The Himalayas is where the Sherpa people live on the edge of the inhabitable along the ‘Roof of the World’. Referred to as ‘tigers of the snow’, they are the unsung heroes behind every summit attempt of the world’s tallest. After the climbing season, they return to their villages, families, farms, and herds. It wasn’t unusual to discover, while talking to a lodge owner or a yak herder, only if asked, mind you, that they have, indeed, been to the summit of Everest. I had started, unintentionally, at the beginning of the monsoon season, the trekking off season, where I ran the risk of walking through mud, rain, and even snow. However, the great benefit of the off season... off season prices and finding serenity in solitude. Not only did I, at times, have entire lodges to myself but also what seemed like entire villages. There were only three other trekkers ascending on the same schedule as me. Even though I was denied extended views for my first seven days. It cleared when it mattered most. — travelblog.org