Everest Base Camp Trek

Traveler Reviews

• 

  Catherine

  October 14th, 2023
  5.0
  The trip was amazing. The experienced sherpers and porter were exceptional. Safety first, checked on well being,...
  The trip was amazing. The experienced sherpers and porter were exceptional. Safety first, checked on well being, eating, sleep patterns etc to ensure altitude sickness tracking. Kept group well,paced. Experienced amazing culture. The team welcomed the group . Negative- due to bad weather at Lukla, the Exodus, administration team should have triggered the process to support our tour guide in getting to the lower helipad sooner. It isn’t the sharper team to facilitate the admin to support the tours return back home. The admin process within exodus doesn’t seem to exist with no plan B when things do not go to plan. Whilst the weather is notorious bad out of Lukla, plan b should have been triggered by exodus admin to avoid the guides from the trip the unnecessary additional work . The sherpers were amazing and shouldn’t have to support the unnecessary admin.Show more
  Traveled in September 2023
  

  Reply from: Exodus Adventure Travels

  We’re grateful for Catherine’s review, and are really happy to hear that she enjoyed her time trekking in Nepal! We’re sorry that she felt certain aspects could have been handled better, though. From experience we find that in the event of inclement weather which results in our team having to reorganise helicopters for our groups, this is far better sorted by our local team on the ground, and they are of course prepared and happy to do this. We are extremely grateful for our hardworking and enthusiastic local staff, and are glad that Catherine was impressed with their efforts, too, throughout the trip.

  Show more
• A

  Susan

  May 17th, 2012
  5.0
  What an amazing experience ! I've been home for a couple of weeks now and am still brimming over with enthusiasm...
  What an amazing experience ! I've been home for a couple of weeks now and am still brimming over with enthusiasm about the trek. Certainly not a walk in the park, but with the support of our incredible Exodus crew and encouragement from fellow trekkers was thrilled to make it to Base Camp ! What started for me as a "50th birthday bucket list trip", turned into a truly enriching , dare I say life changing experience. Exodus really knows what they are doing in Nepal - I always felt well cared for, informed and supported. I was also impressed by how well Exodus supports the local communities. You could sense the shared respect between our leader, Sidar, SherpaShow more
  Traveled in April 2012
• A

  Tony

  March 27th, 2012
  5.0
  Wow! OMG! are just some of the expressions I found myself repeatingly saying. An absolute must, this trip combines,...
  Wow! OMG! are just some of the expressions I found myself repeatingly saying. An absolute must, this trip combines, the magisty of the highest mt range in the world, with love & warmth of the local people & bloody hard work - at times! What you waiting for, book now! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational moments of my trip was the sunset on the peaks. Some evenings where just so blissful,I wanted to cry. What did you think of your group leader? Our GP was a young man with wisdom & life experiences be young his years. Playful, intuitive, professional, supportive ~ the list goes on. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a little extra cash so that you can buy your GP & support staff meals from time to time. Is there anything else you would like to add? Laughing Everest Group (LEG) thank you guys ~ mwah!Show more
  Traveled in February 2012
• A

  Kelly

  January 25th, 2012
  5.0
  An amazing trip - breathtaking scenery, wonderful people and a real achievement. What was the most inspirational...
  An amazing trip - breathtaking scenery, wonderful people and a real achievement. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The first real glimpse of Everest is spectacular and watching it grow in stature as you approach is a wonderful experience. Arriving at base camp after all of the effort is also an inspirational moment, although I would highly recommend having the extra 2 days stay at base camp to recover, meet the climbers and enjoy your experience of base camp. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Lakpa, was great - happy, energetic, knowledgeable and a great person to lead the trek. We were also very lucky to have brilliant local guides - Chewang and Pemba. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I recommend the 2 night stay at base camp if you have time - it really allows you to enjoy the achievement and experience a slice of what it's like for the climbers. It also allows you to rest before the trek down! The most important piece of advice is to make sure that you go at a pace that you are comfortable with - don't push too hard otherwise you will burn out or suffer from altitude sickness. Enjoy your time walking and the fantastic views and get to know your group. Also, think about what time of year you want to travel too and what the weather is like at that time as without clear skies you won't get to see the awesome Himalayan back-drop. Is there anything else you would like to add? Take cards and books for the evening. Take cereal bars/chocolate with you and whilst the food is fairly restricted, you can get fried egg and chips!Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  George

