Everest Base Camp

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Martha Hardman

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written April 2013

  With out doubt, the most memorable trip of my life. It was hard, probably harder than I expected, but I've come home with a massive sense of achievement, and the most amazing views imaginable engraved in my mind! The photos just don't to it justice.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Just being in the Himalayas is inspirational!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was Jaite (Ajay) Tamang and I can't praise him enough. We all felt in very safe hands. He was always aware of our health, asking us every morning if we had headaches etc. He constantly gave us advice on what was best to eat for energy/altitude and he constantly reminded us to drink lots and lots and to keep warm. But not only was he an excellent leader, he was also an excellent ambassador for his country. His enthusiasm for it was catching. He pointed out flowers, animals, mountain names and gave us a brilliant insight into true Nepali life. It was obvious he was proud of his country and we felt proud to be there. Our other guides, Lakpa Sherpa and Suresh Tamang were equally as wonderful. They carried our bags when we were ill, always had a smile for us, and basically were at our beck and call. They were happy to do anything for us without the slightest grumble. I don't think there was a lazy bone in their bodies. They worked so hard, but seemed so happy and proud to be doing the job they were doing. It was a pleasure to be with them. Our Yak man, Phura Sarki Sherpa had healthy looking animals and our bags always arrived outside our rooms without any problems or fuss.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  1: We went in the trip in mid April so I can only account for the weather in this month, but you have to be prepared for ALL weather! We started in boiling heat for the first 3 days. I really burnt my arms, so make sure you have high factor sun cream and use it! We also encountered snow, wind, freezing cold and torrential rain. Layers are without doubt the way forward. Lots of them! 2: I took a small bottle of febreeze and this was really nice to freshen up things that were starting to get a bit smelly! We didn't shower the whole 11 day trek, so clothes do get very dirty. Everyone's in the same boat though, so it's not so bad. I looked like a yeti when I got back, but it all added to the sense of adventure. 3: Make sure you have a couple of toilet rolls. There are none in the loos. However they can be bought in all the lodges, right the way up. Ladies, (sorry men) take panyliners, they are very useful. I read this tip from another review and was grateful I did. You'll understand once you're there! 4:We definitely did NOT need £25-£35 a day. I suppose it depends on the individual though. I took my own snacks for trekking (sweets, cereal bars, Kendal mint cake) so didn't need to buy anything like that and I didn't bother with wifi. I charged my phone/camera 2 or 3 times (about £2 an hour) Meals on average cost about £4 (more for meat dishes, less for soup) Hot drinks were about 50p. 5: I didn't expect the altitude to hit me as much as it did. It's really hard to explain the feeling, but be prepared to feel at least a bit 'weird' particularly from Dingboche upwards. I'm reasonably fit, and was determined to get there and I did, but it was by no means a walk in the park. Mental determination is almost as important as physical ability. If you're fit and determined and you don't get too ill, you'll make it. The trek starts off quite pleasantly, but definitely gets harder and the days get longer the nearer to EBC you get. 6: I had a little 'bum bag' type thing which had my camera, snacks and tissues in, and the others in the group all said what a good idea they thought it was. It meant I could take photos without having to stop or ask someone to help get it out of my rucksack and access sweets at any point! It really was useful. 7: A few if us had a platypus/camelback and again, I would really recommend it. You have to drink a lot to help prevent altitude problems and it was nice to be able to access water without having to ask someone to pass my bottle to me. But a cap for the mouthpiece is a good idea as every time I put my bag down, the mouthpiece got dirty. 8: We got boiled water at night in a metal water bottle, used it as a hot water bottle, then it was ready to drink the next morning. It was so nice having that extra warmth when we went to bed! It is FREEZING at night. 9: I was a bit worried about loos. In the first few days of the trek you stop every couple of hours at a lodge for tea/lunch, so there is opportunity then. Later on, when lodges are less frequent, there are rocks and bushes! In some ways this is more pleasant than actual toilets. Just ask your guide and they'll point you to a good 'wee wee' rock (as our guide always put it!) 10: At the end of our trek, we were asked by our leader to not throw away anything. Any old clothes we were thinking of throwing away/sweets/toiletries/shoes etc we didn't want were divided up in front of us and given to our 3 other guides. They were grateful of our old things and had I known, I might've taken some other old things to donate. 11: Make sure you inform your bank if you are thinking of taking out money from a cash machine in Kathmandu! I didn't and they blocked my card. Was a nightmare trying to get through to them and sort it. Probably best to take cash and exchange it at either the airport in Kathmandu or at a money exchange in Katmandu. £300 was plenty for us.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The trip is just amazing. It will be with me for life. I am so happy and proud that I did it and experienced such a wonderful place. I was so scared about the flight to Lukla and I'm not going to lie, I did find it scary once I was on it. But I'm still here, and the views from the plane were amazing. As my mum said, if you're on the list, you're on the list! Sometimes you just have to go for it! So go for it! If you like yak wool blankets, scarves, socks, gloves, hats/cashmere/walking gear, then make sure you take a BIG suitcase (you can leave it in the hotel for free whilst you're on the trek) The shopping in Karhmandu is brilliant! I could have bought everything! In fact, Kathmandu is brilliant in general. It is SO manic. The complete opposite of the mountains. It's dirty and loud and busy, but totally charming and exciting if you love completely different cultures.

