OMG this was a trip of a lifetime. I went with my dad and when we landed in Kathmandu we had city guide, Raju waiting for us. Raju and driver took us to hotel and we spent one day just relaxing. They picked us up the next day and we spend the whole day touring Kathmandu. Raju was awesome city tour guide. Being with him was very educational. He spoke in details about the city, history etc.. and he was very pleasant, always happy with smile on his face. Thank you Raju.
Later that day we met our Everest Base Camp guide Keshav. As soon as we met him, he was very accommodating. We asked him if he can come with us to our hotel room to check clothes we brought to make sure we were good. He was happy to do it. The next day we started actual trip by landing in Lukla, TenzingHillary Airport, which was named by Discovery channel as the most dangerous airport in the world. Keshav was our main guide. We had two other people that carried our bags, Bisnu and Sataya. Im not going to lie, trip was difficult but it was soooooooooo worth it and it was that much awesome because we had Keshav, Bisnu, and Sataya. There were 4 of us in a group, dad and I, and a couple. I was the slowest in the group lol. Even though sometimes group was hours ahead of me, at any point of our trip no one was left alone. I spent most time with Keshav since I was slowest one so he felt I needed the most attention lol. At some point I couldnt even carry my bag (5 pound bag lol). I didnt say anything to Keshav but he offered to help. He would even carry water for me. Sometimes I would rest every 10 minutes and he was so patient, never complaint. He always asked if Im ok if I need anything. I even gave him my phone with all passwords to take pictures. I sometimes forgot that I even had a phone until he gives me back and then I look at the pictures. He captured some amazing moment without me noticing and those are usually the best
On our way to Every Base Camp I got sick. It was just flu. He could easily told me that it is not his fault that Im sick. He couldve said to me that to stay at the lodge and wait for others. Actually he encouraged me to rest as long as I want to and he said that he would go with me to Everest Base Camp no matter how slow Im. Sickness slowed me down a lot, but Keshav stuck with me and we made to the Base Camp and Im so glad I did. Never did he complain or say something to discourage me. He understood that people come from far away it is everyones dream to make it to the Base Camp. The only thing he made me promise is that I tell him if I get dizzy. There were many times I didnt leave my room because I wanted to rest and I even try to skip dinner and he sometimes gave me hard time for skipping dinner LoL. Love you Keshav.
At some point we went through heavy fog and it was wet. I had my raincoat but my dad didnt. Keshav gave his to my dad so he doesnt get wet. It is easy to have 5 star service at some luxury place or hotel but to offer 5 star service in the middle of nowhere that just doesnt exist. Sometimes when my group reached destination, Bisnu would come back to join me and Keshav. Remember this is steep uphill trekking and for him to come back to join Keshav and encourage me not to give up and go uphill again it is just amazing. Not only that, but when I went to Island Peak with my climbing guide (guide that summon Everest 7 times), Bisnu noticed that my dad was worried about me, so he went looking for me. This was not his responsibility. I guess you worry when you have kids.
I was never received service like this in my life and I travel a lot. These people are so honest, so nice. I never felt so comfortable being with strangers and in the middle of nowhere. You develop intimate friendships. They tell you their stories, they listen yours. Also couple that was with us were cool. We all got along so well. We were all like family. I would not change anything about this trip.
My fellow travelers, please do not be skimpy about tipping. Tip well because these people really deserve it
