Destination
Nepal
Region
Everest
Trip Grade
Moderate/Adventure
Highest Elevation
5545m.
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Tea-House / Lodge Basis
Trek Duration
12 Days
Group Size Min
02 Trekker's
Best Time
Sept-December & February-May
Start/End Point
Lukla to Lukla

Trip Overview

The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Everest Base Camp Trek

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Everest Base Camp Trek is a bucket-list experience that draws thousands of adventurers each year. But conquering this challenging feat requires more than just physical endurance; it takes careful planning, preparation, and knowledge of the terrain and weather conditions. That’s where this ultimate guide comes in. As a seasoned trekker and expert in all things Everest, I’ve put together a comprehensive resource that covers every aspect of the trek, from choosing the right gear to navigating the trails to acclimatizing to the high altitude. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker, this guide will provide you with the tools and information you need to successfully summit the base camp of the world’s highest peak. So, strap on your boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the top of the world!

Features:

– Experienced guides and porters
– Fully supported trek with all meals and accommodation included
– Trek through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Visit the famous Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery
– Trek to the base camp of Mount Everest at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet)

Benefits:

– Experience the adventure of a lifetime
– Challenge yourself physically and mentally
– Immerse yourself in the unique culture and hospitality of Nepal
– See some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world
– Create memories that will last a lifetime

Food and water on the Trek

Food and water are essential for your energy and hydration during the trek. Most teahouses and lodges offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. The meals are usually hearty and filling, with plenty of carbohydrates and proteins to sustain you during the long hours of walking.

It is advisable to carry water purification tablets or a water filter to purify the water before drinking. You can also buy bottled water, but it is not environmentally friendly and can get expensive.

Altitude sickness and how to prevent it

Altitude sickness is a common condition that affects trekkers at high altitudes. It can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To prevent altitude sickness, it is essential to acclimatize properly by following a gradual ascent and taking rest days to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

You can also take medication like acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Packing for the Trek

Packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek can be overwhelming, but it is crucial to pack wisely to ensure that you have everything you need for the journey. Here are some essentials you should pack:

  • Hiking boots: Invest in a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable and provide adequate support and traction.
  • Warm clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes, so pack warm layers, including a down jacket, fleece, and thermal wear.
  • Sleeping bag: You will need a good quality sleeping bag suitable for cold weather conditions.
  • Backpack: Choose a backpack that is lightweight and has ample space to carry your essentials.
  • Headlamp: A headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark.
  • Water bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trek.

Remember to pack light and carry only the essentials. You will be carrying your backpack for long hours, so avoid overpacking.

Best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp

The best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp is from March to May and September to November. These are the peak trekking seasons when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, allowing for stunning views of the Himalayas.

During the peak seasons, the trails can get crowded, and the accommodation can get fully booked. Therefore, it is advisable to book your trek well in advance to secure your spot.

If you prefer a quieter trek and don’t mind the colder weather, you can also trek during the winter months of December to February. However, be prepared for colder temperatures and possible snowfall, which can make the trek more challenging.

Safety and emergency procedures on the Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek can be dangerous, and it is essential to take safety precautions and be prepared for emergencies. Always trek with a guide or a porter who knows the terrain and can help you in case of an emergency.

Carry a first aid kit with basic medication and supplies like bandages, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical ev

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE TREKKING AND EBC TREK?

Preparing yourself physically and mentally for the trek to Everest Base Camp is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the trek:

  1. Start training early: The Everest Base Camp Trek is a physically demanding one, so it is important to start preparing yourself well in advance. You can start with regular cardio exercises, such as jogging, cycling, and hiking, to build your endurance and stamina.
  2. Strength training: Strengthen your leg muscles with exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises, as they will be the primary muscles used during the trek. Also, work on your core and upper body strength with exercises like push-ups, planks, and dumbbell rows.
  3. Acclimatize: The altitude can be a challenge during the trek, so it is important to acclimatize properly. Plan your itinerary to allow for a gradual increase in altitude, and take rest days to help your body adjust to the altitude.
  4. Eat a healthy diet: A nutritious and balanced diet will help you build your energy levels and strength for the trek. Focus on high-carbohydrate and high-protein foods, such as whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.
  5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is essential to stay hydrated during the trek. Carry a water bottle with you and drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day.
  6. Pack smart: Pack light but with essential items for the trek, including proper hiking boots, warm and comfortable clothing, rain gear, and a good quality sleeping bag.
  7. Mental preparation: The trek can be physically and mentally challenging, so it is important to prepare yourself mentally. Set realistic goals, maintain a positive attitude, and be mentally prepared to handle unpredictable weather and challenging terrain.
  8. Consult a doctor: Before embarking on the trek, it is important to consult with a doctor, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Get any necessary vaccinations and carry essential medication for the trek.

