In an extraordinary feat of determination and physical endurance, Ireland’s very own “Emily in Paris” Craughwell-native Ashley McDonnell successfully scaled to base camp of Mount Everest recently for a podcast that will drop this weekend.
Documenting her awe-inspiring trek through the Himalayas, the podcast will offer a unique look at this once-in-a-lifetime feat, blending adventure and a sprinkle of humour at the day-to-day encounters as she reached altitudes of 5,400 metres, pushing her mental and physical boundaries to new heights.
Ashley’s sensational journey began with a pivotal shift in perspective earlier this year. Recently celebrating her 30th birthday, Ashley sought to challenge herself with a mission completely outside of her comfort zone.
Having relocated back to Paris from Geneva, and juggling many professional roles from her day-to-day as Global Customer Acceleration Director at PUIG, Creator and Host of chart topping podcast Tech Powered Luxury, lecturer at HEC Paris and NEOMA Business School, where she teaches “Tech Powered Luxury” to MBA and Masters students as well as serving on multiple executive and non-executive boards, including her role as Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland, Ashley decided to step away from the noise and take on her toughest challenge yet – Everest Base Camp.
Ensuring her trek was completed as sustainably as possible, Ashley embarked on her journey alongside Intrepid, a BCorp travel company known for its commitment to ethical travel and local engagement, matching the cost of the trek with a donation to the Intrepid Foundation as well as to the Wishes and Blessings NGO in India.
Preparation for the arduous journey commenced in March, involving rigorous physical training to ready her body for the journey that lay ahead. Last month, Ashley set foot in Kathmandu, marking the beginning of her ascent to the iconic Everest Base Camp. The 12-day non-stop trek, eight-day ascent and four-day descent of which she has now begun, proved to be an extraordinary test of endurance, resilience, and a profound connection with the stunning yet unforgiving Himalayan landscape.
On November 20, alongside her partner, Ryan McGreevy and long-term friend Akash Mehta, co-founder of Fable and Mane, Ashley declared her journey an utter triumph, “We made it!!.......“Doing this with my other half and best friend made it even more special, and the physical and mental test that came with this experience will be an endless source of perspective for the rest of my life”
As she began the journey back down to sea level, Ashley continued her daily diaries, documenting every aspect of her trip. The check-ins have featured everything from her 1.30 am wake-up call to start her journey through Kathmandu and rural Nepal ahead of the 15-minute flight, alongside supplies of toilet paper and beer, ahead of her ascent, all the way to her arrival at Namche Bazaar, 3,440m, in which she not only spotted an Irish bar but also went on a quest for a blow-dry, ensuring even Everest is done in style.
As the trek continued through the Khumbu Valley during her ascent, Ashley noted that the journey has been gruelling both physically and mentally, “far beyond what I had expected but it’s also been an even more grounding and powerful experience than I ever could have imagined”.
Celebrating her arrival in Base Camp with an Irish flag in hand, Ashley noted not only her excitement at accomplishing the sensational feat, but also her privilege in being able to do so.
When speaking about her trip, and the sustainable efforts taken into consideration in both the planning and execution, Ashley said, “Trekking to Everest Base Camp has been a huge challenge for both the mind and body.
“Trekking across the Himalayas non-stop for 12 days and reaching 5,400m altitude is something I never expected to pursue in my life, but earlier this year my perspective shifted: turning 30 and working more than ever before, I needed to set a new personal challenge that could help me step away from the noise of the day-to-day.
“From there, I chose to embark on the trip to Everest Base Camp with Intrepid, a BCorp travel company that works with local Nepali guides. The physical preparation for the 12-day trek began in March this year, and I finally travelled to Kathmandu to start the ascent on Sunday November 12.
“I know that embarking on a trip like this is a great privilege, and the basic amenities and lack of access to the infrastructure and services in Nepal are something I’ve had access to my whole life. I’ve matched the cost of the trek with a donation to the Intrepid Foundation in Nepal and to the Wishes and Blessings NGO in India.”
As Ashley began her descent to sea-level, and then back home to Galway in time for a well-earned rest over the festive season with her loved ones, she will continue to share the awe-inspiring trip.
Starting this Sunday when her podcast listeners are treated to a unique perspective as she recorded snippets throughout her journey.
“I am sure this will resonate as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to break free from the ordinary and embark on their own extraordinary quests,” she said.
