Everest Base Camp is among the most iconic treks in the world. Each year, travelers from all corners of the globe follow the trails of the Himalayas to experience its breathtaking landscapes and the unique challenge of high altitude.
For Christine Dionne and her partner Jean-François, this journey represented the culmination of a dream nurtured over many years. Passionate about the outdoors, hiking, and adventure, they had already taken on several challenges in their travels. Yet nothing compared to the idea of walking in the heart of the Himalayas all the way to Everest Base Camp.
“We all dream of seeing great things. We look at those mountains and think: maybe one day… but deep down, it’s not for me.”
Then, as is often the case in the best stories, it all began with a series of coincidences. Christine’s mother happened to meet the father of Quebec mountaineer Marie-Pier Desharnais. Inspired by the encounter, she gave Christine a book recounting her journey. At the same time, Christine and her partner Jean-François discovered the documentary series Les Crinqués with Dominic Arpin. One evening, after a particularly inspiring episode, Jean-François spontaneously said, “If Dominic can climb Kilimanjaro, so can we! Reach out to Marie-Pier!”
Just a few exchanges were enough to bring the project to life. What once seemed distant soon became a real expedition toward Everest Base Camp and Lobuche.
Preparing for the adventure of a lifetime
Christine and Jean-François were no strangers to adventure. Both have been running for more than fifteen years and have always made an effort to incorporate movement into their daily lives. Hiking, sailing, van travel—their lifestyle is driven by discovery and a taste for challenge. They had even completed the Long Trail in Vermont over ten days in full self-sufficiency, but the world of high altitude remained entirely unknown to them.
The months leading up to their departure were therefore dedicated to preparation. Miles of running, long endurance sessions, strength training, hikes, and walks filled their winter schedule. “It was cold and windy on Quebec’s South Shore this winter!” Christine recalls with a laugh.
The couple also took the opportunity to try ice climbing at Montmorency Falls. It was both a stimulating and intimidating experience that allowed them to step out of their comfort zone even before the big departure.
An adventure guided by Marie-Pier Desharnais
For Christine and Jean-François, the expedition was about more than just reaching Everest Base Camp. It was also an opportunity to be guided by one of Quebec’s most inspiring mountaineers. From their very first exchanges, they quickly realized that Marie-Pier Desharnais offered far more than the role of a guide.
“The advantage of going on an expedition with Marie-Pier is like learning to drive with Lewis Hamilton. She is an incredible source of information and knowledge. She shares her experience with simplicity, humility, and generosity.”
As the days of trekking go by, she passes on her knowledge of the mountains, high altitude, and Nepali culture, while fostering a spirit of trust and camaraderie within the group. Her experience provides reassurance in challenging moments and allows everyone to fully enjoy the journey.
Christine especially remembers a philosophy that Marie-Pier often shares with her participants: “Stay humble in the face of something greater than yourself, and above all, follow your dreams to the very end.”
A simple sentence, yet one that takes on its full meaning in the heart of the Himalayas.
Between the chaos of Kathmandu and the calm of the mountains
Arriving in Nepal is striking. In the heart of the Thamel district in Kathmandu, the streets overflow with energy. Cars, motorcycles, scooters, and pedestrians move in a dance that seems disorganized at first glance, yet functions with surprising fluidity.
However, this impression quickly fades once the trek begins in Lukla.
“The moment you start walking, your eyes lift toward the Himalayan mountains, and a sense of calm takes over.” From that point on, everyday life gives way to an entirely different reality. Each day is shaped by walking, breathtaking landscapes, and acclimatization to the altitude. The further the group progresses, the closer the peaks feel—and the more the body must adapt.
Christine is particularly struck by the humility imposed by the mountains. Regardless of experience or ambition, everyone follows the same trail and faces the same challenges. The days can be demanding, but they also offer moments of wonder that are hard to put into words.
“Waking up in the morning, climbing out of your sleeping bag, and seeing the highest mountains on Earth right in front of you—it’s almost surreal.”
A lesson in resilience from Nepal
If the mountains left a deep impression on Christine, the people of Nepal made just as strong an impact.
Day after day, she watched porters carrying impressive loads along the steep trails of the Himalayas. Despite the tremendous effort, they remained smiling, patient, and welcoming.
“Always smiling, always offering a warm ‘Namaste’ as they pass. A powerful lesson in patience and resilience for those of us who live in a society that is often impatient.”
This kindness, present throughout the journey, left a lasting impression on the couple.
The emotion of Base Camp
After several days of trekking, Everest Base Camp finally comes into view at the end of the Khumbu Valley.
For Christine, it is without a doubt the most powerful moment of the expedition. “Seeing those hundreds of tents surrounded by the highest mountains on the planet felt almost unreal. An overwhelming wave of emotion came over us.”
The privilege is even greater as they have the chance to spend the night there. Hearing the glacier crack in the silence of the Himalayas, watching climbing teams prepare for their Everest ascent, and taking in the peaks at sunset are all memories that will remain etched in their minds forever.
Overcoming vertigo at over 6,000 meters
Among all the highlights of the journey, the ascent of Lobuche Peak, rising to 6,119 meters, holds a very special place.
For many, it is a physical challenge. For Christine, it is also a direct confrontation with one of her greatest fears: vertigo.
“Taking on this climb while knowing full well that I was afraid of heights caused me a great deal of anxiety. Both the ascent and the descent were a real challenge.”
Despite this apprehension, she continues her progress, driven by the group’s energy and her own determination. Each step becomes a victory. Every obstacle overcome builds her confidence.
“The strength of the group pushes you to go beyond your limits and draw from the very depths of your reserves.”
At the summit, fear gives way to an overwhelming sense of pride.
The importance of being well equipped
On an expedition where temperatures, wind, and altitude are constantly changing, choosing the right clothing quickly becomes essential for comfort. During their preparation, Christine and Jean‑François selected several Chlorophylle pieces that accompanied them throughout the journey.
“The Trekking mountain pants and the CHL PLUS base layer barely left us throughout the entire expedition.”
Cooler evenings in teahouses and windier stretches called for the Salmoa down jacket and the Nomade down pants, while Jean‑François quickly adopted the Fulmar fleece jacket as his everyday companion. “Lightweight, warm, and ultra-comfortable. His favorite piece of the expedition.”
Even during the night spent at Base Camp, the CHL ULTRA base layers kept them comfortable despite the cold at high altitude. These were garments they could forget about while walking, climbing, and fully enjoying every moment.
Daring to achieve your dreams
Upon returning home, one certainty remains: this adventure has transformed their perspective on challenges and on their own abilities.
When asked what advice she would give to someone dreaming of a similar experience, Christine’s answer is immediate: “Go for it! Without hesitation! Living adventures, sometimes a little outside our comfort zone, changes us, helps us grow, and teaches us so much about ourselves.”
In fact, their next projects are already taking shape: Newfoundland and Labrador, Iceland, Greenland, and Northern Quebec are all on their list. Because after walking at the foot of Everest, one thing has become clear—adventures never truly end; they simply change destinations.
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