By following these tips and taking the time to prepare yourself physically and mentally, you can increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trek to Everest Base Camp.

Tips for a successful Everest Base Camp Trek

Here are some tips to help you have a successful Everest Base Camp Trek:

  1. Trek with a guide or a porter who knows the terrain and can help you in case of an emergency.
  2. Follow a gradual ascent and take rest days for acclimatization.
  3. Stay hydrated and eat well.
  4. Pack light and carry only the essentials.
  5. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, weather conditions, and altitude.
  6. Be prepared for emergencies and carry a first aid kit and travel insurance.

Single Trekker 12 Days Everest Base Camp Cost USD 1320 |- Extra for Porter Cost

Details Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU TRANSFER TO HOTEL

After arriving in Kathmandu, a delegate from Everest Trekking Routes will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may take a rest or visit the Everest Trekking Routes office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner given by Everest Trekking Routes where you will be served Nepalese food which will introduce you to the country’s food culture.
Trek time: 15 Minute Drive to Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 02: FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO PHAKDING (2,651M/8,700FT) 3 – 4 HOURS

Our Guide will transfer to Domestic airport and short Lukla flight 30 minute and introduce our local mountain porters. Kick off your beautiful trek through larges village Chourikharka and demented towards Dudhkoshi River and continue to Phakding (2652m. 8700ft.) we will have to stay acclimatization and we will stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 3 to 4 Hour Walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 03: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,438M/11,280 FT): 11KM, 5 – 6 HOURS

We trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest village of Khumbu region, which is the most popular Himalayan city Touristic area same as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Trekking toward to Monjo Entering Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers Information Management System Main Gate. Flow up Dudhkoshi River and crossing highest bridge bottom of the Namche. We have changed to see mt. everest on the trail and continue to Namche. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 Hour Walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 04: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY – NAMCHE BAZAAR: (3,440M/11,284FT)

Today Explore and Acclimatization day, after breakfast visit to Sherpa Museum which is popular by Khumbu region about the Sherpa culture and history and will have the hike to the top of the Everest viewpoint take the cup of tea or coffee at Everest View lodge. If the weather is perfect then will see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Island Peak, Amadablam and Many Others Trekking peak. When we return from Everest Viewpoint visit to Khumjung Village and Admon Hillary high school take lunch and back to Namche, Little sightseeing stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO PHORTSE (3,870M/12,694FT): 10KM, 5- 6 HOURS

We will continue trek to Phortse medium beautiful Sherpa village. Beginning part flat and easy. after Sanasa moderate slide and stepping to Mongla situate 4000m. During the time of trekking, we will pass through the lush forest of Rhododendron, pine, and oak forest. We will have our lunch on the way and we will move towards Phortse. Take lunch that depends on choice and extremely descending to Phortse Tenga pass the bridge and end of our destination and we will stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 Hours Walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 06: PHORTSE TO DINGBOCHE (4,360 M/14,300 FT): 9KM, 5 – 6 HOURS

Today our destination is Dingboche, which is the massive viewpoint and chance to see lots of wild animals as Blue sheep, dear, Himalayan Thar, and Many of Domestic Yaks browsing grass. The Phortse to Dingboche is the most beautiful trail select by Everest Trekking Routes. Take lunch at Upper Pangboche or Somare and slowly trek to Dingboche and we will stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 5 - 6 Hour Walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 07: DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Today is Acclimatization day at Dingboche just a light hike to little pick or a hike to Chhukung just a combination of acute mountain sickness and visit Dingboche Sherpa Villages. Will have to wear warm cloth and take lots of drinking water. Make sure could reach our Destination to EBC and stay the extra night at the lodge.
Trek time: Explore day at Dingboche
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 08: DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE (4910 M) 5/6 HOURS

