Thanks everyone for watching! I have heard some unfortunate news that as of April 2023 solo treks have been banned and people wanting to trek will be required to pay for a guide. For those of us that really enjoy solo trekking, it is very sad news. I get asked a lot how much I spent on the trek. I would say around $1,000 USD for 3 weeks, that includes everything from food to snacks to accommodation and transportation into the Himalayas. It even includes my gear that I purchased in the Thamel Market! For a more detailed daily account of my costs during the trek, check the description box of this video. If you found this video helpful, check out my other mini series about my trek linked below. While less informational as this video, it does give you a closer look at my day to day journey, some of the villages I stopped in and what to expect along the way. And please give this video a like to help it reach more people, and subscribe for more videos about Nepal, India, Egypt (where I currently am now) and more. Much love, safe journeys, and happy trekking!!! ❤🙏 Mini Series about my trek: Part 1 = ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html Part 2 = ua-cam.com/video/VacHGxbTATQ/v-deo.html Part 3 = ua-cam.com/video/Luw38x_Dd0M/v-deo.html Part 4 = ua-cam.com/video/zNzbtftKqcw/v-deo.html Part 5 = ua-cam.com/video/VFJYrsjolqU/v-deo.html Part 6 = ua-cam.com/video/TCFjiva0q84/v-deo.html
Thanks, I enjoyed this video. I have recently returned from Nepal where I did the Three Passes Trek in the Everest region. Unfortunately I can confirm that this new rule is a thing, although I personally was lucky enough to escape its impact as we were already finishing our loop by the beginning of April. We just walked out with no issue. I don’t know what happened at the checkpoints between Lukla and Namche when it came in. I suspect that it might have been messy as reliable information is always hard to come by, and many people might have started prior to 1st April only to reach Monja on or after that date. Perhaps even more so in the Annapurna region where there is a higher proportion of FITs (free independent trekkers). I also don’t know what the application of this will really be on the ground. It is at least a mercy that the TAAN’s goal of “one guide for one trekker” has not for the moment happened. But exactly how it will work is of course unclear. The impacts are also unclear both for Nepali businesses and for independent trekkers. They will of course be unevenly felt. Guesthouses lower down (between Jiri and Lukla) will likely feel quite an impact as the number of independent trekkers there is proportionally higher than after Lukla, and the new extra cost may drive some to skip that section. I saw ongoing building work on guesthouses that I strongly suspect will not have much traffic in future. Already there are places like this on the lower Jomson valley since the road came in. People just drive past in jeeps, and the mule trains have stopped running. When I first did the AC/ABC trek (1981) we started from Dumre on the then unsealed Kathmandu-Pokhara road, and it was just small tracks all the way from there to Phedi near Pokhara a month or so later. Now the only bit without a road could be done in not much more than a couple of days. This year between Jiri and Lukla we only saw a single porter with a “shop” on his back. And he was just going locally. That is already a huge change. Everything now goes on the jeep road via Phaphlu. People who would normally go in a tour group will not be affected presumably. The impact will be mostly on the young, the impecunious and above all solo female trekkers (who already have enough issues to face as it is). For myself I’ll just go elsewhere. I am extremely fortunate to have been many times (five times in the Everest region alone), and there is much I can do elsewhere in the world. But as someone who first did the basic EBC trek back in 1980 (young and very modestly experienced), it upsets me that others will not have this opportunity. Even if one were willing and able to go along with this nonsense there are a couple of things that became very evident on this most recent trek. And neither bodes well. Firstly is the huge amount of road building, which is destroying forests lower down at an appalling rate (as well as disrupting the economy of mule/donkey trains and porters). Some of the damage is direct tree felling, but a lot is from just tipping the excavated rock over the edge of the new section of road, where it sweeps down the steep valley side taking everything living with it. Secondly the loss of ice (both on the passes and the glaciers we crossed) just since my last visit in 2011 was astonishing. At a rough guess I’d say the Cho La had lost 10-15m of ice near the summit (5420m). In 12 years. For the quarter of humanity (at a minimum) whose lives and agriculture are dependent of the management of Himalayan waters, this will not end well. And this is without considering the more local impact of GLOFs (glacial lake outburst floods). The stated reasons for the imposition of this rule are of course disingenuous and self-serving on the part of a few business interests and the politicians that they have bribed. I hope that in time there might be pushback from other Nepali businesses and from seeing a drop in the number of tourists. But I’m not holding my breath on this. There will be some adverse PR as stories emerge, but there is no organised way for these to have an impact (unless they were to affect the climbing community - which this rule won’t. Then you might see something). In slight contradiction, I would just add a couple of points. Firstly I have had one very positive experience with using a guide (and two porters), but that was to do a particular trek that needed the logistical support (Makalu basecamp in 2003). I chose this particular guide because I had seen him in action with other clients a year or so earlier. And the porters came from the guide’s village, which we passed through. It worked really well. Secondly there is little doubt that what gave some impetus to this move was the disaster on the Annapurna Circuit in 2014. And while the Trekking Agencies should bear a good deal of the blame (people in groups suffered at least as much as others), and the Government of course failed utterly to provide weather warnings for an event that took some days to roll in from the Arabian Sea, there is also the element of personal responsibility. There were far too many people there who were wholly inadequately clothed and equipped and lacked any knowledge or experience. As a result many died and others lost fingers and toes or worse. With a bit of imagination and planning there will be some low level trekking (outside of National Parks) that might still be possible without a guide. I wish those who try this much enjoyment and success.
@@nimanomad7377 Thank you so much. That was a very interesting, insightful read from someone with history and experience in the region. You have explained things and have given more clarity to the situation there, and have stated a possible cause I have suspected but was unwilling to voice because of my lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the region (aside from this one very spontaneous trek). The effects of this decision are very sombering to think about.
@@Gventures You do not need to hire a guide in the Khumbu region. The NTBs decision is not accepted by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality. They already had left the TIMS system last year, introducing their own pass called "Khumbu Trek Card". You just have to buy this Trek Card (2000 Rs) and pay the entrance fee for Sagarmatha NP (3000 Rs), and you are fine. - While the guide mandate is in effect for Annapurna, but also not welcomed by the locals, and maybe not enforced.
This is awesome. You deserve way more subscribers and views than this. The most informative video I've seen so far. Excellent work. 👍 We trekked in and out from Jiri in 1996. The nearest road then. 28 days up and back. Trekked in from Paphlu in 2017 and saw the road was starting to push in even further. It's a great way to start the trek on a budget and feels more authentic than further up the trail. People there so friendly! 👍👍
Wow, thank you so much!!! I just checked out your channel and it's great, also very informational! It's an honor to receive a compliment from a like-minded and more experienced creator and traveler. I can't imagine the trail back in 1996, that must have been a very different experience! I won't lie, I'm a tad jealous I wasn't able to experience traveling back then, so much has changed since that time I am very sure. Trekking in the Himalayas is still a fantastic and majestic experience though, no matter the year. And yes the Nepalese are so incredibly friendly, what a wonderful country Nepal is! I am very fortunate to be able to experience the places I have and look forward to many more journeys. Thank you so much for watching ❤️
If you do deside to fly be advised that the flights are routinely canceled or delayed do to weather mostly high winds and the runways at the other end are enough to freak you out but the pilots are very good and fly the route most days
Hey, you're cool and unlike any other youtube vloggers out there. Also, as far as my limited knowledge tells, Sagarmatha Trek or the EBC Trek is still open for solo travelers! Anyways, +1 sub. Cheers!
Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say!!! 🙏 And that is really good news to hear it's still open for solo trekkers, thank you for letting me (and any person who sees this comment) know that! ❤ Have a beautiful day 😊🙏
Great! But uh....can you make it to Lukla by road? As far as I am aware there are no vehicles that can make it to Lukla. That is actually why I began my journey a few days below Lukla. There was nothing with wheels that could bring me further. You could try and catch a jeep to Kharikola, which is a good bit closer than where I started my trek, but it is still below Lukla.
@@Slypnosis Ah okay I see, same or similar to me then. I took the bus from Kathmandu to Phaplu, then trekked a few extra days from Phaplu to Lukla. Actually, technically I didn't even trek to Lukla, I went straight from Surke (below Lukla and not a part of the EBC trek) to Phakding, which is one of the first villages you will pass through on the EBC trek. Not sure if you've seen this other little video series about my trek, but check it out if you're interested (There's 6 little parts to it, this is Part 1): ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html
It makes me so happy to hear that, THANK YOU!!! I'm happy the video is turning out to be helpful to people because that is what I wanted it to be, especially since I struggled to find much information on a solo trek to EBC when I went on 2019
@@Gventures It's so helpful that I will be going back to watch it as I prepare for my trip, especially because I am going solo and on a low budget as well. Lots of love from Egypt
@@Gventures I am glad you like it here, I would really love it if we could talk as I am sure I will learn a lot from your experience :) I am planning to trek in two months
@@yourknowledgebase2647 Amazing, it's such an INCREDIBLE experience, I'm happy for you! Yes we definitely can link up! Shoot me a message on my Instagram: Gvventures
Wow. Way to go girl. You are my hero. You treated the pups. What a sweetheart you are. What helped you with altitude sickness? I am thinking of doing it this may.
I think the major reason I did not struggle with altitude sickness is that I ascended into the mountains gradually. Meaning I did not fly from a low elevation like Kathmandu to an extremely high altitude like Lukla. I took the bus, which allowed my body to slowly adjust as we drove higher and higher into the Himalayas. I also moved at my own pace as I did not have an end date, so I did not have to rush or push myself. If I felt tired or sick, I would stay and rest another day. Honestly it's hard to know though, it just depends on your body in the end. But moving slowly and letting my body adjust and acclimate definitely helped. There is also medication (diamox) but I barely took that (though that is not recommended). Make sure to do research on take a safe course of action
Such a wonderful video thank you, after 5 treks in Nepal, one failed Gokyo Ri ( altitude sickness) I am ready to do EBC from Jiri, this has always been my dream, but I’m going solo this time, thanks for inspiring me. PS I’ve just turned 61, but, have backpack, will travel, lol. And by the way this is Lucy speaking here, Clive is my hubby, I don’t have face book, he succeeded on getting to Gokyo. I will not settle till I have achieved my goal, the reason it failed was because no one listened to me and pushed me to continue, despite me knowing of the symptoms of altitude I chose to ignore them, after all I had done 4 other treks so I was an expert, NOT. If I can get to Nepal ( I’m not jabbed) I will get there!
WOW! That is incredible! You guys are both badasses! You've been in the region many times and definitely know what it requires and what you should do, that's one reason I was happy I didn't have a guide or porter with me, so I could move at my own pace and if I wasn't feeling well I could rest for a day if needed. I ended up not having to do that anyway and followed the trail according to the schedule most people follow (once I hit the official EBC trail anyway). And I loved coming from below Lukla! Those extra days of hiking were some of my favorite, almost completely alone for those several days, no other tourists or trekkers, just me and the mountains passing through the occasional village or passing by mule herders. I hope you can make it to Nepal again soon and fulfill this dream, I think it's amazing you are going to do it! And thank you for watching my video, I'm so pleased experienced trekkers like yourself enjoy this and support me in this way. Cheers! 🥰
@@Gventures hi I’m watching it again today, I so love it, I’ve told everyone how you have inspired me, thank you, and thank you for reply, I’m looking at going in March. And yes yes yes, I did a trek from Tatopani up to Jomson, it used to be busy but tourists stopped going once a road was put through. However what they didn’t realise was there are track alongside the river, and as a result, yes like you I was a lone traveller with my awesome guide, it was some of the best trekking I did for same reasons as you, total aloneness, and views of the Annapurna to die for, the villages and village life were just superb, I was awestruck by the simplicity of life. My failed Gokyo trek, hopefully will be as success, I plan to spend just under 4 weeks doing this trek so giving myself loads of lazy dayzy days, lol, and I have decided if I don’t get there, it’s ok, I tried at least. I will hopefully share my story with you next year! days
@@Gventures oh and will add, after jomson trekked the upper Mustang!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant brilliant, with hardly any tourists because of restrictions etc but beauty beyond belief, if you get a chance it’s a must do trek.