  January 23rd, 2012
  4.0
  it was a good trip and I am happy with what I got. I wrote you an e-mail or two after coming back, I hope you have...
  it was a good trip and I am happy with what I got. I wrote you an e-mail or two after coming back, I hope you have received them, there were a few things there that I pointed out, was kind of hoping for an e-mail back. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Of course the target, the EBC, and we have been extremelly lucky on that day, nice, sunny weather and excellent photos. Kala Pattar was more strenous than I thought but the views were again great. In general the views during the entire trip were something special. The monastery in Dingboche, I have never seen anything like it, so very different from the christian churches we are accustomed to. Stayed for the afternoon service on the return trip, that was something; especially when they sounded those long horns, first time I jumped not realizing what's going on. Namche also was a highlight of the trip and the hotel where we slept, best of the entire trip. Low light, the climb from Namche, that was really awful! What did you think of your group leader? A professional, very helpful, knows his stuff, kept an eye on everything and everybody including the 3 other guides. He's a keeper, make sure you don't loose him. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Hygiene is not the best and some of the botttled water may not be safe, we found small particles floating in bottled water. Make sure you have disinfectant pills and make sure you read the label, one pill is enough at 20 degrees plus but two are needed when temperature is below 4 degrees. You must allow the time for the pills to work before you drink!! prepare for cold at night, those rooms in the teahouses are awfully cold, sleeping bag min rating for minus 10, I had to buy one in Namche! there are small hospitals or pharmacies along the route even in places you would not expect them to be, that's one very positive thing. I noticed an ABM in Namche, have not tried it though. Carry US dollars in small bills for tips or donations, I had 100 dollars in one dolar bills. The food was OK, order soups or stews for additional liquid and drink tea, lots of it! sunscreen is a must plus a hat that covers your ears, it burns, have seen that on others. Resign that you may not be able to shower for several days especially if the weather turns bad. Carry wet wipes and a good deodorizer, nobody has died for not having a shower every day (there are shower facilities everywhere including at the last stop before the EBC but they are not heated inside). Is there anything else you would like to add? Liked the trip, the scenery and the people. Have met a lot of locals and kids, there was not one who approached us begging. They are poor, this is obvious but very dignified, these people were a revelation to me. And they work and keep clean as best as they can. You can see the effects of tourism everywhere, they build new teahouses, small hotels, sweep the path, carry enormous loads on their backs, and everything with a big smile. Maybe I'll come back while I'm still physically fitShow more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  JAMES

  January 21st, 2012
  4.0
  The Himalayas is an incedible, awe inspiring place. I am glad that I chose Exodus to take me there- they were 100%...
  The Himalayas is an incedible, awe inspiring place. I am glad that I chose Exodus to take me there- they were 100% professional. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being within the Annapurna Sanctury. Being completly enclosed by the majesty of the mountains. This was one of the most inspiational experienes of my life. The memory will stay with me forever. What did you think of your group leader? He is the most complete Leader I have ever had the privilage to meet.He is meticulously well organised, observant, caring. He commands instant respect when discussing serious or formal issues. He had a genuinely friendly attitude toward everyone he cme in contact with- Trekkers, fellow Guides, Porters, Lodge Staff. He has a gift for instilling confidence in others.I would enquire which treks Ngima would be leading prior to booking my next trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Put in the training. Good boots well broken-in. Eat and Drink plenty on the trip. Enjoy the company of your fellow trekkers.You are going to have a great time! Is there anything else you would like to add? I was admittedly very disappointmented that the trip to Everst Base Camp being impractical because of external factors. I was very impressed with Exodus`handing of the situation. They were determinated to offer us the best alternative they could- cost was never an issue- only their willingness to help salvage the very best holiday that they could practically offer their Clients. Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  Claire

