Doug Maxwell photographed a toddler during his hike through Nepal this spring. He said the trip provided an opportunity to interact with those who live on the slopes of the Himalayas. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

A lodge in Tengboche, Nepal, is surrounded by mountains. The lodges provided just basic comforts, but were better than sleeping on the side of the mountain, said Doug Maxwell. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Trekkers visited the home of Lakpa Rita Sherpa (right), seen here with his parents. Sherpa has summited Mount Everest 16 times. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

The swinging bridge high over the Dudh Koshi River was the last bridge crossed before the hikers began a 2,300-foot ascent to Namche Bazaar. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Piles of rock commemorate those who have died while attempting to climb Mount Everest. At right is a memorial for Scott Fischer, one of eight who died on the same day in 1996. Their story was told in the best-selling book "Into Thin Air." Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Tents provide the shelter at the Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet. Some in his tour group stayed at the camp to acclimate for climbing the mountain; others, including Maxwell, began their descent a few days later. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Porters carry supplies in areas of the Himalayas not accessible by vehicle. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Yaks carry supplies in areas of the Himalayas not accessible by vehicle. Photo by Doug Maxwell.

Trekkers walk single file on a trail in the Himalayas. In all, about 70 miles were walked during the trip. Photo by Doug Maxwell.