@@SallyBella77 Wow! It's so cool to hear your stories, I love that you were able to trek along the trail near the river, what a great find! Sometimes it's good to have a guide, eh?! They know all the secrets, lol. God I miss Nepal and the Himalayas, such a peaceful place and majestic landscapes, and you're right it's incredible to witness the way they live up in the mountains, a very simple and pure life. Ooh yeah that's great, 4 weeks is superb! If there is one thing I hate it's being rushed, so always better to have too much time vs. too little, you just can't go wrong. And that is exactly what I wanted as well when I went on my trek, to be able to stay for a day or 2 in any given village if I decided I needed the rest, to acclimatize, or even if I just enjoyed the place and wanted to spend a day sipping tea, going for strolls and writing in my journal. I can't wait to hear about this journey, I'm so excited (and a tad jealous 😄) that you're planning for this. Epic!
@@SallyBella77 Ah, this trek is also on my radar! I definitely want to explore that region of Nepal, as I never even made it to Pokhara when I was in Nepal, but I've heard the trekking out that way is also incredible!
WOW! Thank you so much! I wanted to give as much information as concisely as possible for people that are considering taking the trek, so I REALLY APPRECIATE this comment. Thanks for watching!!!
Thank you for sharing this video. About Diamox, i agree with you, do not take it without knowing the side effects. I almost took that when i went to Annapurna BaseCamp couple months ago. Luckily i read the about Diamox and found out there is penicillin in Diamox. i allergic to Penicillin.
😲Oh wow! That is really good information to have, I didn't know that! Good thing you did some research into that! I wish I would have known this when I made the video, I definitely would have mentioned it! Hopefully a lot of people see this comment because that could be disastrous for someone who has allergies such as yourself. Thanks for commenting and watching, appreciate it!
I had a universal adaptor to plug my things in (just because different countries use different watts and it could impact your devices, depending). A quick google search will show you what they use in Nepal though, and you could compare with your own country to see if it is the same. You can charge your device in the lodges at night (they have electricity), however I would recommend bringing a portable power bank with a lot of battery life/that can charge your phone several times, because it is very useful to have and also just in case power goes out in any villages along the way that you stay in.
I'm not sure. I am sure I will return to Nepal sometime, but I don't know if I would do this trek again, or try another one. There are so many to choose from. But I would consider doing this trek again, and I certainly want to return to the Himalayas. Nepal is such a magical, beautiful country Right now I am living in Egypt and riding motorcycles around the country, I am planning to trips to other countries near Egypt so no imminent plans to return to Nepal, but some day I will.
@@Gventures @Gventures what a wonderful life you are living. Hope you get all the happiness. ❤️Please do visit Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, they are cheap and have some incredible treks.
Ahaha yeah I only learned that as I planned my trip though! Thanks so much for watching!!! Stay tuned for more as I'll be solo traveling in Egypt in a few weeks time. Thanks again, cheers!!!❤❤
you seem so brave and enthusiastic! Well done for the trip and super infomative vid! How'd you rate safety and security for a solo female traveller on the route?
Thanks Jan! Safety and security for a solo lady traveler? 100% safe. The only thing one should be concerned about is the altitude, elevation, and health risks before going alone. I should mention, I've been hearing that it is now illegal to make this trip alone, Nepal has put in regulations requiring people to have guides. I would research this more just to make sure it's 100% fact, but it's what I've been reading and hearing.
Aweseme, I can't imagine what Nepal and India looked like back in '87! I spent 3 months in India before crossing the border into Nepal where I spent an additional 2 months, none of that was planned either. I think leaving time and options is open because you never where the road will take you, while I was in India I wasn't sure if I would go to Nepal or not either, and I certainly didn't plan to trek to EBC! So glad I followed my heart and my journey took me there.
Yup, meant to say Tibetan but it was too late to correct by the time I uploaded it, I spoke to mainly Tibetans while on the trail and that is the name they told me
No I didn't book anything at all, just walked into each village and found a lodge/teahouse, asked for a room and that was it. Very basic accommodation but that's all you need
Thaks for the reply. That's what I'm planning to do. I'm starting in two weeks time and some people told me it will busy in September so would be wise to book in advance. I'm not sure if I want to do that to be honest. I assume it wasn't that busy when you did the trek? Just one more quick question if I may please, did you take any water purifiers or just bought water from tea houses?
@@surajthapa2397 Hmm, I don't know if it is necessary to book in advance if it is high season, as I went during low season (end of May I started my trek). I would hope there would be at least one room available for you in one of the lodges along the way. If worse came to worse, I'm sure one of the lodge owners would allow you to sleep in the common room for a small fee. I did bring water purifier tablets, I bought them in Kathmandu for like $2 or $3 dollars for a whole bunch. You can just buy water along the way, but I preferred to have them just in case I was walking for a long ways and needed to refill my bottle. Also, it's less waste if you just have your own water bottle that you can refill.
@@Gventures I was told the tea houses give priority to people in groups over an individual, I can understand the reason . Having said, there must be some tiny small room somewhere that they can accommodate me! I do have a 2 litre water bag, don't like to buy tons of plastic water bottles. I will probably do the same as you suggested. Really appreciate your help- muchas!
@@surajthapa2397 No problem! If you have any other questions don't hesitate to reach out. And honestly, I don't think you'll have a problem finding a place to sleep. Even if all the rooms are full, if you ask the host to let you sleep in the common room I'm sure they wouldn't say no. I actually did that in Lobuche. I was cold and didn't want to go to the room, so I asked him if I could sleep in the common room (where the old stove was that kept the room warm) and pay him for that. He didn't have any issues with it. So if sleeping on a bench (with some covers on the bench as a cushion) and some more covers to keep you warm on top is okay with you, I'm sure you won't have a problem, even IF all the rooms are booked. They won't let you freeze outside, Nepali are very kind and welcoming people.
The Date is now March 10th, 2023 and I just read this article stating that Nepal will ban solo hiking starting a few months from now. So sad. www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/world/asia/nepal-solo-trekking-ban.html?unlocked_article_code=YGkoD6I2-6ThLJc3pw85yQahsuJXEG6hvp0MablMAOQNbv5_C8LiujjnMZrhiVSFO13b1rXOIlIv9uhXeSrNdiNpYZ0Q87J7I4BgVi39Cn5YR8G7TcVJIAswFccqvMgElgHypttGDHr1zJeIzqY9rLIw6kp6PNXaD5cpW0xEu3kegNvyYKvhR6H2TspUn2rCsoKACKTeQykAhWZGOdl-3q41fplm6J9WBejnSsstFPlizsDaRt83iNH185M1Zhrma3U8y_0F3CvYYj6iInjYeNpCt0XyDcSbWtnxt09VKP3k263chOQOwyb3AQUx8IYgVLcxQpbaQoMiT-hDgVI9T5fxj8Q
@@WanderlustMithun Ahh, okay! Yes that makes sense then 😅I've met quite a few people that have done the ABC trek and I've seen plenty of photos, it's gorgeous. I'd love to do that trek some day as well, actually I almost went to ABC but ended up choosing EBC in the end. Next time! 😁
Honestly, I can't confirm this. As far as I am aware, you can trek solo to EBC. But I went in 2019, and now it is 2022. Have things changed? Perhaps. I have not heard anyone I trust to say that you cannot trek solo to EBC. Here is a link to an article from August 12, 2022 stating you can trek solo to EBC: stingynomads.com/everest-base-camp-trek/. If I were you I would try to contact somebody in Nepal such as a tour company or something and confirm if you are still able to trek solo. I know some people that have trekked solo there this year as well, but maybe things have changed in the last few months? I'm sorry I can't give you an answer with 100% guarantee that you can, but to MY knowledge, you can.
None at all 😅And I don't typically exercise either. It wouldn't hurt to get in shape a bit or do some hiking before you go, but I did absolutely nothing before heading to the Himalayas (except cut down on smoking a little). And I didn't smoke much on the trek itself, maybe like 5 cigs in the 3 weeks I was trekking. Which was really good for me! 😅😁
@@joeltam4484 😅Thanks! I just like adventure, am very independent and wanted to challenge myself. It was a fantastic experience and I'm so glad I did it this way!
You know, I'm not sure as I am a budget backpacker and don't pay for expensive things like a helicopter ride out, but I am sure you can find out with a quick search online. But there are also other routes out of there, you can pass through Pengboche instead of Tengboche, you can do the passes, which there are several of. I just quickly googled EBC passes and found an article which states this "The clockwise variation, detailed in this guide, follows the route north-west through the Dudh Koshi valley and the village of Thame before reaching the first pass - Renjo La. You will pass through Gokyo as you move east towards the second pass of Cho La, which takes you to the town of Lobuche. From Lobuche you will trek north to Gorak Shep - your base while you visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar viewpoint. The trek back to Lukla crosses the third and final pass of Kongma La, reaching Chhukung before joining up with the classic route back to Lukla. The last few days of the trek involve the relatively easy descent back to Lukla where your flight will be waiting to take you back to Kathmandu." That is on the way up, but you can do different routes along the way. As I did not do this, best to research yourself a bit and find the various options, but there are certainly alternative routes to take on your way up and down.
@@Gventures I took the same way back from EBC to Namche, but in half the time compared to going up. I did not think that was boring at all. On the way down i felt better ( altitude sickness was fading) and i had a different way of seeing the landscape. How could you ever get bored by a country like this?
@@maidenekker Absolutely! I took the same way back as well (with a slight variation from Lobuche to Pheriche on the way down instead of Dingboche to Lobuche like the way I went up). It was so pleasant on the way down, I was practically skipping down the mountain, fully acclimatized. And I agree, who could be bored by the majestic Himalayas?! I took my time on the way down, savoring every last moment I would spend in the Himalayas.
What time of year did you go? If you fly into Kathmandu,can you get flight connection to lukla or do you need to go into Kathmandu for permits? What was your total spend?
@@alanrobinson2229 I did not, but I probably should have😅 I had no issues thankfully, but if something gone had wrong and I needed an airlift or something, it would have been VERY expensive because I did not have travel insurance. I would recommend getting travel insurance with either World Nomads or Safety Wings, as they are relatively inexpensive and both are very good. Just make sure whatever package you purchase covers what you are doing/might need.
I left on the bus from Kathmandu early in the morning on the 20th of May and arrived late that evening to Phaplu. The following day (the 21st) I began my trek from Phaplu/Nunthala area. I arrived back in Kathmandu on the 8th of June. But you should know, I did take my time going up and coming down. I stopped to take lots of photos and videos, I took 2 acclimatization days (one in Namche Bazaar and one in Dingboche), and on the way down from EBC I spent the night in Namche Bazaar just because I wanted to relax and enjoy the village a little longer before leaving the Himalayas. Yes you can definitely catch a plane to Lukla from Kathmandu, that is in fact what most people do. Are you planning to have a guide? If you are then they will help you sort out what permits you need. If you are planning to do this solo, as I did, I would recommend to get everything you need (including permits) in Kathmandu, just to be safe. It is easier to do and I don't know what you can and cannot get in Lukla. Maybe an internet search could answer that question for you? But honestly I like to play it on the safe side when it comes to necessary documents and would just get them in Kathmandu, it's not too hard. And if you like motorbikes then download the app Tootle, they have motorbike taxis that can drive you around Kathmandu. So much fun! I took a motorbike taxi through Tootle to the office where I needed to get my permits. They are cheaper than a car, faster, and more enjoyable!
Thank you so much for your reply It is inspiring. Iam looking into possibilities of solo trip from UK in October,I think I need three weeks? I do alot of hiking,it's only altitude sickness is that concerns me.