  January 20th, 2012
  1.0
  A fantastic experience and a huge challenge in terms of physical and mental ability. Rated * due to it was not what I...
  A fantastic experience and a huge challenge in terms of physical and mental ability. Rated * due to it was not what I expected but then I did not know what to expect as I had never trekked at this level before. Although I had spoken to the Exodus office that did not prepare me for this trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sitting in the monastry at Thyangboche which was surreal and having my first glimpse of Everest from the same stop. What did you think of your group leader? Our Group Leader was a really nice chap but the group was allowed to be split across difficult terrain far too much. A particular incident will remain with me. I was left trekking by myself, in a snow blizzard and sub zero temperatures for over 2 hours, having to "guess" the path to take when it diverged and then not being able to find the building which the group was resting in. Other trekkers (not Exodus) were concerned about me as I was in a fairly bad way but no-one knew where Exodus were based in that village. I did not know whether the group had actually stopped there and in fact had decided to carry on when I suddenly saw the solar kettles with "Exodus" on them and decided to try one last time before continuing. The group were in there. Other group members looked after me, not the Sherpas with the group, as I was freezing cold and distraught. The Group Leader was apparently behind me helping a group member who was suffering from altitude sickness but continuing slowly. I have left it a long time before reviewing my trip to see if I would feel any better about this particular incident; but I don't. In hindsight the situation was dangerous and the group was not managed appropriately on several occasions. A doctor from another trekking group attended one of our group on one accasion as he was concerned about her welfare. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a tough trip; I am above average fit but not fanatically fit. Accommodation is poor. Hygiene even in the Kathmandu hotel is poor. Take antibiotics from your doctor and get medical advice for these conditions. I took antibiotics but was told by the group leader to take theirs, my gut problem was not solved until I started taking the antibiotics I took from England which was in the last two days when I had already returned to Kathmandu. I lost over 7kg in weight in 19 days. The seasoned travellers were perfectly OK but if like me, where this was my first trip out of western european civilisation, you may well have digestive problems. Half the group suffered altitude sickness from severe to mild, interestingly I did not until just outside base camp. Is there anything else you would like to add? I am extraordinarily pleased (and a bit proud) I did this trip. The purpose was to celebrate my 50th birthday which was during the trip. The Sherpas were lovely guys, the other trekkers were great, it was a good group and we all bonded and looked after each other. My criticism is as above, more care and attention has to be paid to your paying clients Exodus otherwise one day you may well lose a client in the Himalayas!! Also it turns out to be an expensive trip as no food is included other than breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. The actual accommodation is very cheap therefore I presume the cost is the Sherpas (which expect a hefty tip at the end so be warned) and the flight. Would I do it again.... not sure, I'm glad I did not know what the accommodation and food would be like.... but then the Nepalese people and Himalayas are amazing.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  Clair

  January 19th, 2012
  5.0
  It was a tough trip, especially the hill up to Namche Bazar but it was so enjoyable too. The tea lodges were so much...
  It was a tough trip, especially the hill up to Namche Bazar but it was so enjoyable too. The tea lodges were so much better than we thought they would be, food was excellent and plentiful. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the rock at Everest Base Camp was fantastic but equally were some of the early morning sun rises and glimpses of Everest on the way up. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Gum was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for him and his team.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take plenty of wet wipes and loo roll, a camel pack makes drinking the required amounts of water a lot easier, a naglene bottle is useful to fill with boiling water and use as a hot water bottle at night then drink the next day.  Walking poles were a big help for me.  Flip flops were useful for when showering.  Your own pillow case to cover the pillows provided in the tea lodges is a little luxury worth taking.  Is there anything else you would like to add? We added the Chitwan safari on the end of our trip, this seemed very staged for tourists, the lodge and staff were very nice but but the 6 hour journey in a old taxi on very bumpy roads in near 40oC heat with no air conditioning was not what we were expecting.  The lodge also had frequent power cuts so the room fan would often not work at night.  The Garden of Dreams is the best place to visit in Kathmandu, it is a little area of tranquillity amongst the noise and dirt of the city and we had 2 fantastic meals inside there.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  Catherine