   
• 

  Alice Banks

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written April 2013

  This was a wonderful trip, very well organised, tough but enjoyable. Anyone with a good level of fitness would enjoy this trip and the sense of achievement when you reach the top of Kala Pattar and look across at Everest, makes it all worth while. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The whole trip was an inspiration. Life is tough for the Nepalese people that live in the Himalaya but they do everything with a smile and never complain. Seeing the large loads that are carried by the porters was an inspiration.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader, Jaite Tamang (Ajay) was brilliant, he kept an eye on everyone and made sure we were eating and drinking sufficient, virtually force feeding us porridge every morning! When one of our group had to be taken down to a lower level due to altitude sickness, he handled the situation very well, delegating one of his team to stay with her until our return. he was efficient and caring but with a good sense of humour, we all enjoyed his and our other guides company.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you have a yearning desire to do this trip, don't put it off a moment longer, do it, you won't regret it!

  Do train for it and drink plenty of water  on the trek,

  The Nepalese  do not have a lot and our porters and there families were very grateful for any kit, clothing, footwear we left behind for them. Take old gear and leave it with them, leaves more room in the bag for shopping in Kathmandu!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  All our guides and porters were fantastic, Suresh, Lakpa and our Yak man, whose name unfortunately I cannot remember were an inspiration, I cannot praise them enough.

   
• 

  Roz Cole

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written April 2013

  A magnificent trip! You get truly immersed in Nepalese Himalayan culture. Challenging, steep and gorgeous, I would recommend this trip to anyone adventurous without hesitation. It's tough, but do-able! Pain is only weakness leaving the body!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Watching the prayer flags fluttering across the Ama Dablam skyline.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader Sukman was excellent. I wouldn't want to trek in the Himalayas again without him leading the group! Every single member of our group was on his radar at all times, and he identified and helped those who were starting to struggle with the first AMS symptoms, probably before they realized. His professionalism and ability to organize such a big, diverse group whilst shouldering such responsibility did not compromise his sense of humour, and this ability to motivate others is probably the main reason that everybody made it to Basecamp and back with a smile on their face.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read these reviews. It's evident on the trip that many don't, but exposing yourself to the advice provided from people who just like you, wanted to trek to Basecamp, can only enhance your trip- even if you choose to ignore the advice, it gives insight into what to expect.

  Be generous; yes, food costs more higher up- but look at the loads the Sherpas and porters are carrying; look at the tracks you are walking on, and think about how tired you feel on this holiday. Don't be mean spirited and deny the vendors their right to charge a little extra. If you want to get the Exodus yak to drag your stash of home bought goodies up the mountains, then I hope you have fun in your teahouse room being sad that your mars bar is crumbling and broken.

  Others have commented on this in their reviews too: any unwanted trekking gear/ clothing/ footwear is very, very happily and graciously received at the end of the trip. Exodus have a system in place for this, and their porters make use of these items immediately.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is an excellent, very well put together trip. You can tell that Exodus care about their presence in Nepal and about giving back to the community. This isn't pushed in your face all the time, but you become aware of it when you are out there. Prepare to return slightly different from how you left home. (and I don't mean just hungry and tired! :) )

   
• 

  Katharine Eyre

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written March 2013

  An incredible trip to an incredible place!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Experiencing a different culture, seeing Everest and the whole team reaching the Base Camp! The scenery throughout was breathtaking with all the mountains and the trail was lined with stupas and prayer flags which was very pretty, I don't think you appreciate properly until you get home and there's just grey skies and buildings!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our guide Pasang Bomjang was brilliant. He was very knowledgleable about everything to do with the trek (health issues associated with altitude and geography of the local area) which is definitely down to his 14 years experience. He would always be at the back of the group to make sure no one would get left behind and was always telling eveyone to go 'bistari bistari' and to drink loads of water. Our other guides Dawa, Kami and Kami were amazing as well, they were always there to help, especially when myself and a couple of other people in the group needed help down some of the steeper parts of the route. 