We start our trek towards Lobuche, over 4000 meters, have to most care health because before Lobuche slowly toward Thukla and take lunch and rest for while and hard part stepping and amazing Lobuche peak, Ama Dablam peak, Lobuche peak, Primary peak, and Nupse Peak. During the time of trekking, we will pass through the lush forest of Rhododendron, pine, and oak. Its make us enjoy and we will stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: 5 - 6 Hour Walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 09: LOBUCHE TO GORAK SHEP (5170 M/16,961FT), VISIT EVEREST BASE CAMP (5364 M/17,594 FT)

From Lobuche to Gorakshep takes more than 2 hours and must leave early morning, because take the hot drink as tea or coffee continue to Gorakshep and get accommodation to leave the bag. Before the visit to Everest Base Camp, we have to Breakfast and take with us light food. It is the hard and long day all most 8 to 10 hours. Return from EBC and we will stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 8 - 9 Hours trek Visit Everest Base Camp
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 10: GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTHAR (5,545M/18,192FT) TO PHERICHE (4,288M/14,070FT) 7-8 HOURS

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar peak 5545m. We can see the world’s tallest mountain Everest along with other mighty Himalayan peaks. Which is our main destination sunrise and panoramic views front of the Mt Everest and Pumori Expedition, Magnificent Himalayan range and return to Gorakshep take breakfast after that continue to trek to Pheriche or Pangboche and we will stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 9 to 10 Hours Visit Kalapathar Peak 5545m and Continue
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 11: PHERICHE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440M/11,280 FT): 20KM, 6 – 7 HOURS

Leaving Pheriche to Namche Bazaar after breakfast early in the morning. We trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages toward to old Buddhist Tengboche monastery. We walk on winding trails followed by another walking through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. It takes 7/8 hour easy downhill and more traffic yaks and Porters Continue trek to Namche and stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 6 - 7 Hours walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 12: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO LUKLA (2,800M/9,186FT): 19KM, 6 – 7 HOURS

We leave Namche Bazaar for Lukla after having breakfast in the hotel and us easy downhill but more traffic yak, Jhopkyo, Porters toward to manjo. Before Lukla take light lunch and continue to Lukla, finally we will complete our trip and warm up with all team to say goodbye for local porters waiting for the flight to Kathmandu stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 6 to 7 Hours walking
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 13: FLY TO KATHMANDU 30 MINUTES

We will be driven towards the local airport of Lukla to fly towards Kathmandu valley. Because some time very hard to get a flight and lots of people waiting. We must reservation for flight before our trip. When we arrived in Kathmandu explore and shopping souvenirs for your family. We will spend one night in Kathmandu valley.
Trek time: 30 Menutes Fly and Explore day
Accommodation: Hotel :

DAY 14: FINAL INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE BACK TO HOME

We will drop you at the International Airport from our vehicle for your departure and we will see you off.
Trek time: Final International Departure
Accommodation: Final Departure and Back to Home

Cost Include/Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
  • Hotel In Kathmandu: 2 Nights of ***3-star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Both Way Domestic Air Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
  • All standard meals: (12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners ) during the trek
  • All Trekking Permit (Sagarmatha National Park Permit) and Local Permit.
  • All Tea House Accommodation: 11 Nights Lodge to Lodge Accommodation in trekking,
  • Trekking Guide License Holder: Government License Holder Trekking Guide An experienced, helpful, friendly, and English-speaking Trekking Guide. His well-paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance, Flight ticket, etc.
  • Trekking porter ( one porter for two members) No Porter for Solo Trekkers
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffel bag, and walking stick, if necessary.
  • After the Success Trip, Everest Trekking Routes will Provide Adventure Certificate.
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid for by your Travel insurance company.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All Government Taxes and Service charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals and Extra Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • personal expenses (bar bills, beer, coke, a bottle of water, hot water, phone call, laundry service, Helicopter rescue, Electronic device recharge such as Mobile, Camera, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and driver.