@@alanrobinson2229 Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you found it helpful! I think 3 weeks is a good amount of time for the trek, that's almost exactly the time it took me. Like I said, I had never been hiking or trekking before so I was really out of shape, plus being a smoker my lungs are weak and I made slow progress😂 So I think 3 weeks should be good. If you took longer you could always just buy a ticket out from Lukla back to Kathmandu instead of taking a bus/jeep back, that will save you time too. Buy some diamox in Kathmandu before the trek just to have it in case you want it, you can find it at many stores and it is very cheap, like a few dollars for a bunch of pills. I think because I took a bus from Kathmandu I did very well with the altitude, since my body had time to acclimate since I was moving slowly by bus vs. plane and came from the lower altitude trekking below Lukla as well. I saw a few people that were affected by the altitude and had to turn around on the trail. But as long as you move slowly and give yourself time to acclimate you will be fine. I basically followed the same schedule as most tour guides do (once I passed Lukla). I spent the night (Day 4) in Phakding because I came from below Lukla and had been trekking for a few days at that point. The other towns I slept in after Phakding: Day 5: Namche Bazaar. Day 6: Acclimatization day, Namche Bazaar. Day 7: Tengboche. Day 8: Dingboche. Day 9: Acclimatization Day, Dingboche. Day 10: Lobuche. Day 11: Gorak Shep (and walk to EBC). Day 12: (early climb on Kala Patthar) then started hiking down, slept in Pheriche. Day 13: Namche Day 14: hung out all day in Namche and slept there again. Day 15: slept in Phakding. Day 16: Puiya (which is below Lukla). Day 17: Kharikola. Day 18: Jeep ride to Salleri. Day 19: Salleri back to Kathmandu by jeep (roughly $20 USD, took around 11 hours). Give yourself some time to hang out in Kathmandu as well though, I absolutely love the city. I would recommend staying in the neighborhood of Thamel while in Kathmandu, it's where most foreigners stay and has lots of things to see. Don't miss these sites: Swayambhu Mahachaitya stupa (also known as monkey temple), Boudha Stupa and Durbar Square. After 3 weeks of trekking and eating lots of Dhal Bhat, check out Fire and Ice Pizzeria if you want to treat yourself, they have really good pizza. Also, not sure what your plans are for accommodation while in the city, but if you like hostels like me I would recommend Yakety Yak hostel. I stayed at a few others and enjoyed them all but I definitely went to this hostel after my trek, because I knew they had hot water that would last and I desperately needed one after not showering for almost 3 weeks🤣I could have showered in the mountains but I hate freezing showers and didn't want to pay the small fee for hot water. Also I was just dirty from trekking and kept putting on the same clothes anyways so I didn't care. But yeah, Yakety Yak is a good hostel, a bit more expensive than other hostels you can find but it's definitely very clean and comfortable. Oh and about the money I spent on the trek? I think I spent around 150 for gear and then you can actually see what I spent day by day at the very end of the video, I list my daily expenses so it will give you an idea of the cost of things as you get higher into the mountains and the price goes up.
Your voice is mellifluous. you should be editing other peoples work and getting handsomely paid. National Geographic is looking for you and they don’t even know it.
Whoa, THANK YOU! I really appreciate that compliment, that is some high praise. National Geographic, I wish! Cheers man, have a wonderful day, and thanks for watching my videos!
Went through a lots of videos and finally found the most informative one here, Keep it up you will be famous soon 👍🏿👍🏿 Loved your hair style bdw 😁 it's cool
Wow, really!!! That's the best compliment I can think of, thanks so much man! I'm really glad I could help it's my goal to not only show, explore, entertain and inspire but also give useful information while doing so, so that others can benefit from my experiences. Thanks so much for watching!!!
Now those who are willing to come ebc without guide and porters, SORRY for them. Acc. to new rule no tourist is allowed to cross Namche without Guide or Porters as missing case during season time is high. Survey found that guest without guide use to get lost in valley.
I wonder if you could share where you got this piece of information from. I could not find any confirming article online...? Thank you for your help. ☺
Oh very late l am watching your video.For your hard work l subscribed your vlog .Thank you so much for visiting nepal.l hope you enjoyed your trip.visit again.
I' went trekking in Nepal over 20 years ago and would love to go back. When I arrived I was immediately pressured into buying a trekking tour with a guide. Anyway I think it was about $450 for like a week just trekking from Pokhara. And my hotel was robbed somewhere. Still a great journey despite feeling like I was getting ripped off. There is so much more information now compared to the old days. I look forward tomy return. And hell yeah EBC would be mazing!
I was there 30 years and a jeep from Pokhara dropped us off and pointed out the start of a trail and we set out.Everything was even cheaper than in the city all along the 7 day way.
Thanks. It took a long time to make but I knew it was exactly those things, and this trek is widely popular and so this information is useful to a very large audience. I'm happy with the way it turned out. Can't churn out videos like this every week, but I'm satisfied with the information I've given in this video. There wasn't really helpful videos like this when I did this back in 2019, another reason I made it.
Prices are fixed. It's also not a lot of money. A room usually only costs several dollars (at least those were the prices when I went at the end of May 2019). The food is more expensive and that is where the Nepali that open their homes to trekkers really make their money. But it's also damn delicious 😄I usually negotiate prices with things but I didn't want to do that in the mountains as I felt it would be rude. In markets and busy, populated areas I think it's normal and expected to barter, but it's not taken kindly to in the mountains, I am quite sure. Best to not
I also trekked to Everest Base Camp without taking a flight. It took me 12 days, from October 16th to 27th, 2022, to complete the EBC trek. Additionally, I successfully crossed Cho La Pass during that trek. Your video was incredibly helpful; I watched it before embarking on my journey to EBC.
That's so awesome, thank you so much!!! How was Cho La Pass?! I sincerely regret not taking the passes. I guess it's just a reason for me to return in the future 😅 Thanks so much for commenting, much love and safe travels wherever your journey takes you next! ❤🙏
@@Gventures I made a plan to comment on your video after finishing the trek, but unfortunately, I forgot. It was a great experience, especially crossing Cho La Pass. The breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment are truly unforgettable. In my opinion, Cho La Pass should be mandatory for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp. It adds an extra layer of adventure and allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. Also, don't miss out on visiting Gokyo Lake-it's a hidden gem that shouldn't be overlooked on your journey to EBC. Safe travels and best wishes on your future adventures! By the way, I'm from Nepal myself, and I still found your video helpful for the trek. If you ever plan to return to Nepal for the Cho La Pass trek, I'd love to meet up and share some local insights.
@@reflection2049 Oh yes I've heard wonderful things about Gokyo Lake. I really need to get myself back to Nepal and the Himalayas, I really miss it so much. Thanks for the offer, I would definitely take some advice from someone who has done it 🙏
Hahaha, uh, I guess you didn't actually watch the video? This is about TREKKING (high altitude walking) to Everest Base Camp (One), not CLIMBING (expedition) Mount Everest. Also, FYI Sherpa is an ethnic group, though a lot of them are expedition and trekking guides, not all of them are, so what I think you mean is "Okay then climb Everest without a guide". Which no, obviously I am not recommending that, as this video has nothing to do with climbing Everest. If you're curious about trekking to EBC then watch the video, if you're just looking to make random comments with no knowledge of the content then well, carry on. Makes no difference to me😄
Yeah I took 5wks to do the full Annapurna 5yrs ago .. incredible environment.. plenty teahouses etc.. you reminded me about walking permits 👍and of course I won't miss the Everest/glacier/mountain view by hiking up higher... you've inspired me for another adventure ❤️
Wow, that's awesome! I almost did the ABC trek, but then discovered I could make EBC happen on a budget and did it instead. But I would still love to trek to ABC, I've seen photos from other trekkers that have done it and it looks beautiful. Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Yesss! It is such an incredible journey, and something I will never forget. I would love to return to Nepal and do more trekking, it was my first time trekking anywhere and I fell in love with not only the mountains and the Himalayas in particular, but Nepal is still one of my most favorite countries I've had the fortune of visiting. Thanks so much for watching, and glad I could be of help! 🥰
Amazing video! Thank you 🙏 Also I will be using it for trying to get a beautiful and mesmerizing voice like yours. The speed is just perfect for me to repeat your words (while watching the beauty of Tibet)
Ahaha, thank you! Yes I try to spread my funds as much as I can to travel for longer periods, and many times it's also more exciting way to travel as well 😁 Thanks so much for watching!
Kala Patthar is the name of the mountain. It actually just looks like a big brown hill and sits directly in front of Gorak Shep, which is the last village before you reach EBC. Gorak Shep is about an hours walk from EBC, and you will spend the night there before heading back down. So once you arrive to Lobuche, you sleep there. Next morning wake up early and trek to Gorak Shep, drop your pack off in a teahouse and then walk to EBC, then return to Gorak Shep and sleep. Next morning wake up VERY early and climb Kala Patthar in the dark, reach summit by dawn, watch the sunrise. Then head back down and start trekking back down the mountain, or you could stay an additional night, relax, read a book and stare at the stars another night before heading back down-they are MAGNIFICENT up there! Really, I have no words for the stars up there.
Hell yeah! Go slowly, take your time, take photos, have a night staring at the stars, write in a journal, sip coffee in Namche Bazaar, wow it's going to be amazing, I'm jealous, I miss Nepal and the Himalayas so much. Do you plan on doing the passes? Sounds like you will have time. Thanks for watching!
Very to the point informative video 😀 Just curious, how much budget did you manage to do the trek in? Like you mentioned 150 for the gear What about other expenses in total?
Thank you. Check the description of the video, I wrote out my daily expenses in NPR. Quick answer, I spent around $1,000 USD over the course of 3 weeks while trekking. That included getting to and from Kathmandu via bus and jeep
You don't need a TIMS card for Everest region trekking. You pay for a trekking card at Lukla. You also pay for entry to Sagarmartha National Park. Diamox can make the difference between having a good trek or a bad trek with altitude effects. Alittude gives weird dreams, not the Diamox.
I needed a TIMS card when I went in 2019, and they issued me one at the trekking office when I went to get the necessary documents. I didn't fly into Lukla, I started the trek below Lukla and never went to the town so I received what I needed in Kathmandu and then at a checkpoint near Jorsele. Diamox does give weird dreams, I have spoken to many experienced trekkers who have experienced these effects. Altitude does weird things to the body as well including weird dreams, but I only had weird dreams the night I took diamox. You can also find this under side effects of the medication.
I'm a fire cat! That's not a cat born in the flames of destruction like a phoenix and reborn from the ashes as one might think, but just a cat that likes to lay by the fire for warmth as it naps 🤣 Thanks so much for subbing!!! I hope you enjoy my other videos 🥰🙏
Many people do start at Jiri (I mean the people that start below-which isn't many anyway). I think it would have been even better had I done that, but I had virtually no experience trekking or hiking in my life, and figured the closer the better. Go for Jiri! If I did it again, I would probably start at Jiri
Thank you so much! Yes that time is completely fine for trekking to EBC, I actually started my trek on the 21st of May in 2019. It's going into off season at that time so it's less crowded, which is also very nice. Look in the description box below my video and you can see some of the dates of where I was when, also the cost of things (in 2019) while in the mountains.
Haha, thank you so much!!! I have other videos about the trek and also travel videos in Egypt, Turkey, etc, subscribe if you're interested in that, but most of them are more vlogging than informational like this video. I really appreciate you watching and commenting! And actually I do voiceovers for work now, as I've had quite a few people say the same thing to me in my videos. Much love! ❤❤❤
This is really nice and a breath of fresh air amongst the other EBC video's where people fly in to Lukla, spend only 8 days trekking and fly out by helicopter from EBC! Which i think is ridiculous. I walked this trek in 1990, took a bus to Jiri and started there. I had a book from Lonely Planet, which was an excellent guide, with several routes to choose from. The days before Lukla i really got in shape and i think acclimatised better. All together we spend more than 3 weeks before returning to Kathmandu and it was beautiful. Back then it was not common at all to have porters or guides, and it is truly not necessary at all.
😆I try not to judge but I can't help but also feel flying out from EBC is like some luxury cruise and a half finished job. Or at least, if they make a video about it, it's excessive. I'm too poor to afford that but even if I was rich, it seems like such a cheat, not truly valuing the experience but just the claim that you made it there. I can't imagine how it was in 1990, I know it's always been a famous trek since it gained popularity decades ago but it has exponentially grown since then and it must have been a different world in '90, I'm jealous that I'll never have that experience, I have to admit! But also eternally grateful I got to go at all. Also 100% agree it's not necessary to have a porter or guide, as long as you're fit (or maybe even not like me 😅), one can do it alone. That's part of the struggle, part of the experience, part of the respect for the mountains and for yourself as well. If you're going to do something, do it wholeheartedly. Thanks so much for watching and commenting, it really does inspire me to know people like you have watched and appreciated this video, makes me feel like I'm doing something right. And so cool to hear your story. This is why I make videos.
