99% of Treks Are NOT This Good | Everest Base Camp 2024

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  • Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
  • You'll get a cinematic Mount Everest EBC hike from start to finish, 35 tips you won't hear anywhere else, and go over ONE BIG PROBLEM.
    ✅My EBC gear system here - lighterpack.com/r/bnahul
    EBC Trekking Guide Company - www.discoveryworldtrekking.com
    Thanks to Harmen Hoek for teaching me quite a few things and letting me copy his Himalayan video intro!
    00:00 - 14:52 - Trail Life Film
    14:53 - 28:42 - Unusual Tips
    28:43 - 32:14 - Big Problem
    mount everest
    mt everest base camp
    mt everest

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @MattShafter
    @MattShafter  14 днів тому +2

    Comment below on what you liked or what you didn't like. Please share with your travel friends - button is right there 👆

  • @curtismiller6318
    @curtismiller6318 5 днів тому +1

    Loved the video. Brought back many great memories. We did the trip right after Nepal reopened from COVID. We thought the trip we had planned for over a year would be cancelled. Nepal reopened just a few days before our trek. Because of this, the tea houses were all essentially empty and the locals were very happy to see us. We got to base camp and were literally the only ones there! It was an amazing experience. In fact, I agree it beats most other treks (coming from someone who has done the Camino de Santiago, Patagonia O trek, the Inca trail,...all great in their own right, but not as breathtaking, pun intended, as EBC!). Thanks for letting us relive our experience.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  5 днів тому

      Wow!! The EBC all to yourself!

  • @Samywater-l1v
    @Samywater-l1v 6 днів тому +1

    I did the same trek and faced all the same situations as you did. We are so thankful to our local guide company, Alpine Ramble Treks, and our guide. They were extremely helpful throughout the trek. We are glad that we chose them; their services at the tea houses were amazing and different from those of other tour providers. Overall, this trek is amazing, and I agree with you; it is a trip of a lifetime.

  • @tapioportimo2551
    @tapioportimo2551 15 днів тому +4

    I have been going to Nepal for 40 years already and the weather/rain/haziness situation has been getting worse all the time. Monsoon has been lingering much longer lately, 30 years ago it usually just turned off in late September and no rains after that at all. If one wants to make sure the weather is clear, go in mid November to mid December. Yes, colder, but clear, and less trekkers also.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  15 днів тому

      I’ll definitely go next time around that time. I have a really good video concept for the future.

  • @dhrubaadhikari4778
    @dhrubaadhikari4778 6 днів тому +1

    Great informative video. I did solo trek from 22- 31 May, 2024. I had also same problem as you in Gorakhshep.

  • @CPerry-bu1ni
    @CPerry-bu1ni 15 днів тому +2

    Loved how you created this film with the trek at the start. New subscriber - love your work!

  • @Gmamapolly
    @Gmamapolly 8 днів тому +1

    Just happened upon your video & channel. Excellent cinematography…loved it. Great information too👍🏻👍🏻
    Hope to see more videos like this one.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  7 днів тому

      Thank you Polly!!! I appreciate you!

  • @huertodoxia9630
    @huertodoxia9630 17 днів тому +2

    Awesome shots and best tips and info. Thanks a lot!

  • @harnakshadowclaw5964
    @harnakshadowclaw5964 18 днів тому +4

    Thanks for the great explanation Matt! Fantastic shots and advice

  • @bebe-zn1xk
    @bebe-zn1xk 14 днів тому +1

    Beautiful film Matt, really enjoyed experiencing your adventures! Pee bottle!

  • @JJ-mf8ru
    @JJ-mf8ru 11 годин тому +1

    Great informative video Matt!

  • @mgaewsj
    @mgaewsj 12 днів тому +1

    great video and great info! a couple of questions: when did you start/stop taking Diamox? did you use tap water (purifying/filtering it) or did you have it boiled at the tea houses?

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  11 днів тому +1

      Started the night before lukla. On water, we probably bought 80% of our water, but we mistakenly defaulted to our normal water filters. We had no issues, but next time ill bring a steripen.

  • @vanCapere
    @vanCapere 18 днів тому +2

    Did it this year as well and honestly: I was happy to be back home... Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing experience for sure. But I personally do enjoy hiking and alpinism in the European alps (or the Sierra Nevada which I visited a few weeks ago) way more.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  18 днів тому

      What’s your alps and Sierra favorites?

    • @vanCapere
      @vanCapere 18 днів тому +1

      @@MattShafter Oh it’s a lot in the alps - have had a wonderful time no matter which part of them. :)
      You can’t go wrong with the Dolomites or the Stoneman Glaciara route in Switzerland.
      Also for a little bit more technical: Gran Paradiso is a great 4000m peak to do.
      In the Sierra Nevada I enjoyed Whitney via mountaineer’s route and back down along the switchbacks. Hiking Clouds Rest in Yosemite was also a great outing. :)

  • @GregSkisBC
    @GregSkisBC 16 днів тому +1

    Thanks Matt! Excellent cinematography. I like the caption thing with environmental sounds and music. I'm headed to the Himalaya this fall/winter.

