travel website covering a huge range of destinations, their Nepal posts were inspiring and very helpful.

Several other blogs were also great reads with lots of handy little notes and pieces of advice, day to day stories, and personal highlights...

thelongestwayhome.com

travelyourassoff.com

jeremyandkathleen

thekathmanduo

There is also some great information about staying healthy while trekking available on the Himalayan Rescue website as well.

Google Maps 3D View of the Khumbu region - Sagarmatha National Park

A more 3D view of the Khumbu Region - The yellow pins are places we will overnight, or pass through on our trek.

Map of the Khumbu Region

A contoured map with a rough pathway for several treks in the region. Will be obtaining something similar when we arrive in Kathmandu

Inside the window...

With less than two weeks remaining, we are within the departure window now and things are getting more hectic and exciting at the same time! We are doing pretty well with packing up and moving out, and just have some final arrangements to make regarding what we are bringing and how we are carrying it, but we are making progress!

I pulled out a book I purchased for myself at Christmas called "Extreme Altitude - The World's Greatest Mountains" reading about the majestic mountains of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and the great Sagarmatha, seeing the images of these stunning formations, has me tweaking out with excitement!! The day is coming, and it is coming fast!

Time Lapse - Himalaya

I just found an incredible time lapse film from the Himlaya. Gave me the excited chills!!  http://vimeo.com/eliasaikaly/45daysinthehimalayas

Build up and preparation

As the weeks wind down closer and closer to departure date, things get slightly manic! We are moving out of our apartment as well and packing everything for a 3 months journey that incorporates trekking at altitude and in cooler climates, travelling in hot and humid conditions, dealing with monsoonal rain and all the other inevitable variables. We are trying to work on the list of things to complete and prepare, work out how to carry everything, pack up the house, book and pay for things, blah blah blah. It's exciting but not a lot of fun!