   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I'll just bullet point a few things

   

  • The food prices increase quite a lot as you go up the mountain so be prepared to pay around £4 for a Mars bar at Gorak Shep (or just pack your own)
  • Take a metal water bottle, it doubles up as a hot water bottle
  • Also I wish I took a CamelBak or Platypus type hydration pack as well as it would've been much easier to drink from rather than having to stop and get my bottle out
  • Take some playing cards or UNO for the evenings (be prepared to play for a hot chocolate if Pasang is your leader!)
  • A wide brimmed sunhat and a high factor sun cream is a must as you can easily get burned when the sun is out
  • Pack your kit in waterproof liners or bags as the kit bag provided isn't waterproof
  • Hire a sleeping bag from Trek Hire UK, it's a lot cheaper than buying one and I was never cold at night

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go with an open mind and make the most of it no matter what, it will always be an experience you'll treasure and learn from. 

   
• 

  Margaret Turner

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written February 2013

  An amazing experience, something I will never forget! Tough at times but no more than expected and the rewards easily outweighed the hardships!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Difficult to single out one moment but I think the breathtaking scenery throughout the trek was a real highlight. Seeing the iconic mountains of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam etc and the vast Khumbu glacier was awe inspiring and especially seen from the the summit of Kala Pathar after the toil of getting there!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader, Lakpa Lama was superb - his knowledge, professionalism, sense of humour and enthusiasm for his country was endless and we felt very safe with him and his team.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Going at this time of year did mean it was cold! So a small thermos flask would be a great addition to the packing list - something a few of our group had thought of and as the rest of us were doing our best to keep our fluid intake up - not always easy when the water was so cold!- they could enjoy hot tea!

  The amount of money needed on trek was a bit over-estimated (especially if you don't buy a lot of imported stuff - chocolate bars etc) so we ended up with quite a lot of rupees to try and spend in Kathmandu. Although there is plenty to buy, prices are so good it was still a struggle!

  The money change places in Kathmandu don't change Travellers Cheques on a Saturday so change them at the hotel.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Would unreservedly recommend this trek and the benefits of going early before the season gets going, is that the trails were very quiet - we saw very few other trekkers and generally had the lodges to ourselves and although places like Namche Bazaar may have lacked a bit of 'life' - most shops and lodges were not yet open- personally I loved the overall peace and quiet. 

   
• 

  WAYNE SEDDON

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written February 2013

  An awe inspiring 12 day trek in the most stunning place i have ever been. Totally breath taking and a wonderful adventure from start to finish. Amazing. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were loads but i think Thyangboche with its monastery and being surrounded by the great peaks. Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest forming the clouds still three or four days away takes some beating. If there is ever a wonder of the world winner then this place gets my vote.

   We had breakfast with the monks and they chanted for all of half an hour. What a way to start your day as you head towards Everest.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lakpa was fantastic, very knowledgeable about everything there was to see and do. Very organised and you felt very safe and at ease with him. Great sense of humour and i will miss my political chats with him.

  Kaji Sherpa, a great guy who has summited Everest was insperational and just to be in his company was humbling. All the guides were great, funny and organised.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be as fit as you can as it is hard work but you will and can make it.

  I was concerned about the flights into Lukla, dangerous airport and all of that. Dont be, it was brilliant, mindblowing.

  Think treking poles are well worth taking there are a lot of steps, big steps.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Be prepared for a life changing experience to a magnificent part of the world. And a sense of achievement is certainly felt by me for having done this.

  The whole trip from Kathmandu to Kala Pattar and back is a visual and spectacular journey. Do it.

   
• 

  Nicholas Stilwell

  EVEREST BASE CAMP

  

  Written November 2012

  An amazing trip, physically and mentally challenging, but worthwhile. 

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  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  A Buff is essential equipment as a number of days are spent walking on dusty paths, without it you'll quickly develop a cough and sore throat. 

  Be prepared to walk up and down 65 deg slopes of many hours on rough, stepped paths. 

  Diamox is recommended by the Himalayan Rescue Association - do your research, but do consider taking it. 

   

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