@@Gventures In 1990 we had no electricity in the guesthouses, only in Namche, and there were three powercuts every night. After dinner, when it was dark, we took a candle to our room and went to sleep. Just so simple. No internet ofcourse, no phones. We were on a long journey through Asia, so we left some of our luggage in Kathmandu (hotel Eden in Freak street, it's famous for the hash trail ) and left with a backpack of around 10 kilo, which was fine. Because i have loved this trekking so much i watched a lot of video's about this, yours is the first that looks like my travel back than. Because you dit it yourself, (and why shouldn't you) i don't think your experience is much different from mine!
@@maidenekker Wow, that's so awesome, thanks for saying that! For sure the trail must have looked much different back then, but I tried to do it as cheaply and authentically as possible. I loved being in the mountains so much, I wrote a lot in my journal while on my trek (lucky to have electricity I suppose!) and would really love to return.
@@Gventures I tried to convince my friend to hike from Jiri but he has only 15 days so we have no choice to fly in and out. However since I live close by in Thailand, I will be back for at least a month next time.
@@TLK22 Make sure he gives himself a little bit of a window in regards to time in case the flight can't leave Lukla back to Kathmandu right away. This happens a lot, due to weather conditions in the Himalayas and due to visibility, planes due to leave Lukla (or sometimes heading towards Lukla) will many times be delayed or cancelled by a day or even a few days. It is not uncommon, so just make sure he is aware of that.
Even tho i'm going for Gokyo Ri trek, this information is nearly the same, so huge thanks for the info, def plenty of info a lot of other people miss to say. Really informative and insightful, thank you. You look happy in a video and looks like you really enjoyed your time there. Did you ever go back again? Also what camera did you use? Phone camera? Some of the shoots look stunning!
Oh amazing! I was going to do Gokyo Ri pass and ended up just continuing back down because it had started raining when I was at the path that split😅 I wish I had taken the pass though. And no I sadly haven't returned since but I think about it quite often, and would really love to! Right now I am living in Egypt and making videos out here, but one day I know I will return because Nepal is just such a magical country, the Himalayas are so majestic, there are really no words to describe the splendor and feeling one gets while being there. I used the phone I had at the time (Samsung, can't recall what model) and also my Gopro6. You can tell which one I am using in the shots because the gopro has such a wide angle lens, like coming down from the view point near Namche Bazaar was definitely my gopro. Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate you watching and supporting my channel by doing so! And I can't wait for you to take the trek, it's going to be so incredible, I wish I was there again❤❤❤
About paper maps at 4:00 : online maps, especially those which show routes others have walked, tend to send people to same trails and forget alternate possibilities. Paper map shows the big picture and all possible routes to get to your destination, not just those previous instagrammers and youtubers also walked. Somebody already mentioned the Phortse High Trail instead of Tengboche motorway, there are also trails between Namche and Lukla practically nobody treads, even though there are monasteries and quant villages just a stone's throw from the main route. Paper maps show these much better. Of course I am an old man. But do get a paper map and look at it in the evenings at least to plan your next stage. You can also identify mountains much easier.
Truuueeee. I really like your inputs here, you make a very good point. Also I think using paper maps is just a different experience, having to navigate more and requires some skills which makes it more adventurous
@@Gventures Online maps are like a video game; keep the dot on the line. One does not need to know where she actually is in relation to the surroundings. I could not imagine trekking or hiking without knowing as much as possible about the terrain around me. One grows up with these things or not, nowadays.
Also, paper maps are critical in the case that tech fails. Offline maps are great, but I would never go without a paper map - especially now that waterproof, tearproof maps are available.
Congratulations on the ebc / kalapatthar trek . This is helpful as I plan same without Porter / guide in Nov 24. Here are few questions. 1) how to select the tea houses or just crash into first decent one you get. Any recommendations on teahouses? Names (2) how essential is sleeping bag can we do without it ? Just a liner bedroll help? (3) what was weight of your backpack 🎒 (I may just replicate your packing list). Thank you in advance. ❤️ and regards from 🇮🇳
Hmm. Good questions. I would look for some updated information about solo trekking in Nepal. I went in 2019 and it was fine to solo trek at that time. I have heard they changed the laws and no longer allow solo trekkers to make the EBC trek alone. I might be wrong about that, but I may be right. Try hopping on some FB groups about Nepal and finding out the latest info on that. I also went during "off season" near the end of May, so I had no problem just walking up and finding a room. November may be busier, I can't really speak on that. I just went to any teahouse, no specific recommendation, they are all very similar. I actually didn't really need my sleeping bag and didn't use it until I was around Gorak Shep, but again, I was there in May. November will probably be a lot colder, you might want it. I have no idea what the weight of my backpack was, but I can tell you I didn't pack it properly, there was too much stuff hanging on the outside of it and it started to rip 🤣But I did buy a cheap one in the market, I probably should have bought one that wasn't so cheap. It did the job anyway, but I had to sew it back up a little while I was in the mountains.
@@Gventures thank you for reverts. I am sure solo is permitted in khumbu region as of now. You are really brave and adventurous & it’s so comforting to know that slowly and surely one can reach the summit. ❤️ from India 🇮🇳
@@ravisampat Not the summit...just Base Camp 1. Summiting Everest can be deadly and the permit alone costs tens of thousands of dollars. But you can walk to Base Camp 1 alone.
We did this trek last spring without porter or tour guide.What I heard Nepal government not allowing solo trek to Everest from now on. Due to trekkers risk. You can see my recent trek video below link
Really? Someone else said this as well. That's unfortunate if what you are saying is true and it is required, in my opinion. I understand there are risks of course, but there are also risks summiting Everest and people are still allowed to do that. Have there been many deaths for people trekking to EBC lately without a guide or something? Link to your video you mean it's on your channel?
You are absolutely awesome! This is by far the best video that is available here! I want to do this so bad, how many days did you spend to do the trek?
I took me 20 days exactly, but as I mentioned in the video, I moved very slowly. I also took an extra day to sit in a village (Namche Bazar) and do nothing because I wanted to just relax and stare at the Himalayas before walking back down. I made another little series of videos about my trek, if you're interested in watching it, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html
Wow, that's so badass! And you made it right before the rule changes, wooo! I miss the Himalayas. How was your trek, did you do the passes? I didn't but I would like to in the future
@@Gventures My trek was strenuous and tough in January.. but i had the luxury of having trail to mostly myself.. Do you have ig ? would love to connect with you.
@@arvindn95 Ah yeah that's nice, I really loved having the trail to myself for a few days before reaching the official trail (below Taksindu and Lukla). Yeah man my IG is: mygventures instagram.com/mygventures/
Wow!! Blown away … just a quick question.. did you book your accommodation on route ( as you rocked up ) or in advance … Fabulous video and advice ✌️🙏🙏
Haha, definitely as I rocked up, I'm very spontaneous and actually decided to take this trek while in Nepal hanging out in Kathmandu. Bought everything I needed in the markets and took the bus to Khumbu region within maybe 2 weeks of deciding to go, so definitely no reservations in advance. There's lots of teahouses along the way, you'll have no problem finding accommodation in each village you stop in. Thanks so much for watching, I'm really happy you liked the video! Let me know if you think of any other questions and if you're planning to take the trek soon, ENJOY!!! There are really no words for it. ❤
$1-$2 USD a night. The cost of lodging is very cheap because they expect you to buy meals there, meals cost around $5 or more. I wrote my daily budget in the description so check that for more details
No I don't, unfortunately, but might I recommend getting on Facebook and searching for groups like Nepal Trekking and similar searches like that. There are a ton of groups on there and I'm sure you can find people in those groups who have done the trek or know a lot more about it.
![[UA] Eternal Fire проти NAVI | EPL Season 20 Malta](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/chvlsDygrZM/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks everyone for watching! I have heard some unfortunate news that as of April 2023 solo treks have been banned and people wanting to trek will be required to pay for a guide. For those of us that really enjoy solo trekking, it is very sad news.
I get asked a lot how much I spent on the trek. I would say around $1,000 USD for 3 weeks, that includes everything from food to snacks to accommodation and transportation into the Himalayas. It even includes my gear that I purchased in the Thamel Market! For a more detailed daily account of my costs during the trek, check the description box of this video.
If you found this video helpful, check out my other mini series about my trek linked below. While less informational as this video, it does give you a closer look at my day to day journey, some of the villages I stopped in and what to expect along the way. And please give this video a like to help it reach more people, and subscribe for more videos about Nepal, India, Egypt (where I currently am now) and more. Much love, safe journeys, and happy trekking!!! ❤🙏
Mini Series about my trek:
Part 1 = ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html
Part 2 = ua-cam.com/video/VacHGxbTATQ/v-deo.html
Part 3 = ua-cam.com/video/Luw38x_Dd0M/v-deo.html
Part 4 = ua-cam.com/video/zNzbtftKqcw/v-deo.html
Part 5 = ua-cam.com/video/VFJYrsjolqU/v-deo.html
Part 6 = ua-cam.com/video/TCFjiva0q84/v-deo.html
Hi there,
Around everest área is still allow to go alone yeah
@@aitormolinerobozas-urrutia2465 Really?! That's not what I've been hearing
Thanks, I enjoyed this video. I have recently returned from Nepal where I did the Three Passes Trek in the Everest region. Unfortunately I can confirm that this new rule is a thing, although I personally was lucky enough to escape its impact as we were already finishing our loop by the beginning of April. We just walked out with no issue. I don’t know what happened at the checkpoints between Lukla and Namche when it came in. I suspect that it might have been messy as reliable information is always hard to come by, and many people might have started prior to 1st April only to reach Monja on or after that date. Perhaps even more so in the Annapurna region where there is a higher proportion of FITs (free independent trekkers). I also don’t know what the application of this will really be on the ground. It is at least a mercy that the TAAN’s goal of “one guide for one trekker” has not for the moment happened. But exactly how it will work is of course unclear. The impacts are also unclear both for Nepali businesses and for independent trekkers. They will of course be unevenly felt. Guesthouses lower down (between Jiri and Lukla) will likely feel quite an impact as the number of independent trekkers there is proportionally higher than after Lukla, and the new extra cost may drive some to skip that section.
I saw ongoing building work on guesthouses that I strongly suspect will not have much traffic in future. Already there are places like this on the lower Jomson valley since the road came in. People just drive past in jeeps, and the mule trains have stopped running. When I first did the AC/ABC trek (1981) we started from Dumre on the then unsealed Kathmandu-Pokhara road, and it was just small tracks all the way from there to Phedi near Pokhara a month or so later. Now the only bit without a road could be done in not much more than a couple of days.
This year between Jiri and Lukla we only saw a single porter with a “shop” on his back. And he was just going locally. That is already a huge change. Everything now goes on the jeep road via Phaphlu.
People who would normally go in a tour group will not be affected presumably. The impact will be mostly on the young, the impecunious and above all solo female trekkers (who already have enough issues to face as it is).
For myself I’ll just go elsewhere. I am extremely fortunate to have been many times (five times in the Everest region alone), and there is much I can do elsewhere in the world. But as someone who first did the basic EBC trek back in 1980 (young and very modestly experienced), it upsets me that others will not have this opportunity. Even if one were willing and able to go along with this nonsense there are a couple of things that became very evident on this most recent trek. And neither bodes well.
Firstly is the huge amount of road building, which is destroying forests lower down at an appalling rate (as well as disrupting the economy of mule/donkey trains and porters). Some of the damage is direct tree felling, but a lot is from just tipping the excavated rock over the edge of the new section of road, where it sweeps down the steep valley side taking everything living with it.
Secondly the loss of ice (both on the passes and the glaciers we crossed) just since my last visit in 2011 was astonishing. At a rough guess I’d say the Cho La had lost 10-15m of ice near the summit (5420m). In 12 years. For the quarter of humanity (at a minimum) whose lives and agriculture are dependent of the management of Himalayan waters, this will not end well. And this is without considering the more local impact of GLOFs (glacial lake outburst floods).
