SIU grad student completes Mt. Everest base camp trek

Rajaram Kshetri, a PhD student in the Richardson Lab at SIU School of Medicine, successfully completed a trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp in December 2023. During his recent visit to his home country, Nepal, he went on an 11-day solo trek through the Khumbu Valley to reach the Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet and Kala Patthar at 18,192 feet above sea level. This 80-mile journey was mentally and physically challenging due to the thin air, but it proved to be a rewarding experience.

Raj, who has a passion for trekking in the mountains, has previously explored various popular destinations in Nepal. This time, he ventured to the foot of the world's highest mountain. Reflecting on his once-in-a-lifetime hike, he said, "I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of the Himalayas, experience Sherpa culture, explore monasteries and witness the awe-inspiring Himalayan glaciers. It was an unforgettable adventure."