Trip Map

FAQ

Fixed Departure Booking

Departure Date Duration Availability Cost Booking
06/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
09/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
13/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
16/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
19/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
21/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
23/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
26/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person
29/09/2023 12 Days Available USD 1220 Per Person

Recent Client Reviews

Liau Gii Hau

Malaysia

LangTang 8 days tour

I requested Mr. Rabin Gurung to have a guide/porter before starting my journey, and he sent a very experienced guide Mr. Phul to be my guide/porter. Mr. Phul has more than 25+ years of experience becoming a mountain guide. I had problems during the hike up to the mountain but Mr. Phul always gave me support all the way, he shared the newer things in the jungle with my brother along the trek.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Yap Chun Sing

Singapore

Wonderful Experience trekking in Manaslu

Had a wonderful time hiking at the Manaslu area with my tour guide Sushil Gurung and porter Madan Gurung. They helped us with our every need from last minute rental gear like sleeping bags to telling us more about Nepal and being knowledgeable about the area. Both of them are experienced and knowledgeable. Both of them are very observant about how you are coping with the pace and terrain and will change pace to suit your pace.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Deon Poh

Singapore

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Positive experience liaising with Everest Trekking for our Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The guide made adjustments to our plans based on our comfort/fitness level and the weather so that we managed to finish the trail.
Our guide helped us secure some last-minute stuff for us like our sleeping bag rentals.
Most importantly the hike itself was great as well thanks to our guide for his hospitality and our porter’s hard work.
Appreciate the apples cut for us every night during the hike carried by the guide and to the porter for pushing through even though his eyes hurt from the sun glare from the snow.
Thank you for this great experience.
Everest Trekking liaison: Rabin Gurung
Guide: Sushil Gurung
Porter: Madan Gurung

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mook Kunnapat

Bangkok, Thailand

Annapurna Base Camp trekking

ในช่วง 5 ปีที่ผ่านมาได้มีโอกาศไปเดิน Trek ที่เนปาลกับไกด์ Rabin มา 3 ครั้งแล้ว ประทับใจทุกครั้ง ทีมงานลูกหาบดีเรียบร้อยใส่ใจ บริการดี ไว้ใจได้ ราคาสมเหตุสมผล ใครจะไปเนปาลแนะนำเลยครับ!!

I’ve trekked in Nepal with Rabin 3 times in the past 5 years, and it’s been awesome!! Great team, reliable services, and reasonable price. Highly Recommended!!

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mike Q

Austral

Manaslu basecamp and Circuit and Tsum Valley

I have just completed a trek of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley with three other friends. The trip was magnificent, stunning mountain peaks, ancient forest, impressive rivers and waterfalls and interesting villages. During the trip we were very well looked after by our guide, Dhansingh Gurung who gently and efficiently took us through 21 days of trekking over diverse terrain and Sangam (Durga) our porter who was always helpful and cheerful. Both Dhansingh and Durga added considerably to the enjoyment of the experience with their friendliness and local knowledge. If I return to Nepal, I will definitely use our guide and porter again.

Sorce on: TripAdvisor

Jasmin H

Germany

Gokyo Lakes with Gokyo Ri

The trekking was an extraordinary experience. Breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding 8000s. Rabin Gurung always made sure we have a nice accommodation, enough for eating and drinking, warm and comfortable. He is a really caring guide. I would do another trip with him right away. He organised everything so that we could totally focus on the hiking.

Source from: TripAdvisor

Tuffy Kin Leung

USA

Gokyo Lake — EBC

My wife and I had an amazing experience with both Dhansingh and Rabin Gurung. We took a 2 weeks trek with them from Lukla — Gokyo Lake — EBC . What a blessing we had them along the way , we will never forget and be grateful and thankful for the unquie, warm , genuine hospitality that we had , plus all the priceless encounters within the nature. Namaste!

Email: tuffyl@yahoo.com

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Toft Lars

Denmark

Mera Peak Climbing Guided & Trip Operation by Everest Trekking Routes

My brother and I had the pleasure of having Rabin as our guide on the trip to Mera Peak Expedition.
Everything was planned to perfection and we had a great time with Rabin, who is friendly, funny, and always helpful.
Last but not least, we reached the summit.

Source: TripAdvisor

Soren Dorfhoff

Denmark

Island Peak, Everest Base Camp and Lobuche Peak Climbing (October 2022)

I have now used Everest Trekking Routes for two trips to Nepal. I can’t put my finger on anything that needs improvement. The initial communication part is spot on. They are quick to respond and I usually my questions answered on the first reply. Both times I have been greeted at the airport by a super polite guide. I’ve felt welcome and gotten all my needs tended to.
On my second trip, we could not fly to Lukla, because of bad weather. Instead of waiting for the weather to clear up, they arranged alternative transport to the mountains, to avoid wasting precious days in Kathmandu.