The stated reasons for the imposition of this rule are of course disingenuous and self-serving on the part of a few business interests and the politicians that they have bribed. I hope that in time there might be pushback from other Nepali businesses and from seeing a drop in the number of tourists. But I’m not holding my breath on this. There will be some adverse PR as stories emerge, but there is no organised way for these to have an impact (unless they were to affect the climbing community - which this rule won’t. Then you might see something).
In slight contradiction, I would just add a couple of points.
Firstly I have had one very positive experience with using a guide (and two porters), but that was to do a particular trek that needed the logistical support (Makalu basecamp in 2003). I chose this particular guide because I had seen him in action with other clients a year or so earlier. And the porters came from the guide’s village, which we passed through. It worked really well.
Secondly there is little doubt that what gave some impetus to this move was the disaster on the Annapurna Circuit in 2014. And while the Trekking Agencies should bear a good deal of the blame (people in groups suffered at least as much as others), and the Government of course failed utterly to provide weather warnings for an event that took some days to roll in from the Arabian Sea, there is also the element of personal responsibility. There were far too many people there who were wholly inadequately clothed and equipped and lacked any knowledge or experience. As a result many died and others lost fingers and toes or worse.
With a bit of imagination and planning there will be some low level trekking (outside of National Parks) that might still be possible without a guide. I wish those who try this much enjoyment and success.
@@nimanomad7377 Thank you so much. That was a very interesting, insightful read from someone with history and experience in the region. You have explained things and have given more clarity to the situation there, and have stated a possible cause I have suspected but was unwilling to voice because of my lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the region (aside from this one very spontaneous trek). The effects of this decision are very sombering to think about.
@@Gventures You do not need to hire a guide in the Khumbu region. The NTBs decision is not accepted by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality. They already had left the TIMS system last year, introducing their own pass called "Khumbu Trek Card". You just have to buy this Trek Card (2000 Rs) and pay the entrance fee for Sagarmatha NP (3000 Rs), and you are fine. - While the guide mandate is in effect for Annapurna, but also not welcomed by the locals, and maybe not enforced.
Love from Nepal 🇳🇵💕
Thank you so much for your information. It's really helpfull for my plan trek to EBC on Backpackers this year ...😁🙏
Your voice is so relaxing, and peaceful 🍀🍀
You might record audiobooks.
Hugs!!
Thank you so much! ❤
This is awesome. You deserve way more subscribers and views than this. The most informative video I've seen so far. Excellent work. 👍
We trekked in and out from Jiri in 1996. The nearest road then. 28 days up and back. Trekked in from Paphlu in 2017 and saw the road was starting to push in even further. It's a great way to start the trek on a budget and feels more authentic than further up the trail. People there so friendly! 👍👍
Wow, thank you so much!!! I just checked out your channel and it's great, also very informational! It's an honor to receive a compliment from a like-minded and more experienced creator and traveler.
I can't imagine the trail back in 1996, that must have been a very different experience! I won't lie, I'm a tad jealous I wasn't able to experience traveling back then, so much has changed since that time I am very sure. Trekking in the Himalayas is still a fantastic and majestic experience though, no matter the year. And yes the Nepalese are so incredibly friendly, what a wonderful country Nepal is! I am very fortunate to be able to experience the places I have and look forward to many more journeys. Thank you so much for watching ❤️
If you do deside to fly be advised that the flights are routinely canceled or delayed do to weather mostly high winds and the runways at the other end are enough to freak you out but the pilots are very good and fly the route most days
Sending love from Nepal 🇳🇵Near Everest
Hey, you're cool and unlike any other youtube vloggers out there. Also, as far as my limited knowledge tells, Sagarmatha Trek or the EBC Trek is still open for solo travelers! Anyways, +1 sub. Cheers!
Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say!!! 🙏 And that is really good news to hear it's still open for solo trekkers, thank you for letting me (and any person who sees this comment) know that! ❤ Have a beautiful day 😊🙏
Absolutely loved the video, shall be going to Lukla by road and then start the trek. Great video, cheers!
Great! But uh....can you make it to Lukla by road? As far as I am aware there are no vehicles that can make it to Lukla. That is actually why I began my journey a few days below Lukla. There was nothing with wheels that could bring me further. You could try and catch a jeep to Kharikola, which is a good bit closer than where I started my trek, but it is still below Lukla.
@@Gventures I think I'll walk/trek till Lukla
@@Slypnosis Ah okay I see, same or similar to me then. I took the bus from Kathmandu to Phaplu, then trekked a few extra days from Phaplu to Lukla. Actually, technically I didn't even trek to Lukla, I went straight from Surke (below Lukla and not a part of the EBC trek) to Phakding, which is one of the first villages you will pass through on the EBC trek. Not sure if you've seen this other little video series about my trek, but check it out if you're interested (There's 6 little parts to it, this is Part 1): ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html
Shall see it, thanks for all the help :D
Breathtakingly beautiful view and informative video. :) You are brave girl ❤
Thanks Drifter! You too!
That is the most informative and concise video I have watched on the EBC trek, thank you so much, sister!
It makes me so happy to hear that, THANK YOU!!! I'm happy the video is turning out to be helpful to people because that is what I wanted it to be, especially since I struggled to find much information on a solo trek to EBC when I went on 2019
@@Gventures It's so helpful that I will be going back to watch it as I prepare for my trip, especially because I am going solo and on a low budget as well. Lots of love from Egypt
@@yourknowledgebase2647 Hey you are from Egypt?! I am currently in Cairo, ana baheb Misr! When are you planning to trek to Base Camp?
@@Gventures I am glad you like it here, I would really love it if we could talk as I am sure I will learn a lot from your experience :) I am planning to trek in two months
@@yourknowledgebase2647 Amazing, it's such an INCREDIBLE experience, I'm happy for you! Yes we definitely can link up! Shoot me a message on my Instagram: Gvventures
Wow. Way to go girl. You are my hero. You treated the pups. What a sweetheart you are.
What helped you with altitude sickness? I am thinking of doing it this may.
I think the major reason I did not struggle with altitude sickness is that I ascended into the mountains gradually. Meaning I did not fly from a low elevation like Kathmandu to an extremely high altitude like Lukla. I took the bus, which allowed my body to slowly adjust as we drove higher and higher into the Himalayas. I also moved at my own pace as I did not have an end date, so I did not have to rush or push myself. If I felt tired or sick, I would stay and rest another day. Honestly it's hard to know though, it just depends on your body in the end. But moving slowly and letting my body adjust and acclimate definitely helped. There is also medication (diamox) but I barely took that (though that is not recommended). Make sure to do research on take a safe course of action
Such a wonderful video thank you, after 5 treks in Nepal, one failed Gokyo Ri ( altitude sickness) I am ready to do EBC from Jiri, this has always been my dream, but I’m going solo this time, thanks for inspiring me. PS I’ve just turned 61, but, have backpack, will travel, lol.
And by the way this is Lucy speaking here, Clive is my hubby, I don’t have face book, he succeeded on getting to Gokyo.
I will not settle till I have achieved my goal, the reason it failed was because no one listened to me and pushed me to continue, despite me knowing of the symptoms of altitude I chose to ignore them, after all I had done 4 other treks so I was an expert, NOT.
If I can get to Nepal ( I’m not jabbed) I will get there!
WOW! That is incredible! You guys are both badasses! You've been in the region many times and definitely know what it requires and what you should do, that's one reason I was happy I didn't have a guide or porter with me, so I could move at my own pace and if I wasn't feeling well I could rest for a day if needed. I ended up not having to do that anyway and followed the trail according to the schedule most people follow (once I hit the official EBC trail anyway). And I loved coming from below Lukla! Those extra days of hiking were some of my favorite, almost completely alone for those several days, no other tourists or trekkers, just me and the mountains passing through the occasional village or passing by mule herders. I hope you can make it to Nepal again soon and fulfill this dream, I think it's amazing you are going to do it! And thank you for watching my video, I'm so pleased experienced trekkers like yourself enjoy this and support me in this way. Cheers! 🥰
@@Gventures hi I’m watching it again today, I so love it, I’ve told everyone how you have inspired me, thank you, and thank you for reply, I’m looking at going in March. And yes yes yes, I did a trek from Tatopani up to Jomson, it used to be busy but tourists stopped going once a road was put through. However what they didn’t realise was there are track alongside the river, and as a result, yes like you I was a lone traveller with my awesome guide, it was some of the best trekking I did for same reasons as you, total aloneness, and views of the Annapurna to die for, the villages and village life were just superb, I was awestruck by the simplicity of life.
My failed Gokyo trek, hopefully will be as success, I plan to spend just under 4 weeks doing this trek so giving myself loads of lazy dayzy days, lol, and I have decided if I don’t get there, it’s ok, I tried at least. I will hopefully share my story with you next year!
days
@@Gventures oh and will add, after jomson trekked the upper Mustang!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant brilliant, with hardly any tourists because of restrictions etc but beauty beyond belief, if you get a chance it’s a must do trek.
@@SallyBella77 Wow! It's so cool to hear your stories, I love that you were able to trek along the trail near the river, what a great find! Sometimes it's good to have a guide, eh?! They know all the secrets, lol. God I miss Nepal and the Himalayas, such a peaceful place and majestic landscapes, and you're right it's incredible to witness the way they live up in the mountains, a very simple and pure life.
Ooh yeah that's great, 4 weeks is superb! If there is one thing I hate it's being rushed, so always better to have too much time vs. too little, you just can't go wrong. And that is exactly what I wanted as well when I went on my trek, to be able to stay for a day or 2 in any given village if I decided I needed the rest, to acclimatize, or even if I just enjoyed the place and wanted to spend a day sipping tea, going for strolls and writing in my journal. I can't wait to hear about this journey, I'm so excited (and a tad jealous 😄) that you're planning for this. Epic!
@@SallyBella77 Ah, this trek is also on my radar! I definitely want to explore that region of Nepal, as I never even made it to Pokhara when I was in Nepal, but I've heard the trekking out that way is also incredible!
Good video...and I appreciate your efforts...
Thank you so much 🙏🥰
Great video. Very informative. I hope to do it in the next year or so. Best to you and all you adventures!
Ok by far the best non nonsense video on ebc. Thank You !
WOW! Thank you so much! I wanted to give as much information as concisely as possible for people that are considering taking the trek, so I REALLY APPRECIATE this comment. Thanks for watching!!!
the best video i have ever seen on youtube. Thaaaaank youuuuuuuuu
Wowww well that's a hell of a statement, THANK YOU!!! I hope it has been helpful, and thank you so much for commenting! ❤️😍❤️
Thank you for sharing this video. About Diamox, i agree with you, do not take it without knowing the side effects. I almost took that when i went to Annapurna BaseCamp couple months ago. Luckily i read the about Diamox and found out there is penicillin in Diamox. i allergic to Penicillin.
😲Oh wow! That is really good information to have, I didn't know that! Good thing you did some research into that! I wish I would have known this when I made the video, I definitely would have mentioned it! Hopefully a lot of people see this comment because that could be disastrous for someone who has allergies such as yourself. Thanks for commenting and watching, appreciate it!
Thanks so much, gros merci!
Merci Lars! ❤❤
Great video
Thanks for the tips !
thank you ... please come to borneo next
I would like to but that ticket is very expensive so unfortunately I will not be going there anytime soon
Wow Wow Wow Amazing Thank you for sharing, may I ask how you charge your devises and what kind the socket is need it ? Thank you.
I had a universal adaptor to plug my things in (just because different countries use different watts and it could impact your devices, depending). A quick google search will show you what they use in Nepal though, and you could compare with your own country to see if it is the same. You can charge your device in the lodges at night (they have electricity), however I would recommend bringing a portable power bank with a lot of battery life/that can charge your phone several times, because it is very useful to have and also just in case power goes out in any villages along the way that you stay in.
@@Gventures 🥰
Wow, I just loved this video ❤ . Ever plan on returning to ebc?
I'm not sure. I am sure I will return to Nepal sometime, but I don't know if I would do this trek again, or try another one. There are so many to choose from. But I would consider doing this trek again, and I certainly want to return to the Himalayas. Nepal is such a magical, beautiful country
Right now I am living in Egypt and riding motorcycles around the country, I am planning to trips to other countries near Egypt so no imminent plans to return to Nepal, but some day I will.
@@Gventures @Gventures what a wonderful life you are living. Hope you get all the happiness. ❤️Please do visit Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, they are cheap and have some incredible treks.
