A trek to Everest Base camp involves a fair bit of preparation, even more so if you are not going with an Expedition company (I chose G Adventures). Being a novice to multiple day hikes (even summiting Mt. Fuji was just overnight), I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me.

It was late morning when our trekking group reached the colorful, traditional gate that marks the start of the Sagarmatha National Park. The Nepalese word for Mount Everest is Sagarmatha. It  has many meanings, like “Sky” and “Head” or “Goddess of the Sky”.  The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma, which means "Goddess Mother of the World." I was about to find the relevance of these names as I embarked on my journey to Base Camp and see, for my own eyes, the majestic Mount Everest.