The whole city experience has been an absolute pleasure. Except for the hard work, summiting a mountain 😅

Best recommendations to the guys from Everest Trekking Routes 👌

Source: Tripadvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Alex Lim

Singapore

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

This is my second trip with Rabin and I am already looking forward to a third trip with him soon. That shows how much I value his services, his extensive experiences with the treks, his honesty, and of course, the great supporting staff he have.

I feel safe and well taken care of with Rabin as my guide. He is a man with integrity and deal in a most honest way with us. This is unlike lots of horror stories you read about guides and tea-house owners collaborating to fleece hikers. We pay exactly what we consumed at the tea houses based on the published menu prices, no more and no less. With Rabin, there is no hidden cost.

With more than 20 years of trekking experience, he gave good advises on the route and safety measures to take. For example, he insisted that we started off early on a particular day so that we will reach a section with an ice sheet before the ice started to melt and traversing the ice-sheet becomes dangerous and difficult.

We have a large team of porters and assistant guides to take care of our team of 12 hikers and everyone on Rabin’s team have been extremely helpful and friendly. My teenage son enjoyed playing Uno and sliding down the ABC  Trek icy slope with a teenage porter, a fellow hiker who has walking difficulties was supported all the way by assistant guides and porters and our meals were all ordered in advance so the group don’t have to wait long for food to be served.

Singapore

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Mark Gamboa

Vancouver, British Columbia

Everest Base Camp Trek with Suk Bahadur Gurung

Searching for the perfect company to embark on the EBC trek was not easy when doing research on who to go with. I happen to have really lucked out by choosing to go with Everest Trekking Routes, because they were great, through and through.

I did the trek in November but started inquiring with them back in February. Rabin is the CEO of the company, and he has helped me in every way possible. He was prompt in answering my questions via email and meticulously arranged the EBC trek, which felt customized to all my needs. In person, he was kind and courteous. And my guide Suk was friendly and helpful throughout the hike. He had brought all the necessary medication for me and asked every day how I was feeling. Suk is also a very good card player and was grateful for his company on the 12-day hike/ Kathmandu City Hike.

I’m sure most of you reading this have gone with some tour company elsewhere in the world, and perhaps you might agree that most of them have treated you as simply a commodity in the assembly line. By going with Everest Trekking Routes, I never felt that. Rabin and Suk took care of me from beginning to end, and I sing all their praises for getting me to Everest Base Camp, which was a major deal for me and my friends and Family. Rabin and Suk became family to me. Thank you for everything, guys!

Antonia Carol Suning

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak with Rabin Gurung

It was such a hard fight to join this trip. Because I had to work hard to find funding for this training. It is the first summit I attended team NOBAT ( No Boundary Adventurers Association Sabah ) to the Himalayas with AMG (Adventure Mountain Guide Rabin Gurung), I gained a great experience, which Mr. Rabin Gurung was very friendly and kind as a mountain guide who experience he made this trip so enjoyable, and build a better friendship.

I would like to thank him for giving the best service to us, this is the first time I walk for 21 days hahaha. In every step, he remained faithful to accompany and not leave us, even though there are 2 people in our group who did not succeed, and he sent us back to our high camp Lobuche to support the spirit reaching the summit of Lobuche Peak Climbing.

Nice trip and good services such as tents, food, and stories you tell about your family, it is good, and I enjoyed the trip because you protected me and my team so much.

Keep up the good work you AMG! I am happy to see and to know you! Good luck! * extra bonus able to speak Bahasa Melayu! hehe

Jasen Moore & Helen Kerrandjas

Canada

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

While Rabin is a very knowledgeable and capable guide it was his kindness, Warm smile, and Constant eagerness to help that made our trip truly memorable. Rabin Gurung quickly earned our trust and friendship and would be an excellent companion on any trek! we would very happily Recommend Rabin to anyone who is making a trip to Nepal. He is is a wonderful person and a good friend.

