Trek to Everest Base Camp October 2008

Hi everyone,

I need your advice myself and my boyfriend are planning to Trek to the Base Camp of Everest around 10th October 2008. We are both moderately fit but have no trekking experience at all, would you recommend that we hire a guide? How much would it cost roughly to a guide from Kathmandu?

What are the weather conditions like in October? What kit will we require and can we buy most items in Kathmandu? Will we need a tent? How long can we expect to be walking each day?

Any input would be greatly appreciated - we need all the advice we can get!!!

Emma

Trek to Everest Base Camp October 2008

Hello Emma

Moderately fit will do, as long as you take it slowly to allow for acclimatisation - at least a day off in Namche and another at Pheriche or Dingpoche. Statistics show that there%26#39;s a higher incidence of altitude-related problems for fit young macho-men who%26#39;ve pushed on too far too quickly.

A reasonable itinerary might be:

1 Fly to Tensing-Hillary, Lukhla. Trek to Phakding(2610 metres) c. 3 hours

2 To Namche Bazaar (3440 metres) 5 hours. Steadily up the Dudh Khosi valley, then 600 metre ascent

3 Acclimatisation day, Namche Bazaar Local walks/coffee drinking as you like

4 To Tengpoche (3860 metres) 5 hours Initial ascent, then contour, then 500 metre ascent

5 To Dingboche (4410 metres) 6 hours Gently (!) up, steeper sections, then gentle

6 Acclimatisation day, Dingboche. Local walks as you like

7 To Lobuche (4910 metres) 6 hours Initially steepish then more gentle

8 To Gorak Shep (5153 metres) 4 hours Steady ascent with some steep sections

9 Ascend Kala Pattar or visit Base Camp: Down towards Pheriche 8 hours

10 To Thengpoche 6 hours Down. Slight ascent to Tengpoche

11 To Monjo 7 hours. Initial ascent, then contour to Namche, then down

12 SPARE TREK DAY taken as needed

13 To Lukhla 5 hours Mainly downhill

14 Fly Lukhla-Kathmandu Back in hotel by lunchtime (God willing)

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Mostly good surfaces, lightweight boots are comfortable, and give support, but I%26#39;ve even seen people tekking happily in good trainers

WEATHER. Days likely to be clear and sunny - great season for visibility ! Nights, particularly above Namche chilly / cold - down jacket and good sleeping bag recommended can be bought or hired in Kathmandu.

ACCOMMODATION: As it%26#39;s a well-trekked route there are plenty of lodges along the route where, for around 100 rupees per night you%26#39;ll be able to find a basic twin room, adequate meals, and normally a very warm welcome.

A GUIDE ? You are unlikely to get lost, but nonetheless a guide / porter (or even a guide and a porter) will add greatly to the experience

1. You%26#39;ll therefore need to carry no more than a light day sack with water, toilet roll, waterproof coat, simple first aid kit - makes the walking rather easier than carrying all your gear yourself

2. Having a Nepali guide will add to your involvement with, undertanding and enjoyment of, the culture. He%26#39;s also likely to be good company

3. It creates employment. Back-packers gain less credibility amongst the Nepali as they contribute less to the economy

4. Obviously it costs to hire, wage, insurance, flight from Kathmandu to Lukhla and back,accommodation, etc. but by western standards these charges will still be very reasonable, and in my opinion totally worth it.

Though you could arrive in Lukhla and find a guide there it%26#39;s probably better to deal with an agency in Kathmandu who will provide competent (and insured)staff, and could also arrange flights for you if you wish - takes all the hassle out of it. I%26#39;ve used a firm called %26#39;Spirit of the Himalayas%26#39; several times (nepshol@mos.com.np) and they have proved to be excellent - it%26#39;s probably worth emailing them to tell them what you want, and find their price.

If there%26#39;s any other information you need don%26#39;t hesitate to ask.

ENJOY NEPAL !!!

Alan