Wow😮❤
o E verest B ase C amp.duh i guess.watched part 1 and 2 first.?thank you for all this info!
Ahaha yeah I only learned that as I planned my trip though! Thanks so much for watching!!! Stay tuned for more as I'll be solo traveling in Egypt in a few weeks time. Thanks again, cheers!!!❤❤
I was wondering lol
you seem so brave and enthusiastic! Well done for the trip and super infomative vid! How'd you rate safety and security for a solo female traveller on the route?
Thanks Jan! Safety and security for a solo lady traveler? 100% safe. The only thing one should be concerned about is the altitude, elevation, and health risks before going alone. I should mention, I've been hearing that it is now illegal to make this trip alone, Nepal has put in regulations requiring people to have guides. I would research this more just to make sure it's 100% fact, but it's what I've been reading and hearing.
That was a bad ass move to just hike up MEBC being a smoker with asthma, not an experienced hiker and solo hahaha Respect !!
😂 Thanks man! It was rather spontaneous but thankfully everything worked out, and I had a lot of fun!
excellent video, thanks you very much.
Thanks so much for watching, I'm glad you found my video helpful! ❤️
Did the Annapurna base camp trek solo in 87 -- and very much backpakers budget -- was unplanned part of 7 month trip to India and Nepal
Aweseme, I can't imagine what Nepal and India looked like back in '87! I spent 3 months in India before crossing the border into Nepal where I spent an additional 2 months, none of that was planned either. I think leaving time and options is open because you never where the road will take you, while I was in India I wasn't sure if I would go to Nepal or not either, and I certainly didn't plan to trek to EBC! So glad I followed my heart and my journey took me there.
@@Gventures Cool that's definitely the way to travel
Congrats ! Me and my friend will be there in octomber , you think it will be a good weather ?
Yes, late Sep-Nov and Feb-May are the main trekking months with fairly stable conditions and good visibility.
Mt Everest is known as “sagarmatha” in Nepali language.
Yup, meant to say Tibetan but it was too late to correct by the time I uploaded it, I spoke to mainly Tibetans while on the trail and that is the name they told me
Did you book all hotels in advance or just checked in the same day? Thanks
No I didn't book anything at all, just walked into each village and found a lodge/teahouse, asked for a room and that was it. Very basic accommodation but that's all you need
Thaks for the reply.
That's what I'm planning to do. I'm starting in two weeks time and some people told me it will busy in September so would be wise to book in advance. I'm not sure if I want to do that to be honest. I assume it wasn't that busy when you did the trek? Just one more quick question if I may please, did you take any water purifiers or just bought water from tea houses?
@@surajthapa2397 Hmm, I don't know if it is necessary to book in advance if it is high season, as I went during low season (end of May I started my trek). I would hope there would be at least one room available for you in one of the lodges along the way. If worse came to worse, I'm sure one of the lodge owners would allow you to sleep in the common room for a small fee.
I did bring water purifier tablets, I bought them in Kathmandu for like $2 or $3 dollars for a whole bunch. You can just buy water along the way, but I preferred to have them just in case I was walking for a long ways and needed to refill my bottle. Also, it's less waste if you just have your own water bottle that you can refill.
@@Gventures I was told the tea houses give priority to people in groups over an individual, I can understand the reason . Having said, there must be some tiny small room somewhere that they can accommodate me!
I do have a 2 litre water bag, don't like to buy tons of plastic water bottles. I will probably do the same as you suggested.
Really appreciate your help- muchas!
@@surajthapa2397 No problem! If you have any other questions don't hesitate to reach out. And honestly, I don't think you'll have a problem finding a place to sleep. Even if all the rooms are full, if you ask the host to let you sleep in the common room I'm sure they wouldn't say no. I actually did that in Lobuche. I was cold and didn't want to go to the room, so I asked him if I could sleep in the common room (where the old stove was that kept the room warm) and pay him for that. He didn't have any issues with it. So if sleeping on a bench (with some covers on the bench as a cushion) and some more covers to keep you warm on top is okay with you, I'm sure you won't have a problem, even IF all the rooms are booked. They won't let you freeze outside, Nepali are very kind and welcoming people.
The Date is now March 10th, 2023 and I just read this article stating that Nepal will ban solo hiking starting a few months from now. So sad. www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/world/asia/nepal-solo-trekking-ban.html?unlocked_article_code=YGkoD6I2-6ThLJc3pw85yQahsuJXEG6hvp0MablMAOQNbv5_C8LiujjnMZrhiVSFO13b1rXOIlIv9uhXeSrNdiNpYZ0Q87J7I4BgVi39Cn5YR8G7TcVJIAswFccqvMgElgHypttGDHr1zJeIzqY9rLIw6kp6PNXaD5cpW0xEu3kegNvyYKvhR6H2TspUn2rCsoKACKTeQykAhWZGOdl-3q41fplm6J9WBejnSsstFPlizsDaRt83iNH185M1Zhrma3U8y_0F3CvYYj6iInjYeNpCt0XyDcSbWtnxt09VKP3k263chOQOwyb3AQUx8IYgVLcxQpbaQoMiT-hDgVI9T5fxj8Q
Planned on 18th of this month. Solo
Fuck yesss! Keep me updated on your trip! Are you flying in or trekking from below Lukla?
@@Gventures starting from pokhora
@@WanderlustMithun Pokhara! I'm confused....You are going to be doing the EBC trek, right?
@@Gventures Annapurna base camp
@@WanderlustMithun Ahh, okay! Yes that makes sense then 😅I've met quite a few people that have done the ABC trek and I've seen plenty of photos, it's gorgeous. I'd love to do that trek some day as well, actually I almost went to ABC but ended up choosing EBC in the end. Next time! 😁
Hi
Is it mandatory to hire porter or guide from today sep 2022.
Please confirm the information.
I want to trek solo .
Thank-you.
Honestly, I can't confirm this. As far as I am aware, you can trek solo to EBC. But I went in 2019, and now it is 2022. Have things changed? Perhaps. I have not heard anyone I trust to say that you cannot trek solo to EBC. Here is a link to an article from August 12, 2022 stating you can trek solo to EBC: stingynomads.com/everest-base-camp-trek/. If I were you I would try to contact somebody in Nepal such as a tour company or something and confirm if you are still able to trek solo. I know some people that have trekked solo there this year as well, but maybe things have changed in the last few months? I'm sorry I can't give you an answer with 100% guarantee that you can, but to MY knowledge, you can.
Thanks for valuable information.🤗
What month did you go?
End of May. Exact dates + budget found in the description of the video
Is Sarah Conner narrating?
😂😂 Nice, thanks man!
hi! did you do any sort of training before this trek?
None at all 😅And I don't typically exercise either. It wouldn't hurt to get in shape a bit or do some hiking before you go, but I did absolutely nothing before heading to the Himalayas (except cut down on smoking a little). And I didn't smoke much on the trek itself, maybe like 5 cigs in the 3 weeks I was trekking. Which was really good for me! 😅😁
@@Gventures wow and you didnt have a porter too. you are one hell of a woman!🤙
@@joeltam4484 😅Thanks! I just like adventure, am very independent and wanted to challenge myself. It was a fantastic experience and I'm so glad I did it this way!
What’s the price like for the helicopter ride back to Lukla?
Cause returning the same route could get boring.
You know, I'm not sure as I am a budget backpacker and don't pay for expensive things like a helicopter ride out, but I am sure you can find out with a quick search online. But there are also other routes out of there, you can pass through Pengboche instead of Tengboche, you can do the passes, which there are several of. I just quickly googled EBC passes and found an article which states this "The clockwise variation, detailed in this guide, follows the route north-west through the Dudh Koshi valley and the village of Thame before reaching the first pass - Renjo La. You will pass through Gokyo as you move east towards the second pass of Cho La, which takes you to the town of Lobuche. From Lobuche you will trek north to Gorak Shep - your base while you visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar viewpoint.
The trek back to Lukla crosses the third and final pass of Kongma La, reaching Chhukung before joining up with the classic route back to Lukla. The last few days of the trek involve the relatively easy descent back to Lukla where your flight will be waiting to take you back to Kathmandu." That is on the way up, but you can do different routes along the way. As I did not do this, best to research yourself a bit and find the various options, but there are certainly alternative routes to take on your way up and down.
@@Gventures I took the same way back from EBC to Namche, but in half the time compared to going up. I did not think that was boring at all. On the way down i felt better ( altitude sickness was fading) and i had a different way of seeing the landscape. How could you ever get bored by a country like this?
@@maidenekker Absolutely! I took the same way back as well (with a slight variation from Lobuche to Pheriche on the way down instead of Dingboche to Lobuche like the way I went up). It was so pleasant on the way down, I was practically skipping down the mountain, fully acclimatized. And I agree, who could be bored by the majestic Himalayas?! I took my time on the way down, savoring every last moment I would spend in the Himalayas.
What time of year did you go?
If you fly into Kathmandu,can you get flight connection to lukla or do you need to go into Kathmandu for permits?
What was your total spend?
Oh,did you have insurance,in case you had medical emergency/altitude sickness for helecopter evacuation?
@@alanrobinson2229 I did not, but I probably should have😅 I had no issues thankfully, but if something gone had wrong and I needed an airlift or something, it would have been VERY expensive because I did not have travel insurance. I would recommend getting travel insurance with either World Nomads or Safety Wings, as they are relatively inexpensive and both are very good. Just make sure whatever package you purchase covers what you are doing/might need.
I left on the bus from Kathmandu early in the morning on the 20th of May and arrived late that evening to Phaplu. The following day (the 21st) I began my trek from Phaplu/Nunthala area. I arrived back in Kathmandu on the 8th of June. But you should know, I did take my time going up and coming down. I stopped to take lots of photos and videos, I took 2 acclimatization days (one in Namche Bazaar and one in Dingboche), and on the way down from EBC I spent the night in Namche Bazaar just because I wanted to relax and enjoy the village a little longer before leaving the Himalayas.
Yes you can definitely catch a plane to Lukla from Kathmandu, that is in fact what most people do. Are you planning to have a guide? If you are then they will help you sort out what permits you need. If you are planning to do this solo, as I did, I would recommend to get everything you need (including permits) in Kathmandu, just to be safe. It is easier to do and I don't know what you can and cannot get in Lukla. Maybe an internet search could answer that question for you? But honestly I like to play it on the safe side when it comes to necessary documents and would just get them in Kathmandu, it's not too hard. And if you like motorbikes then download the app Tootle, they have motorbike taxis that can drive you around Kathmandu. So much fun! I took a motorbike taxi through Tootle to the office where I needed to get my permits. They are cheaper than a car, faster, and more enjoyable!
Thank you so much for your reply
It is inspiring.
Iam looking into possibilities of solo trip from UK in October,I think I need three weeks?
I do alot of hiking,it's only altitude sickness is that concerns me.
@@alanrobinson2229 Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you found it helpful! I think 3 weeks is a good amount of time for the trek, that's almost exactly the time it took me. Like I said, I had never been hiking or trekking before so I was really out of shape, plus being a smoker my lungs are weak and I made slow progress😂 So I think 3 weeks should be good. If you took longer you could always just buy a ticket out from Lukla back to Kathmandu instead of taking a bus/jeep back, that will save you time too. Buy some diamox in Kathmandu before the trek just to have it in case you want it, you can find it at many stores and it is very cheap, like a few dollars for a bunch of pills. I think because I took a bus from Kathmandu I did very well with the altitude, since my body had time to acclimate since I was moving slowly by bus vs. plane and came from the lower altitude trekking below Lukla as well. I saw a few people that were affected by the altitude and had to turn around on the trail. But as long as you move slowly and give yourself time to acclimate you will be fine. I basically followed the same schedule as most tour guides do (once I passed Lukla). I spent the night (Day 4) in Phakding because I came from below Lukla and had been trekking for a few days at that point. The other towns I slept in after Phakding: Day 5: Namche Bazaar. Day 6: Acclimatization day, Namche Bazaar. Day 7: Tengboche. Day 8: Dingboche. Day 9: Acclimatization Day, Dingboche. Day 10: Lobuche. Day 11: Gorak Shep (and walk to EBC). Day 12: (early climb on Kala Patthar) then started hiking down, slept in Pheriche. Day 13: Namche Day 14: hung out all day in Namche and slept there again. Day 15: slept in Phakding. Day 16: Puiya (which is below Lukla). Day 17: Kharikola. Day 18: Jeep ride to Salleri. Day 19: Salleri back to Kathmandu by jeep (roughly $20 USD, took around 11 hours).
