Has anyone climbed to the base camp of Mt. Everest?

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Scott K

I went to Nepal in the fall of 2004 and did two treks, the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek, and I have plenty of advice to give.

My first recommendation would be not to hire an agency. You do have other options.

You and your boyfriend can go alone. With a guide book on trekking in Nepal, you can find out all need to know. It is very easy to arrange transportation from Kathmandu to Lukla (or Jiri if you are going to walk in instead of fly). The trails are very easy to follow and are well traveled. It is also easy to find other solo travelers who would like companions. For my Annapurna Circuit trek, we had a group of eight people from seven different countries going together just from putting a note on the Kathmandu Guest House bulletin board. You will also meet people along the trail and in Namche who are going the same places as you. So don't feel like you will be alone if you go without an agency.

You can also hire a guide and/or porter in either Kathmandu or Lukla/Namche. It's easy to find a good one as they are willing to give you references or can be recommended by other travelers. And if you get there and decide that you do need to go with an agency, you can get one in Kathmandu, which is where they all are based.

What I liked best about solo trekking is that you got to meet and interact with the people who ran guesthouses, other travelers, guides, etc. I got the feeling that the people in the large groups were more insulated from the people.

I would recommend reading up about altitude sickness and how to avoid it on this trek. That can be really important.

A lot of people don't go up the Gokyo valley, but I would highly recommend it if you have time. Gokyo was my favorite place along this trek, and the views from the fifth lake were the best on the trip. If you go to Gokyo, stay at the Cho Oyu View lodge. The woman who ran it was extremely nice, and she made great Sherpa stew.

I could really go on and on about the treks in Nepal; they were some of my favorite trips. Hope you have fun.

Rhonda

I have not, but I know a woman who did, and she said it was an awesome experience! Enjoy the climb! Best wishes.

wel_come1986

Well, though ,i am not been there my Dad has done so many treks to everest base camp and many other peaks there.You can go there in March.If you need more information yo can contact me.I am from Nepal.

EMAILSKIP

Only in the movies. Many people in KTM have done it and will help you learn about it when you're there.

Adam

If you call various travel agencies, go with the one that sounds the best. I'd like to make that same trip one day. Good luck and have fun!

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