Email: helen.karrandjas@maclaren.com
Details Address: 191 Millwood Rd, Upper Toronto, ON M4S 1J6 Canada

Jaistin Tamin

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak & Chulu West Peak with Rabin Gurung

Sewaktu saya ditugaskan oleh persatuan NOBAT untuk mendapatkan khidmat ‘trekking guide’ bagi ekspedisi NOBAT Himalaya 2013, saya telah menghubungi beberapa ‘trekking agent’ di Kathmandu melalui emel. Saya tertarik dengan laman web Rabin Gurung dan ‘testimonial’ dari beberapa individu yang penat mendapatkan khidmatnya. Rabin memberikan tawaran kos yang paling berpatutan. Dari raut wajahnya saja saya yakin dia adalah orang yang jujur dan’friendly’. Satu kelebihan lain ialah dia boleh berbahasa Malaysia.

Apabila bertemu dengan Rabin buat pertama kalinya di Kathmandu, memang sah bahawa kami telah membuat pilihan yang tepat. Sepanjang trekking, Rabin sangat professional dalam khidmatnya. Beliau flexible dan mudah diajak berunding. Kami tidak lagi menganggapnya sebagai pemandu jalan tetapi sebagai sahabat..kepada sesiapa yang ingin trekking di Himalaya, sila dapatkan khidmat Rabin. Saya percaya anda bakal membuat pilihan yang tepat.
Email: cliffhanger_08@yahoo.com

Island Peak Climbing

Jeff Tucker & Wanida Tucker

USA

Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley with Rabin Gurung

Recently my wife and I visited Nepal for the eighteenth time and enjoyed a wonderful trek, one of the best treks ever, and this was largely due to our guide, Rabin Gurung (Trekking Guide in Nepal), with whom we also trekked around Manaslu in 2010.

If you come to Nepal with the idea of doing ‘your own trek’ with a small party, I highly recommend hiring Rabin. Not only does he have many years of experience but he is very honest and humble, so much so that one woman at a very basic lodge on our recent trek, impressed by his honesty, told my wife that “this man is a very good man, honest man, all other guide-man say lie to customers, say them that price is higher than the real price, so they can get more money.”

Rabin is always in good humor and friendly and gets along well with the local people and the porters too. Furthermore, his varied experience from his earlier years as a porter and cook helped to make him a better guide. I can’t remember how many times during our treks, when we stopped at a new or very basic lodge, or even at a tea house for lunch, when the owner’s cooking skills were at most primitive, Rabin tactfully volunteered to move into the kitchen and some amazingly delicious food would come out, made from the most simple ingredients.

Three years ago, in March of 2010, the Manaslu trek was not what it is now. Along the entire trek from Arughat (where we had to start walking), until we reached to Annapurna circuit route, there was at that time only a single lodge with what could be called a ‘menu’, and that was the one and only lodge in Sama village at that time. All other villages either had nothing but dal bhat and perhaps chapatis, or nothing to eat and no lodge at all. We had to camp some places, but when we could, we stayed in the simple lodges that existed and he often improved our diet by cooking foods that the proprietor did not know how to cook, sometimes even such a basic menu item as an omelet, to be rolled up inside a chapati for breakfast.

This year, again in March, we decided to return to the same area, with the desire to explore the newly opened valley of Tsum. This is a lovely, beautiful valley populated by some 4000 Tibetan people, who have lived for nearly a thousand years in that inaccessible ‘hidden valley’, connected by easy passes to Tibet but until not so many decades ago, without any reasonable connection to Nepal through the truly stupendous canyons of the lower section of the valley. Indeed, many inhabitants could not speak any Nepali, only Tibetan, which made it difficult at times. We had a double permit, which if you ever want to see Tsum Valley thoroughly, I highly recommend. Most people try to do a quick one-week detour to Tsum Valley as a kind of bonus side trip on the way around Manaslu. They never know what they have missed. Some of the most interesting villages and friendliest people, and some truly awesome scenery, can be visited in Tsum valley if you have time. One week is too little time to see more than a quick glimpse of the Valley.