Give yourself some time to hang out in Kathmandu as well though, I absolutely love the city. I would recommend staying in the neighborhood of Thamel while in Kathmandu, it's where most foreigners stay and has lots of things to see. Don't miss these sites: Swayambhu Mahachaitya stupa (also known as monkey temple), Boudha Stupa and Durbar Square. After 3 weeks of trekking and eating lots of Dhal Bhat, check out Fire and Ice Pizzeria if you want to treat yourself, they have really good pizza. Also, not sure what your plans are for accommodation while in the city, but if you like hostels like me I would recommend Yakety Yak hostel. I stayed at a few others and enjoyed them all but I definitely went to this hostel after my trek, because I knew they had hot water that would last and I desperately needed one after not showering for almost 3 weeks🤣I could have showered in the mountains but I hate freezing showers and didn't want to pay the small fee for hot water. Also I was just dirty from trekking and kept putting on the same clothes anyways so I didn't care. But yeah, Yakety Yak is a good hostel, a bit more expensive than other hostels you can find but it's definitely very clean and comfortable. Oh and about the money I spent on the trek? I think I spent around 150 for gear and then you can actually see what I spent day by day at the very end of the video, I list my daily expenses so it will give you an idea of the cost of things as you get higher into the mountains and the price goes up.
Everest Base camp trek is totally ban now if you are going without guide.
I heard that but also know someone that just recently went solo 🤷♀️
Your voice is mellifluous. you should be editing other peoples work and getting handsomely paid. National Geographic is looking for you and they don’t even know it.
Whoa, THANK YOU! I really appreciate that compliment, that is some high praise. National Geographic, I wish! Cheers man, have a wonderful day, and thanks for watching my videos!
National Geographic lol
@@HeyhitmeBAM jealous much?
@@jamesweir2943 jealous of what lol, even the own UA-camr found your comment ridiculous
@@HeyhitmeBAM are you a top or bottom? bottom i bet.
Was great meeting you yesterday! Your content is fabulous! Take care.
Thanks so much man! 🙏
Wow I’m a Tibetan ..Tashi Delek and thanks for sharing superwoman 👍
Wow. Thank you so much!
Went through a lots of videos and finally found the most informative one here, Keep it up you will be famous soon 👍🏿👍🏿 Loved your hair style bdw 😁 it's cool
Wow, really!!! That's the best compliment I can think of, thanks so much man! I'm really glad I could help it's my goal to not only show, explore, entertain and inspire but also give useful information while doing so, so that others can benefit from my experiences. Thanks so much for watching!!!
Now those who are willing to come ebc without guide and porters, SORRY for them. Acc. to new rule no tourist is allowed to cross Namche without Guide or Porters as missing case during season time is high. Survey found that guest without guide use to get lost in valley.
I wonder if you could share where you got this piece of information from. I could not find any confirming article online...? Thank you for your help. ☺
Oh very late l am watching your video.For your hard work l subscribed your vlog .Thank you so much for visiting nepal.l hope you enjoyed your trip.visit again.
❤Thank you so much Paras! I absolutely love Nepal and hope I can return one day. I appreciate your support 🥰🥰
I' went trekking in Nepal over 20 years ago and would love to go back. When I arrived I was immediately pressured into buying a trekking tour with a guide. Anyway I think it was about $450 for like a week just trekking from Pokhara. And my hotel was robbed somewhere. Still a great journey despite feeling like I was getting ripped off. There is so much more information now compared to the old days. I look forward tomy return. And hell yeah EBC would be mazing!
I was there 30 years and a jeep from Pokhara dropped us off
and pointed out the start of a trail and we set out.Everything was
even cheaper than in the city all along the 7 day way.
One of your best videos. Informative, concise, and clean, as in not too much BS info. and camera play.
Thanks. It took a long time to make but I knew it was exactly those things, and this trek is widely popular and so this information is useful to a very large audience. I'm happy with the way it turned out. Can't churn out videos like this every week, but I'm satisfied with the information I've given in this video. There wasn't really helpful videos like this when I did this back in 2019, another reason I made it.
Great trip , came off Kaala Pattar xmas day 2009, my 50th
That's incredible, what a way to spend your 50th! 😎
great video, so much information in it. Thank you so much :)
you have negotiated in the lodges? (bed, eat...) or are the prices fixed? thank you
Prices are fixed. It's also not a lot of money. A room usually only costs several dollars (at least those were the prices when I went at the end of May 2019). The food is more expensive and that is where the Nepali that open their homes to trekkers really make their money. But it's also damn delicious 😄I usually negotiate prices with things but I didn't want to do that in the mountains as I felt it would be rude. In markets and busy, populated areas I think it's normal and expected to barter, but it's not taken kindly to in the mountains, I am quite sure. Best to not
I also trekked to Everest Base Camp without taking a flight. It took me 12 days, from October 16th to 27th, 2022, to complete the EBC trek. Additionally, I successfully crossed Cho La Pass during that trek. Your video was incredibly helpful; I watched it before embarking on my journey to EBC.
That's so awesome, thank you so much!!! How was Cho La Pass?! I sincerely regret not taking the passes. I guess it's just a reason for me to return in the future 😅 Thanks so much for commenting, much love and safe travels wherever your journey takes you next! ❤🙏
@@Gventures I made a plan to comment on your video after finishing the trek, but unfortunately, I forgot. It was a great experience, especially crossing Cho La Pass. The breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment are truly unforgettable. In my opinion, Cho La Pass should be mandatory for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp. It adds an extra layer of adventure and allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. Also, don't miss out on visiting Gokyo Lake-it's a hidden gem that shouldn't be overlooked on your journey to EBC. Safe travels and best wishes on your future adventures!
By the way, I'm from Nepal myself, and I still found your video helpful for the trek. If you ever plan to return to Nepal for the Cho La Pass trek, I'd love to meet up and share some local insights.
@@reflection2049 Oh yes I've heard wonderful things about Gokyo Lake. I really need to get myself back to Nepal and the Himalayas, I really miss it so much.
Thanks for the offer, I would definitely take some advice from someone who has done it 🙏
Okay then climb Everest without sherpa
Hahaha, uh, I guess you didn't actually watch the video? This is about TREKKING (high altitude walking) to Everest Base Camp (One), not CLIMBING (expedition) Mount Everest. Also, FYI Sherpa is an ethnic group, though a lot of them are expedition and trekking guides, not all of them are, so what I think you mean is "Okay then climb Everest without a guide". Which no, obviously I am not recommending that, as this video has nothing to do with climbing Everest. If you're curious about trekking to EBC then watch the video, if you're just looking to make random comments with no knowledge of the content then well, carry on. Makes no difference to me😄
I feel sorry for all these animals who have to carry all the stuff for those people........
Yeah, me too. And I feel bad for the humans that have to carry all that stuff for those other people
Yeah I took 5wks to do the full Annapurna 5yrs ago .. incredible environment.. plenty teahouses etc.. you reminded me about walking permits 👍and of course I won't miss the Everest/glacier/mountain view by hiking up higher... you've inspired me for another adventure ❤️
Wow, that's awesome! I almost did the ABC trek, but then discovered I could make EBC happen on a budget and did it instead. But I would still love to trek to ABC, I've seen photos from other trekkers that have done it and it looks beautiful. Thanks so much for watching! ❤
so glad you did the full! Me too in December
Just wow 😲
Loved every bit of it. We are planning to go there this March we are also planning to do it on a tight budget. This helped us a lot. Much Love 💜
Yesss! It is such an incredible journey, and something I will never forget. I would love to return to Nepal and do more trekking, it was my first time trekking anywhere and I fell in love with not only the mountains and the Himalayas in particular, but Nepal is still one of my most favorite countries I've had the fortune of visiting. Thanks so much for watching, and glad I could be of help! 🥰
Amazing video! Thank you 🙏 Also I will be using it for trying to get a beautiful and mesmerizing voice like yours. The speed is just perfect for me to repeat your words (while watching the beauty of Tibet)
*Technically Nepal 😅 But just on the other side of the Himalayas and Mount Everest is Tibet. Thanks girl!
chomolungma yes origin name is Mt : everest is chomolungma ❤❤❤❤
best Video i have ever seen , someone who actually travels on a low budget , very informative
Ahaha, thank you! Yes I try to spread my funds as much as I can to travel for longer periods, and many times it's also more exciting way to travel as well 😁 Thanks so much for watching!
also, what was the name of that mountain you climbed to get the best view of Everest?
Kala Patthar is the name of the mountain. It actually just looks like a big brown hill and sits directly in front of Gorak Shep, which is the last village before you reach EBC. Gorak Shep is about an hours walk from EBC, and you will spend the night there before heading back down. So once you arrive to Lobuche, you sleep there. Next morning wake up early and trek to Gorak Shep, drop your pack off in a teahouse and then walk to EBC, then return to Gorak Shep and sleep. Next morning wake up VERY early and climb Kala Patthar in the dark, reach summit by dawn, watch the sunrise. Then head back down and start trekking back down the mountain, or you could stay an additional night, relax, read a book and stare at the stars another night before heading back down-they are MAGNIFICENT up there! Really, I have no words for the stars up there.
This is the way i plan on going, i will get to lukla and have 21 days to kill, unsure what i will do. no plan yet. trip confirmed tho cant wait!!!
Hell yeah! Go slowly, take your time, take photos, have a night staring at the stars, write in a journal, sip coffee in Namche Bazaar, wow it's going to be amazing, I'm jealous, I miss Nepal and the Himalayas so much. Do you plan on doing the passes? Sounds like you will have time. Thanks for watching!
Very to the point informative video 😀
Just curious, how much budget did you manage to do the trek in?
Like you mentioned 150 for the gear
What about other expenses in total?
Thank you. Check the description of the video, I wrote out my daily expenses in NPR. Quick answer, I spent around $1,000 USD over the course of 3 weeks while trekking. That included getting to and from Kathmandu via bus and jeep
You don't need a TIMS card for Everest region trekking. You pay for a trekking card at Lukla. You also pay for entry to Sagarmartha National Park. Diamox can make the difference between having a good trek or a bad trek with altitude effects. Alittude gives weird dreams, not the Diamox.
I needed a TIMS card when I went in 2019, and they issued me one at the trekking office when I went to get the necessary documents. I didn't fly into Lukla, I started the trek below Lukla and never went to the town so I received what I needed in Kathmandu and then at a checkpoint near Jorsele. Diamox does give weird dreams, I have spoken to many experienced trekkers who have experienced these effects. Altitude does weird things to the body as well including weird dreams, but I only had weird dreams the night I took diamox. You can also find this under side effects of the medication.
Terimakasih padamu yang sudah berbagi informasi dan cerita. Semoga kamu sehat dan bahagia.👍
Thank you so much, and the same to you!!! ❤
This video is amazing, thank you. What kind of wonderful magical creature are you to be able to do this? Subscribing now!❤❤
I'm a fire cat! That's not a cat born in the flames of destruction like a phoenix and reborn from the ashes as one might think, but just a cat that likes to lay by the fire for warmth as it naps 🤣 Thanks so much for subbing!!! I hope you enjoy my other videos 🥰🙏
I was thinking of hiking starting at Jiri. What are your thoughts on that? I did not realize the road/bus went further. Thanks for your help.
Many people do start at Jiri (I mean the people that start below-which isn't many anyway). I think it would have been even better had I done that, but I had virtually no experience trekking or hiking in my life, and figured the closer the better. Go for Jiri! If I did it again, I would probably start at Jiri
Loved it.
Brilliant video. I want to do in May 23. Is it ok season for trekking. I'm not sure about winter and seasons near base camp etc 🙏❓
Thank you so much! Yes that time is completely fine for trekking to EBC, I actually started my trek on the 21st of May in 2019. It's going into off season at that time so it's less crowded, which is also very nice. Look in the description box below my video and you can see some of the dates of where I was when, also the cost of things (in 2019) while in the mountains.