  January 19th, 2012
  5.0
  A fantastic trip into the Himalayas and at the same time a chance to really feel that you accomplished something....
  A fantastic trip into the Himalayas and at the same time a chance to really feel that you accomplished something. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Without doubt, making it to base camp. On the day you walk up there, you are feeling sleep deprived, tired, possibly sick and then sense of achievement and relief at making it is fantastic. Also, just walking through the mountains and seeing the beautiful snow covered peaks.On top of that the members of the group were brilliant and all helped each other get there and back. It was great to see everyone achieve their ambition. What did you think of your group leader? Uggs was great and as promised very lucky. Lukla Airport had been shut for 6 days before we flew in and 6 days before we flew out. He assured us that he always got his groups in and out on time, and against all the odds we did keep exactly to schedule. The entire team were brilliant from the leader, to the rest of the guides and our yak man. They all showed great patience and gave encouragement when needed to help you get up sections if you were struggling. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do it. Prepare yourself though, and the more fitness you attain the less you will suffer ;-) Apart from EBC day, the other days are not too long, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. As the guides put it, if you can manage day 2 of the trek, you can manage all of it!!I took Diamox with me (just in case) but didn't need to take it. Paracetemol, ibruprofen and cold & flu tablets are enough to get you through. Don't forget your strepsils though as the Khumbu cough is a matter of when not if.  Is there anything else you would like to add? There is quite a lot of sitting around once you reach the next tea house to give you a chance to acclimatise and recover so take cards, books etc with you.The food was way better than I expected if a little carbtastic. You can also meet all your junkfood needs all the way to 5,400m as Pringles, Twix's and Mars Bars are available all the way up!! Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
• A

  Fiona

  December 13th, 2011
  5.0
  A once in a lifetime experience. Amazing, awesome and a trully fullfilling trip. It was alway's going to be more than...
  A once in a lifetime experience. Amazing, awesome and a trully fullfilling trip. It was alway's going to be more than just about the journey. Thankyou Christine for sharing this with me. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Our first sighting of Everest was awesome, a magnificent sight.The weather was very kind to us. We were blessed with beautiful blue skies, snow capped peaks and ever changing scenery crowned with the ultimate lifetime achievement of reaching Everest Base Camp.The many faces of Ama Dablam was just incredile.The culture and humble lives of the Nepali hill people made me realise how very fortunate we are and just how much we take for granted. Prayer flags decorate the trail leaving memories of those who went before and celebrating lives of those who have never returned. It really has been an amazing trip, physically,mentally and spiritually. Believe in yourself and your abilities.This is truly an inspirational trip for everyone. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was Urgen, quite a character. He was good at organising and very knowledgeable. He was respectful of the very different dynamics of the group. Urgen read our group well and in his word's alway's told us to "listen to your body" Good advice. Pace was good to allow us to get used to the altitude. He was quick to address any small problems that arose. He had the support of Chhong sherpa who I have great respect for. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Put in a few hills before you go, good cross training. Buy a metal water bottle it has two purposes. 1: A must as a hot water bottle at night in your sleeping bag ( Amazing, one of the best pieces of advice that I got) and 2 : You can drink the ware the next day. Take Chlorine tablets for the water it will save you buying it.If you do not have a sleeping bag then hire one from Exodus (Christine did and it was Fab). Loo rolls, you can buy Andrex one's that have no cardboard and do not take up a lot of room. Baby wipes are a godsend. You must try an Everest Beer, braw. Accept the culture and take each day as it comes. Is there anything else you would like to add? Wunderlust is an amazing thing. If you have it and want to go here then live your dreams. This trip was everything and more than I had ever expected or imagined. Exodus surpassed all expectations. I would definitely recommend them to you.Show more
  Traveled in November 2011