Everest Base Camp Trek

I'm 70. I had a yearning to see Everest since I was quite young. As I grew older, I hoped to do the trip with my sons but the length of the trip was not conducive. I wasn't particularly fit but trained for a few months beforehand, not knowing if I could manage the amount of walking , let alone the unknown element of altitude. Arriving in Kathmandu, the hotel was excellent and we had time to visit the old city of Thamel. The flight to Lukla was a great experience in a small plane, next the start of the trek. The 'Teahouses' along the way offered a warm convivial welcome, with varying numbers of other trekkers present. Suspension-bridge crossings, some several hundred metres long were great! We were lucky to have clear visibility and sunshine nearly every day as we progressed ever higher amid awe-inspiring scenery, expertly led by our leader Valerie Parkinson, and Nepalese guide Saroje. Our yakman Nawang took care of all our luggage except for our light daysacks. We gazed up at Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Macalu, Pumori, to name but a few peaks. From various vantage points including the aptly named Everest View Hotel, we had excellent views of Everest with the South Summit and South Col. We experienced at first hand the logistical marvel of how everything is transported up here; by yak, mule, dzo or porter. Bird-life included Vultures and Golden Eagles soaring overhead, plus Tibetan Snow birds that took a fancy to my lemon drizzle cake on Kala Patthar during our final acclimatisation trek. After taking in the Kumbhu Glacier, we reached Gorak Shep before the final push to Everest Base Camp itself. Unlike most other treks, we had ample time at Base Camp rock before the short walk to one of the expedition camps where we stayed overnight, amongst an array of camps looking like something out of a Bond movie. We witnessed a massive avalanche, and spent time on the ice shelf, truly surreal amongst the surrounding peaks. Overall, it was tough but an utterly amazing experience, in the competent hands of our leader Valerie, a lifetime goal achieved.

Absolutely amazing trip from start to finish. Met at the airport by a smiling Tenzi Sherpa, couldn't have had a more welcoming greeting. Thorough briefing before an early start off into the mountains. Kept fully informed all the way along the trek. Always kept upbeat by Tenzis ready smile and laugh. Stunning scenery and totally awe inspiring to walk among the highest mountains in the world.

Everest Base Camp is a trip to remember. Starting in the bustling city of Kathmandu where you get the first impressions of Nepal. Hot and busy. Followed by evening briefieng where you meet your group for the first time. Early morning start with the biggest adventure of getting on a small plane to Lukla :D Yes, the trails to Base camp can get busy. We were quite lucky that despite the busy season in April, we still had good amount of time walking alone as a group and passing others at the teahouses. The trek itself is not difficult. The pace is very slow to make sure you acclimatise well, but be prepared for long days of walking -albeit very slowly. We were so lucky to have clear skies coming up and the views were breathtaking. From the first time you get to see Mount Everest to being surrounded by the changing landscape of 6000+ metre giants. All of us made it to Base Camp together after 8 days of ups and downs. It really is an unforgettable trip and for me so much more about the journey itself, rather than stepping your foot in EBC. You get used to the life in the valley, locals, animals passing by, beautiful monasteries and everpresent prayer flags. Food is quite tasty and mostly carbs, which we all appreciated the colder it got. We were so well taken care of by our leader and guides and big thank you goes to them for making us safe and always well fed and happy :) If you love mountains, I can only recommend this trip.

I took part in the Exodus Everest Base Camp trip in March and had an incredible time! Everything was so well organised. The guides were so professional and great at their jobs. My group and I were in very safe and capable hands. The itinerary was fantastic. It was so beautiful hiking to Everest Base Camp. Every day was an adventure and there were fun things for us to do and see on a daily basis. I appreciated the inclusion of visiting schools, monasteries, museums etc. on the trip - it added a nice extra dimension to the hiking. We had a group of 6 travellers which was a nice number and it was nice being part of a team. We all made it to Base Camp which was fantastic news. This was my first trip with Exodus however after this I will definitely be going on more trips with them!

Regarding the Everest base camp trek, It was in one simple word Breath-taking. Over the 2 weeks we got to see the incredible Sagarmatha national park in all its glory, we lucked out as it was sunny throughout and seeing the picturesque landscape is something to behold. From the Alpine forests of the lower valley passing the milky river. To the highlands of the Khumbu Glacier en route to Base camp. Every step is something special.