    • @GregSkisBC
      @GregSkisBC 16 днів тому +1

      Also, what camera(s) did you use?

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  16 днів тому

      Thanks!!! Share with your friends!

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  16 днів тому

      Lumix S5II

  • @SarahWRose
    @SarahWRose 8 днів тому +1

    Thank you for this video and this comprehensive list. I am not doing the EBC trek but I'm doing a part of the Annapurna Circuit. I have real questions about the shoes - my trekking company really recommends sturdy waterproof hiking boots and then I see so many UA-camrs that recommend light trainers. I just tried to break in some new Goretex boots this weekend and my feet were destroyed so it's a bit of a process trying to figure this out. I'll be walking for over ten days at the end of October, beginning of November. Any thoughts out there would be appreciated!

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  8 днів тому +1

      I think I passed by it too quickly in my video, but I was saying bring trainers in addition to goretex boots. It’s the best combo.

  • @PerforatedPaperboy
    @PerforatedPaperboy 16 днів тому +1

    this video was brilliantly done....

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  16 днів тому

      Thanks PP! lol ....I appreciate it!!

  • @tim_conway6861
    @tim_conway6861 14 днів тому +1

    Super interesting to see the Platypus filter. I always use a Sawyer Squeeze for backpacking and have wondered about this type of filter for EBC. I was kind of under the impression that one needed a filter that could handle virus level sizes?

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  14 днів тому +2

      I think you’re right. We were told fiber filters were ok, saw other people using them and had no problems but yeh, I just defaulted to my normal filtering. But this area IS the use case for a steripen. Hrmmmm I’ll change my lighterpack.

    • @tim_conway6861
      @tim_conway6861 14 днів тому +1

      @@MattShafter Good to know! We're planning a late October 2025 EBC trip. Your video was one of the most helpful we've watched. Thanks!

  • @arnprasad
    @arnprasad 15 днів тому +1

    From the header, thought you were the first person in the world to trek all the way to the peak!!! Been there two times. Highly recommended. Can easily be done solo as long as one is physically able. logistics can be easily taken care of. One can take bus and walk to Lukla as well if one doesnt want to fly to Lukla..have done this in 2019. But yeah...always recommended to take a guide

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  15 днів тому

      Hi. Wouldn’t it be called “climbing” then? I don’t want to create confusion but I also want a short title.

    • @arnprasad
      @arnprasad 15 днів тому +1

      @@MattShafter hi.if u dont mention base camp..sometimes one might misinterpret as the actual peak like I did

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  14 днів тому +1

      @@arnprasad Yes my average view duration numbers are high though, so I don’t think too many are confused. Thanks!

  • @robertjohnson6299
    @robertjohnson6299 17 днів тому +1

    Awesome video presentation plus gear comments, letting the scenery do the talking is refreshing. Did some of this region in 1989 (so little has changed overall), 100% agree on using Trekking Company. I did not and the logistics issues became the biggest obstacle to the trip plus it felt like I was always on the edge of failure, which happened too many times. Staying healthy (especially guts/lungs/hydration) was the biggest deal for myself and most other Trekkers I met regardless of experience/age/fitness. Dehydration at altitude is exponential and doesn't always trigger a thirst sensation. Looking forward to more content on this level. Cheers from the WA Cascades.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  17 днів тому +1

      I did my best to minimize people in the shots. I would bet huge money that it was WAY less busy. Wish I could have seen it back then.

    • @robertjohnson6299
      @robertjohnson6299 17 днів тому +1

      I did a combination of the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek and the Annapurna Circuit over 3 1/2 weeks. Starting and finishing out of Pokhara was great. I would still recommend that region even with increased visitors as you have noted. I was carrying 20# and thought I was being ultralight. At the old Annapurna base camp which was pretty spartan for accommodations (think blue tarps over low stacked rock walls) one could get dal baht and tea if lucky.

  • @andrewsilfen73
    @andrewsilfen73 18 днів тому +1

    Great video. Thanks for sharing!

  • @Essamalbusaidi
    @Essamalbusaidi 18 днів тому +1

    Great job Matthew 👏🏼
    Love the work

  • @cn8529
    @cn8529 17 днів тому +2

    I was there in Nov/Dec 2023 and the air quality in Kathmandu was terrible. You couldn’t see more than a KM, brown haze. Clear in the mountains, but lots of smoke from yak dung at the higher elevations.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  17 днів тому

      Yeh, it’s NOT a healthy area!

