The EBC trek is an incredible adventure on its own, but this local travel specialist, along with their guide Pasang Sherpa, truly go above and beyond to make it easy, safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs.
Booking with them was a breeze. I would highly recommend paying in full at once to avoid any extra charges, as mentioned on their website. Ram Barakoti, the owner, was extremely helpful throughout the planning process, providing packing lists and organizing a helpful pre-trip meeting to ensure everything went smoothly.
Now, unless you're accustomed to roughing it, I strongly suggest considering the room upgrades and solo room options. Trust me, those first three nights will be much more comfortable as you gradually acclimate to the challenging hike. The price is worth it, especially since the accommodations become less comfortable as you ascend to higher altitudes (this is the case with all companies, due to the nature of the trek).
My guide, Pasang Sherpa, was absolutely awesome. Although I had initially booked as part of a group trip, no one else signed up, so it ended up being a solo journey with Pasang. I had an amazing time with him. Now, being a larger individual, you might not expect me to make it to Everest Base Camp at first glance, and I had my own doubts as well. However, Pasang believed in me and was incredibly encouraging. He made sure we approached the hike in a way that allowed me to properly acclimate to the altitude and maintained a pace that suited me.
I was quite slow, but Pasang never minded. He was patient, urging me to take my time and providing opportunities for water breaks. Additionally, he willingly carried a lot of my belongings (since I didn't hire a porter) and even carried my entire bag on short acclimatization day hikes.
Having trekked to EBC and other routes countless times, Pasang has the trail memorized. He can tell you exactly how long each section will take. He knows the best hotels/tea houses and places to eat, and possesses extensive cultural knowledge about the monasteries and local customs. He is great company when you want to engage in conversation, but also content with hiking quietly and savoring the breathtaking views. Furthermore, he is a skilled photographer, capturing incredible pictures for you to cherish.
I mention all of this because I genuinely believe I wouldn't have made it to the top without Pasang's guidance and support. Not only did he provide expert advice, but he is also a genuinely good person who is a joy to hike with. You can sense how much he enjoys his work—meeting people from all over the world and guiding them on unforgettable treks.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Pasang, Ram Barakoti, and the entire team for providing me with the experience of a lifetime.