21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A Himalayan Encounter

Amidst the final stretch toward Mount Everest Base Camp in the A Himalayas, amid breaks on my hike, I relish observing the diverse individuals surrounding me. Porters, guides, merchants of goods, and fellow global hikers form a tapestry of this mountainous journey. One figure, initially enigmatic, emerged as a guide when leading the group uphill, exuding an aura of serene confidence. His relaxed demeanor piqued my curiosity, igniting a desire to converse and absorb his wisdom about the mountain. Yet, like a fleeting breeze, he vanished in an instant, leaving a lasting impression. Capturing this moment serves as a poignant reminder of the tranquil interludes amidst the challenging journey—moments devoid of hiking strains, discomfort, sleep deprivation, or ailments—just a serene pause under the warm sun, offering a glimpse of stillness amid the Everest adventure.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Gorakshep, Nepal
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Jarrod Lopiccolo