  • @Truth-Seeker75
    @Truth-Seeker75 18 днів тому +1

    Epic! Man, storytelling at its finest.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  17 днів тому +1

      Thanks! The video isn’t doing too well with my gear audience though. UA-cam doesn’t have the brain power to match a new audience to a new viewer!

    • @Truth-Seeker75
      @Truth-Seeker75 17 днів тому

      @@MattShafter Ha! I figured you’d say that and I believe that’s exactly what you predicted when you decided to make this move. Two audiences - gear and scenery - with likely some blended. Good for me because I like both - so do whatever you want to do and it’s fine by me!

  • @CPerry-bu1ni
    @CPerry-bu1ni 15 днів тому +1

    Absolutely brilliant video, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Great tips regarding gear. Just a question about the Trail runners - if you go up to EBC around April time, would you recommend taking boots for further up the Trail or could you use Trail runners all the way? Also,What are your thoughts on rental sleeping bags? Would you recommend purchasing these before hand or are the rental bags good enough quality. Great tip about the larger bag! Thank you

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  15 днів тому

      Take trail runners in addition to boots, yes! The rental gear didn’t look bad. I would go handle a -5 to -10C bag at a store and then get a comparable bag in Thamel.

    • @karipintakivi9153
      @karipintakivi9153 8 днів тому +1

      I have visited upper Khumbu/EBC 5 times, thrice with joggers or trail runners. I have even climbed to Lho La 6000m behind EBC with joggers. I would never take boots up there anymore.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  8 днів тому

      @@karipintakivi9153 yeh! It’s not a technical trail. When I saw porters wearing sandals I was like 😳

    • @karipintakivi9153
      @karipintakivi9153 8 днів тому +1

      @@MattShafter Too bad I can not put a picture of two porters with loads crossing Lamjura La 3500m pass in snow, barefoot... In 2006 when crossing Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit a father with about 9 year old daughter had climbed up from the Muktinath side (1600m climb) barefoot and were heading to Manang. Meaning that they were hiking 2-3 days worth of trekking trail over a 5400m pass in one day, without shoes. Just to put this shoe dilemma in perspective.

  • @OrangemanRising
    @OrangemanRising 18 днів тому +1

    World class video, congratulations!

  • @trailtocamp
    @trailtocamp 18 днів тому +2

    Great information, thank you.

  • @Colby168
    @Colby168 18 днів тому +1

    Looks Amazing!

  • @tapioportimo2551
    @tapioportimo2551 15 днів тому +1

    About the trail footage: no video from "Kala Pattar" or Pumori ridge to be more exact. The South Col and Camp 4 can be seen from there. Did you not climb there?

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  15 днів тому

      There were some health issues going on in the party. Remember it’s just “my” trek.

  • @tavabarrows
    @tavabarrows 18 днів тому +1

    AWESOME!❤❤❤

  • @dorababupenumala
    @dorababupenumala 14 годин тому +1

    I want to go there , any advice for me 😅

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  13 годин тому

      @@dorababupenumala nothing other than what’s in the video!

  • @pgreenx
    @pgreenx 17 днів тому +1

    You are braver than me. I fly small planes about 4 times per week and would never get on that plane. Deal breaker for me.
    Agree with The topo traverse and a pee bottle. They are my two favorite pieces of gear.
    Ps. I always “like” your vids. Excellent production and information.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  17 днів тому

      That landing and especially take off were the worst parts of the trip lol THANK YOU

    • @karipintakivi9153
      @karipintakivi9153 8 днів тому +3

      It is also possible to drive to the road head and walk if you have bit more time, like one week more. I have walked the Jiri - Namche part 5 times so far, takes about 8 days. Now the road extends much closer, only 3-4 days from Namche. Not necessary to make a detour to Lukla.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  8 днів тому

      @@karipintakivi9153 that’s good to know!

  • @mark1980100
    @mark1980100 9 днів тому

    Its easier to do it with a trekking company, but whether or not it is better is subjective. You can't really compare trekking with a guide and doing it entirely on your own. It is easy to organise yourself, but it involves taking a bit more responsibilty

    • @karipintakivi9153
      @karipintakivi9153 8 днів тому +1

      One should also understand that you can basically have 2 different treks with a guide: 1) let him be the boss and decide everything. Some guides think this what they should to and actl like. 2) Making all important decision yourself and using the guide just as a fixer, helper, interpreter, even a porter (porter-guide). In this style trekking is easy, you retain all your independence, you decide the pace, route, where to stay overnight, choice of lodges etc. But you need not arrange transportation, fix delayed flights, can communicate better with locals etc.