Brilliant thx so much.. top needed info 💥👍🙋♂️❤️
Hell yeah, glad I could be of service! Thanks for watching, and best of luck with your journey! An unforgettable experience 🙏🏞⛰
I was that time to on this hike and also first time in my live.
OMG! Probably the best video about EBC. No bullshitting, straight to the point! And your voice is amazing! You should do paid voiceovers!
Haha, thank you so much!!! I have other videos about the trek and also travel videos in Egypt, Turkey, etc, subscribe if you're interested in that, but most of them are more vlogging than informational like this video. I really appreciate you watching and commenting! And actually I do voiceovers for work now, as I've had quite a few people say the same thing to me in my videos. Much love! ❤❤❤
Don that, buth lover,love.hi this us Andre from Norways, have u bin in sitswan
No I have not been to Sitswan
You've a perfect nepali accent the way you correctly pronounced the word and yes a perfect smile too. Keep going found it useful...🤘
Thank you so much!!!😍
I really liked this video. Many informations and tips.
Thank you!
Wonderful and informative vid. Thanks loads. Take care. G
🙏🙏
This is really nice and a breath of fresh air amongst the other EBC video's where people fly in to Lukla, spend only 8 days trekking and fly out by helicopter from EBC! Which i think is ridiculous. I walked this trek in 1990, took a bus to Jiri and started there. I had a book from Lonely Planet, which was an excellent guide, with several routes to choose from. The days before Lukla i really got in shape and i think acclimatised better. All together we spend more than 3 weeks before returning to Kathmandu and it was beautiful. Back then it was not common at all to have porters or guides, and it is truly not necessary at all.
😆I try not to judge but I can't help but also feel flying out from EBC is like some luxury cruise and a half finished job. Or at least, if they make a video about it, it's excessive. I'm too poor to afford that but even if I was rich, it seems like such a cheat, not truly valuing the experience but just the claim that you made it there.
I can't imagine how it was in 1990, I know it's always been a famous trek since it gained popularity decades ago but it has exponentially grown since then and it must have been a different world in '90, I'm jealous that I'll never have that experience, I have to admit! But also eternally grateful I got to go at all. Also 100% agree it's not necessary to have a porter or guide, as long as you're fit (or maybe even not like me 😅), one can do it alone. That's part of the struggle, part of the experience, part of the respect for the mountains and for yourself as well. If you're going to do something, do it wholeheartedly. Thanks so much for watching and commenting, it really does inspire me to know people like you have watched and appreciated this video, makes me feel like I'm doing something right. And so cool to hear your story. This is why I make videos.
@@Gventures In 1990 we had no electricity in the guesthouses, only in Namche, and there were three powercuts every night. After dinner, when it was dark, we took a candle to our room and went to sleep. Just so simple. No internet ofcourse, no phones. We were on a long journey through Asia, so we left some of our luggage in Kathmandu (hotel Eden in Freak street, it's famous for the hash trail ) and left with a backpack of around 10 kilo, which was fine. Because i have loved this trekking so much i watched a lot of video's about this, yours is the first that looks like my travel back than. Because you dit it yourself, (and why shouldn't you) i don't think your experience is much different from mine!
@@maidenekker Wow, that's so awesome, thanks for saying that! For sure the trail must have looked much different back then, but I tried to do it as cheaply and authentically as possible. I loved being in the mountains so much, I wrote a lot in my journal while on my trek (lucky to have electricity I suppose!) and would really love to return.
@@Gventures I tried to convince my friend to hike from Jiri but he has only 15 days so we have no choice to fly in and out. However since I live close by in Thailand, I will be back for at least a month next time.
@@TLK22 Make sure he gives himself a little bit of a window in regards to time in case the flight can't leave Lukla back to Kathmandu right away. This happens a lot, due to weather conditions in the Himalayas and due to visibility, planes due to leave Lukla (or sometimes heading towards Lukla) will many times be delayed or cancelled by a day or even a few days. It is not uncommon, so just make sure he is aware of that.
Thankyou very empathetic
Even tho i'm going for Gokyo Ri trek, this information is nearly the same, so huge thanks for the info, def plenty of info a lot of other people miss to say. Really informative and insightful, thank you.
You look happy in a video and looks like you really enjoyed your time there. Did you ever go back again?
Also what camera did you use? Phone camera? Some of the shoots look stunning!
Oh amazing! I was going to do Gokyo Ri pass and ended up just continuing back down because it had started raining when I was at the path that split😅 I wish I had taken the pass though. And no I sadly haven't returned since but I think about it quite often, and would really love to! Right now I am living in Egypt and making videos out here, but one day I know I will return because Nepal is just such a magical country, the Himalayas are so majestic, there are really no words to describe the splendor and feeling one gets while being there.
I used the phone I had at the time (Samsung, can't recall what model) and also my Gopro6. You can tell which one I am using in the shots because the gopro has such a wide angle lens, like coming down from the view point near Namche Bazaar was definitely my gopro.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate you watching and supporting my channel by doing so! And I can't wait for you to take the trek, it's going to be so incredible, I wish I was there again❤❤❤
About paper maps at 4:00 : online maps, especially those which show routes others have walked, tend to send people to same trails and forget alternate possibilities. Paper map shows the big picture and all possible routes to get to your destination, not just those previous instagrammers and youtubers also walked. Somebody already mentioned the Phortse High Trail instead of Tengboche motorway, there are also trails between Namche and Lukla practically nobody treads, even though there are monasteries and quant villages just a stone's throw from the main route. Paper maps show these much better. Of course I am an old man. But do get a paper map and look at it in the evenings at least to plan your next stage. You can also identify mountains much easier.
Truuueeee. I really like your inputs here, you make a very good point. Also I think using paper maps is just a different experience, having to navigate more and requires some skills which makes it more adventurous
@@Gventures Online maps are like a video game; keep the dot on the line. One does not need to know where she actually is in relation to the surroundings. I could not imagine trekking or hiking without knowing as much as possible about the terrain around me. One grows up with these things or not, nowadays.
Also, paper maps are critical in the case that tech fails. Offline maps are great, but I would never go without a paper map - especially now that waterproof, tearproof maps are available.
Thx for visiting Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵❤❤
Thanks for having me, one of my favorite countries in the world ❤❤❤
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Did you try the chocolate carrot cake they have in the bakeries that stuff is awesome
Yep 👍You know what else is good? Fire and Ice Pizzaria in Kathmandu, after that long trek. Delicious.
Congratulations on the ebc / kalapatthar trek . This is helpful as I plan same without Porter / guide in Nov 24.
Here are few questions. 1) how to select the tea houses or just crash into first decent one you get. Any recommendations on teahouses? Names (2) how essential is sleeping bag can we do without it ? Just a liner bedroll help? (3) what was weight of your backpack 🎒 (I may just replicate your packing list). Thank you in advance. ❤️ and regards from 🇮🇳
Hmm. Good questions. I would look for some updated information about solo trekking in Nepal. I went in 2019 and it was fine to solo trek at that time. I have heard they changed the laws and no longer allow solo trekkers to make the EBC trek alone. I might be wrong about that, but I may be right. Try hopping on some FB groups about Nepal and finding out the latest info on that. I also went during "off season" near the end of May, so I had no problem just walking up and finding a room. November may be busier, I can't really speak on that. I just went to any teahouse, no specific recommendation, they are all very similar. I actually didn't really need my sleeping bag and didn't use it until I was around Gorak Shep, but again, I was there in May. November will probably be a lot colder, you might want it. I have no idea what the weight of my backpack was, but I can tell you I didn't pack it properly, there was too much stuff hanging on the outside of it and it started to rip 🤣But I did buy a cheap one in the market, I probably should have bought one that wasn't so cheap. It did the job anyway, but I had to sew it back up a little while I was in the mountains.
@@Gventures thank you for reverts. I am sure solo is permitted in khumbu region as of now.
You are really brave and adventurous & it’s so comforting to know that slowly and surely one can reach the summit. ❤️ from India 🇮🇳
@@ravisampat Not the summit...just Base Camp 1. Summiting Everest can be deadly and the permit alone costs tens of thousands of dollars. But you can walk to Base Camp 1 alone.
Thank you for sharing all this great information. Thank you
Thank you for watching! I'm really happy it's been helpful, and let me know if I you have any other questions! 😊
We did this trek last spring without porter or tour guide.What I heard Nepal government not allowing solo trek to Everest from now on. Due to trekkers risk.
You can see my recent trek video below link
Really? Someone else said this as well. That's unfortunate if what you are saying is true and it is required, in my opinion. I understand there are risks of course, but there are also risks summiting Everest and people are still allowed to do that. Have there been many deaths for people trekking to EBC lately without a guide or something? Link to your video you mean it's on your channel?
@@Gventures ua-cam.com/video/Zn738oiPx_0/v-deo.html
You are absolutely awesome! This is by far the best video that is available here! I want to do this so bad, how many days did you spend to do the trek?
I took me 20 days exactly, but as I mentioned in the video, I moved very slowly. I also took an extra day to sit in a village (Namche Bazar) and do nothing because I wanted to just relax and stare at the Himalayas before walking back down. I made another little series of videos about my trek, if you're interested in watching it, here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/NWbGfGWw1Qg/v-deo.html
Remarkable content.
hi Geventures; Your Vlog was really informative and helped me to do EBC circuit solo in January Thank you!!!!
Wow, that's so badass! And you made it right before the rule changes, wooo! I miss the Himalayas. How was your trek, did you do the passes? I didn't but I would like to in the future
@@Gventures My trek was strenuous and tough in January.. but i had the luxury of having trail to mostly myself.. Do you have ig ? would love to connect with you.
@@arvindn95 Ah yeah that's nice, I really loved having the trail to myself for a few days before reaching the official trail (below Taksindu and Lukla). Yeah man my IG is: mygventures
instagram.com/mygventures/
Wow!! Blown away … just a quick question.. did you book your accommodation on route ( as you rocked up ) or in advance …
Fabulous video and advice ✌️🙏🙏
Haha, definitely as I rocked up, I'm very spontaneous and actually decided to take this trek while in Nepal hanging out in Kathmandu. Bought everything I needed in the markets and took the bus to Khumbu region within maybe 2 weeks of deciding to go, so definitely no reservations in advance. There's lots of teahouses along the way, you'll have no problem finding accommodation in each village you stop in. Thanks so much for watching, I'm really happy you liked the video! Let me know if you think of any other questions and if you're planning to take the trek soon, ENJOY!!! There are really no words for it. ❤
I certa7will and soon as I’m ready I will let you know .. thank you for replying ✌️🙏🙏
This is one of my dreams and I’m not rich, so your video gave me hope ❤
It's absolutely possible! I have traveled to many places and done many amazing things on a small budget. All the best! 🥰🙏
@@Gventures ❤️ thank you within 2 years I would try my best to do this thanks again miss
Subscribed. 🙏🏻👌
🥰Thank you Saurabh, I really appreciate your support! ❤ Where are you from?
Is it possible to go in January?
Yes, but it will be very cold. January is the coldest month in the Everest region
Good information for my forth coming trip to Nepal..Thanks from Ulrik/Denmark 🙌
What was cost for lodges per night?
$1-$2 USD a night. The cost of lodging is very cheap because they expect you to buy meals there, meals cost around $5 or more. I wrote my daily budget in the description so check that for more details
thanks for the video. I want to do solo trip and am thinking of Makalu BC. Do you know anything about that trip?
No I don't, unfortunately, but might I recommend getting on Facebook and searching for groups like Nepal Trekking and similar searches like that. There are a ton of groups on there and I'm sure you can find people in those groups who have done the trek or know a lot more about it.
@@Gventures thank you from Washington State
@@drlangattx3dotnet Best of luck and a safe journey! 😊
Very nice and unique experience explained about the EBC by this amazing wonderful video editing share with us by this video shooting 👍🌹🌹🙏🏼🤠💖.
hey Gventures in which month you went to ebc?
End of May I left Kathmandu and took the bus to Phaplu, 5/20/2019 to be exact. I took the jeep from Salleri back to Kathmandu on 6/8/2019
great! thank you for sharing information :D
Thanks for watching!