When You Simplify & Not Summit
The weather was perfect—until it wasn’t.
At 16,404 ft (5,000 m) in Khare, snow began to fall. Then it didn’t stop. A massive storm pinned us for five days, sealing off the route to base and high camp in complete whiteout.
The Simplify & Summit™ system that carried me through flawless acclimatization now had a new mission: helping me endure the wait.
From all the tea houses to be stuck in, mine had the essentials—an onsite bakery and a window framing the storm in full panoramic drama.
Day 1–2
Goal: Stay summit-ready.
Metrics: 3 L of water, 3 meals / day.
What worked: My layering system kept me cozy even in freezing rooms.
Adjust: Less movement + cold meant switching from plain water to endless mugs of tea.
Sustain: My packing system and daily routine—still flawless.
Day 3
Goal: Redefine “progress.”
What worked: Routine and fueling.
Adjust: Create micro-adventures—short hikes to other lodges, testing gear, sharing stories. (You can’t not feel cool in double boots, harness, and goggles 🤩)
Sustain: Structure kept morale high.
Day 4
Goal: Make the hard call.
When the first team returned saying snow reached shoulder height, we chose to turn around. The mountain will always be there—but we realized what we truly seek are views, growth, and joyful challenge, not just the summit itself.
Day 5 & Beyond
As skies cleared, we hiked back toward Lukla—grateful, grounded, and surrounded by new friends.
Somewhere between those conversations and the storm’s quiet aftermath, I glimpsed what We – Community With Purpose will become.
Because I finally met the people I want to serve. ❤️
