Daniel & Friends Hike Everest Base Camp
Daniel Burgi, CEO and Co-Founder of Himalayan Life, and 11 friends completed a 13-day trek to Everest Base Camp in May 2025. Their journey began with a 19-hour jeep ride from Kathmandu to Kharikhola through rugged terrain. After a well-deserved rest, the team set off on their adventure. As expected, the trek came with its share of challenges; Everest Base Camp is no easy feat, but the excitement and memorable highlights far outweighed the difficulties.
One of those highlights was having Leela, leader of the Yangri Academic Centre hostel and a long-time Himalayan Life team member, join the group. Though she holds a senior leadership role at Himalayan Life, on this trek she was simply a teammate—humble, strong, and steady. Watching Leela navigate the trail with such determination and joy added something really special to the experience.
Another unforgettable moment was watching the landscape transform as the team climbed higher into the mountains. The sheer magnitude of the glaciers was breathtaking; endless waves of ice and rock, black and white, stretching toward the horizon. Reaching Everest Base Camp was a surreal experience, but standing together on top of Khalopatar, with Everest towering behind them, was a moment that etched itself into their memories forever.
Beyond the views and milestones, it was the shared journey that stood out most. Long days on the trail sparked deep conversations about life, purpose, and everything in between. The team connected not just as hikers, but as individuals, laughing, struggling, encouraging one another, and ultimately accomplishing something remarkable together.