    • @mark1980100
      @mark1980100 8 днів тому

      @@karipintakivi9153 Ultimately it is a personal decision to go with a guide or not. For some people, they feel more comfortable having everything arranged (accommodation and transport etc). I am just saying that all of that is very straightforward anyway in the Khumbu. It is easy to get transport arranged, it is generally easy enough to get accommodation yourself. If you are worried about the next place, then get them to call ahead. The only places where there can be an issue would be Lobuche or Gorakshep. If you need your flight changed, many guesthouses will be able to organize this for you. Navigation on the EBC is really easy, download the google map and GPS will show you your location.
      If you do it yourself, you need to take full responsibility for acclimatization. This could mean making the call to go back down yourself and you probably need to ere on the side of caution here, more so than when you are on a guided trip. It is a completely different thing to do it on your own (without guide, porter or companions), but it is quite easy to organize and I would encourage people to try it if they are interested. It is like the difference between hiking part of a the Appalachian trail yourself or doing it in a guided trip with 6 other people, completely different.

    • @mark1980100
      @mark1980100 7 днів тому

      @@karipintakivi9153 It is easy to arrange accommodation and transport yourself, the guesthouses can help with rescheduling flights etc. Navigation in the Khumbu is also easy with a download of the google map of the area and GPS. Of course doing it with a guide makes is easier still, but it is easy to do yourself and with a greater sense of achievement. I would encourage people to do it on their own if they are interested, of course if they prefer to do it guided that is good too

  • @tapioportimo2551
    @tapioportimo2551 15 днів тому +3

    You made one major mistake: going up and down via Tengboche and not via Mong La - Phortse - Pangpoche High Scenic Trail. Look at the map at 9:26 . The Phortse high trail offers vastly more impressive views high across the valley, lots of wildlife and practically no other trekkers. Only come down via Tengboche. Guides are lazy and act like there was only one route available, also afraid to suggest anything out of the ordinary. Only a few innovative major trekking agencies, all western ones, offer the Phortse route to their clients and everybody loves it.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  15 днів тому +1

      Yeh I’ll check that out next time.

    • @tapioportimo2551
      @tapioportimo2551 15 днів тому +2

      @@MattShafter I have been there 5 times since 1985, so there will be a next time for you also... I have walked the Phortse - Pangpoche high route 5 times since 1998, much better than the Tengboche low trail 98% of trekkers use.

  • @RC-qf3mp
    @RC-qf3mp 17 днів тому +1

    I went down the Everest rabbit hole a while back - could stop learning about all the gruesome deaths and horror stories and environmental disasters. Kind of sours my interest in ever going there.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  17 днів тому +1

      I only died three times, so you SHOULD be ok.

  • @humbertsmith8864
    @humbertsmith8864 10 днів тому

    Viewers should be aware that this is just the short version...NOT the complete trek. Full EBC is much longer.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  10 днів тому

      What does the “Full EBC” entail?

    • @humbertsmith8864
      @humbertsmith8864 10 днів тому +1

      @@MattShafter Jiri is the starting point of EBC. Rather than fly or Jeep up, the trail supports the villages along the way.

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  9 днів тому

      @@humbertsmith8864 I see. That would be an amazing adventure!

    • @humbertsmith8864
      @humbertsmith8864 9 днів тому

      @@MattShafter Yes...I loved it...also added Pikey along the way

  • @trading4waves
    @trading4waves 18 днів тому +2

    loved it man. i'm proud to be the first

  • @sarahbaniewcz3802
    @sarahbaniewcz3802 18 днів тому +1

    Did you even know you were hiking to Everest Base Camp?

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  18 днів тому

      I kept asking yaks for directions!

  • @hikerliz
    @hikerliz 18 днів тому +1

    Did you go on your own, not with a guide? Never mind, if I would have watched more before asking the question I would have had my answer

  • @furiousdoe7779
    @furiousdoe7779 8 днів тому +1

    Matt …your headliner is talking nonsense …

  • @nedanother9382
    @nedanother9382 18 днів тому +2

    totally not about you personally.
    In 2024, I believe that going to or climbing mount everest is akin to traveling to North Korea. There is simply no pourose but morbid quriosity. Its disgusting puts everyones life in danger and supports a government that is corrupt. That one would wait in a line hundreds of people deep to do something special...how is it special. I think being in line at starbucks is nearly as bad (I make my own now) everything but walking is done for you. You wait for hours all the while dying inside for your turn after the other fools get off the spot. I can think of nothing less I'd like to do. almost garantee zero success or death. I love climbing to the top of a mountain...its perfect...with about three people.
    peace

  • @duhawmatlangchhan3929
    @duhawmatlangchhan3929 7 днів тому

    Lmfao who care the care the trek, it's the view that people r flocking for its not u.a.e nor china what do you expect a pave road 😂😂 lol

    • @MattShafter
      @MattShafter  7 днів тому

      I’d like a FULL report of how drunk you were when you wrote this sentence….

  •  18 днів тому +2

    Not if but when. Let’s go. 🏔️