I and my wife have been trekking in Nepal for years, myself since 1981, and our trek to Manaslu was the first time we had ever used a guide (because it was required on that trek), despite having visited some very remote areas such as crossing the Trashi Labtsa Pass from Khumbu into Rolwaling with friends in 1982. I had doubts about using a guide, I had seen how so many of them control their clients and take a commission from lodge owners to fill their pockets, I have seen many guides from Kathmandu who knew less about the local people and places than I did. I say this not to boast but as a word of caution: there are all too few honest, humble, helpful, and experienced guides out there, and many of those who are have moved into the higher levels of trekking management and no longer guide. But from the first days, on our 2010 Manaslu trek, we were impressed by the level of experience Rabin has, and also his sensitivity in allowing us to make our own itinerary day by day. He never was angry, never showed irritation, always explained patiently what was going on, and was always in a good mood. We were a group of five at that time, and by the end of the first week, we all agreed that if we returned to Nepal for another trek requiring a guide, we would try to get Rabin again.

This is what we did in March 2013 on our visit to Tsum Valley. Using more porters in order to have tents and extra food, we planned to visit the highest area of the upper end of Tsum Valley and ascend to one of the high passes overlooking Tibet. This year was plagued by poor weather and too much snow in March, however, and we were unable to do that, as were all the people who had set out to trek around Manaslu this March: the deep snow at higher elevations did not allow anyone in the first weeks of March to cross the Larkya La and go around Manaslu. But we had time, and because of the tents and food we had, we also had more options. The tents and food we used in a wonderful visit to the nunnery at Gumalungdang, up a steep side valley surrounded by the huge peaks of Ganesh Himal. We camped there for two nights, as there is no accommodation yet, and enjoyed incredible sunrise views of the nearby Ganesh Himal and also the distant great Peaks of HImalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu.

Tsum Valley is developing rapidly, as is the Manaslu circuit. However, particularly if you are new to Nepal trekking, don’t believe the hype that many agencies will tell you, that the Manaslu trek is the “new Annapurna circuit”. The Annapurna trek, over a period of three decades, developed a huge infrastructure for trekkers, with scores and scores of hotels, often equipped with deluxe menus and services, hot showers, laundry service, spring mattresses, etc. I think it will be some time yet before these things appear on the Manaslu trek, and if you find them in some places, don’t expect them at the next place. Tsum Valley is one step back in development yet.

One problem to watch out for is this: Manaslu Tsum Valley’s popularity and this can be said for Manaslu too, is growing much faster than services can be built–may be large because the road around Annapurna has grown so quickly and has put people off from that once glorious trek. We were there both times in March when there are fewer trekkers than in April or especially during the high season in October and November. In Tsum, as of March 2013, there was only one real lodge with rooms, and that was just a bit beyond Lokhpa at the foot of the valley. The other ‘lodges’ were basically beds in a side room of a local house, the largest such able to sleep ten people but others only four or five. Most villages had only one such place for trekkers to sleep, some villages had no place. When we reached Mu Gompa, in March all but one of the 80 monks were away from the valley for the winter, and furthermore, there was no food available at all. Only because we had our tents and stove and food for going higher up the valley (which we were unable to do because of snow), were we able to stay there e and eat our own food, instead of returning to Nile village the same day. The same goes for Gumbalunddang, where no food was available. if you are going o visit Tsum valley, and perhaps Manaslu too, during the busiest season, think seriously about hiring at least one EXTRA porter and having a tent, stove, and food, in case of accommodation is full! It might be worth it! Also, think of the porters: we saw many groups of two or three with a guide and a single porter carrying an enormous load, who was trailing far behind the others during the day. Many of them were unhappy with the arrangement.

In conclusion, this time with four people in our group, and with several porters and with Rabin as our guide again, we once more enjoyed what all agreed was one of the best treks we’ve ever done in the Himalayas, out of a total number of over thirty now, in Nepal and India. Rabin is an excellent choice for a guide. He is honest and will help you save money instead of trying to find ways to squeeze more for himself, he is fun and funny and friendly and all along the trails, he makes new friends with the people we meet along the way. He is experienced but doesn’t try to tell the customers what to do, he asks what they want to do, and then explains the options. If you are the type of trekker who is truly interested in Nepal, in the places, the culture, and religion and people and villages, and like to understand what is happening around you, hire Rabin as your guide, you won’t be disappointed. Indeed, like us (except for one, the same group that went around Manaslu with Rabin three years earlier), perhaps you will want to return to Nepal and go on another trek with Rabin Gurung!

Email: jefftckr@s8.dion.ne.jp

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