Trip Reports

Caudwell Xtreme Everest Trek Team A

Written by Leader, May 2007

Trek A (the first of the 13 trek groups involved with Caudwell Xtreme Everest) returned to Britain 22 April, after a wonderful three weeks of trekking in the Solu Khumbu Valley in Nepal. The 17 members of the group all reached Everest Base Camp and stayed there for three nights, whilst undergoing scientific testing.

The Caudwell Xtreme Everest expedition is the largest ever high altitude Science project. The main objectives for this trek was to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then spend two weeks walking to Everest Base camp, whilst monitoring the physical condition and acclimatisation of each trekker. Each day the group members filled in a diary to record pulse rates, breathing rates, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels in their blood. This data was taken early each morning, whilst at rest, and again after a standard two minute exercise test. More detailed Scientific testing was performed at medical stations at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Pheriche (4,270m) and again at Everest Base Camp. These tests included blood samples, the infamous 'Cpx bike test' (to measure VO2 max when completing a gruelling cycle on a exercise bike) and psychometic testing to ascertain brain function (to see how clearly you can think at altitude!). All 17 trekkers conscientiously completed all their Scientific duties every day, and then were free to enjoy the incredible panoramas of the walk in to Everest. Good weather, regular tea houses and lodges, and the encouraging support of Xtreme Everest Scientists ensured that the morale of the group was high.

However, early April at Base camp made for some chilly nights. The 40 or so Xtreme Everest Scientists at Base camp (including the climbing team who aim to summit Everest in the last week of May) made us very welcome at base camp. Despite the rarified atmosphere, Trek A entered base camp singing the team song and then later enjoyed a party night of singing. The next day it was back to the rigours of the exercise bike, at 5500m! Apart from the testing, we were hugely impressed with the stunning beauty of the Himalaya, the warmth of the Sherpa people, and the fun of sharing our experience with our team mates. Put simply, it was great fun!

Whilst at base camp we were treated to slide shows and lectures about High altitude physiology, and the history of altitude research in the Himalaya. On 16 April, after a fond farewell to base camp crew, we started our four day descent of the Khumbu Valley. Six of the team ascended Kala Pattar(5,650m), a mountain with a superb view of Everest. As the air became thicker, so our appetites returned, and talk turned to 'summit burgers', at the luxurious Summit Hotel in Kathmandu. We were amazed how crops and flowers had progressed during the previous days, and a return to lower altitudes brought warmth and thoughts of summer. It was delightful to meet other Caudwell Xtreme Trek groups, as they made their way up towards base camp.

The momentum behind this ambitious Scientific expedition has certainly created lasting bonds between the trekkers, and the shared goal of providing valuable Scientific data has produced an enthusiasm throughout the 250 people involved. Five wonderful Sherpas, six dzos (half yak and half cow), and three yak herders accompanied the team throughout the three week trek. At first they were bemused with our measurements, probes and recording, but they too become fascinated, and they became more and more involved.

This trek met all its aims and provided a wealth of Scientific data and many lasting memories. We had a fantastic time! 'A trekkers' were a merry band, and many new friendships were forged. I know that all of us will continue to study the website and stay in contact to hear more news of the other treks, the science and ultimately the bid for the summit of Everest in late May.

Paul Wright IFMGA, Trek Leader « Previous report | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.