Internationale groepsreis Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

I throughly enjoyed the trek, it was the experience of a lifetime. So many memories I will never forget. The expertise of the Exodus guides was certainly an integral part of the enjoyment of my trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The summit of Goyko Ri, with the exceptional panaromic views of the mountain. This was a particularly challenging walk as it snowed the day before our hike up to the top. But this made it all the more beautiful and rewarding as we slipped at slide all the way down!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Lhakpa Tenzing Sherpa was an excellant leader. He made everyone feel safe, well fed and looked after. He made the trek extra special for us by letting us meet members of his family.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

To hire kit in Nepal from Shona's Trekking gear, as its very reasonably priced and good quality equipment.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The price of the trek is quite expensive. I was pleased that we had the choice of food and could budget for our own food, but I felt the price of the whole trip should have reflected the fact that accomdation is very reasonably priced and no equipment was provided by exodus (such as crampons!).

Ellen

Goede communicatie met nederlandse kantoor over deelname aan reis van Exodus, al het papierwerk en alle lokale logistiek was goed geregeld. Enthousiaste en kundige reisbegeleiders. Trip notes hadden duidelijke verwachtingen geschept. Enige nadeel: veel groepsleden hadden behoefte aan rustdag tussen pasovergang Cho La en EBC-dag

Full Marks 10 out of 10

This trip was everything I expected, and wanted. A journey up the relatively quiet Gokyo valley, then some very strenuous days, and then a relatively easy, but busy descent down the Khumbu. Crossing Cho La was hard but one of the best days. Our Leader,Silas, and guides Mingma and Pembar, were excellent. Also a word for our 4 porters, they did an incredible job,always willing, happy and smiling. My previous 2 trips to Nepal were in tents, but no more for me, the Tea houses make for a much more pleasant trip. This trip is long enough and varied enough, and strenuous enough to satisfy most people,and give a broad and varied look at life in this amazing country. Thanks

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Crossing Cho La

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

WI Fi is very common throughout most of the trip, much more common than mobile, although often unreliable. Take a solar powered battery bank,very useful. Most of us spent about £20/day out on the trails. Views on Diamox were mixed, some took it others not, we all managed to hit the high spots without any altitude problems.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Worth the extra few days!

If you want to see Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar but don't just want to go up the valley and back down again, this is the trip to choose assuming you can spare the extra few days. This longer circuit, taking in both Gokyo Ri and one of the High Passes (Cho La), is well worth it: it's quieter, has stunning views in its own right and will allow you more acclimatisation time prior to the regular Everest bits. I can safely say it was the most varied, wonderful and fulfilling 15 days' walking I've ever done, and I'd recommend it to anyone with two feet and a head for heights.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Having a long-awaited glass of wine at the Everest View Hotel on a perfectly clear morning (trek day 14) - that was pretty special. The views from Gokyo Ri, Cho La, EBC and Kala Pattar were more staggering than I'd ever have believed, and the routes in between these high places were beautiful as well. But the biggest inspiration was seeing how the local Nepalese people have bounced back from disaster and continue to make their way in the world. Tourism is the lifeline of that region and it felt good to contribute to their ongoing recovery.

What did you think of your group leader?

I'd had a great leader on my previous Exodus trip (Hamid on the Peaks and Valleys of the High Atlas) so I'd booked this specific trip because I'd heard good things about Valerie Parkinson. I wasn't disappointed: she *is* Exodus in Nepal and made a great trip into a glorious one. Everything went like clockwork without any fuss or bother; she lives and breathes her job; and she's happy to share her seemingly limitless knowledge. Full marks, and then some!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

In no particular order... There's a lot of climbing but the distances aren't too far. I wasn't able to do much in the way of appropriate preparation walking but I cycle regularly, and this helped build the thighs up for the ascents - definitely worth considering if you can't get some prep walks in before you go. I took a Steripen with me to save having to buy "mineral water" which is effectively only UV-filtered anyway - this helps reduce plastic bottle waste and also pays for itself over the course of this one holiday. A water bladder for the backpack is better for ensuring you take on enough liquid whilst walking, though a bottle is also vital in case the tube freezes in the early mornings (happened to me once). I also invested in a 16,000 mA power pack from RavPower, which, although heavy, was enough to recharge my Steripen 4 times, my camera 4 times, my phone once, plus someone else's phone and camera, and still have 20% or so left over - much better than trying to charge your devices at the lodges, trust me. There's plenty of snacking material for purchase in lodges (bars, Pringles, chocolates and the like) so there's no real need to bring stuff out with you unless you have specific requirements/tastes - this also helps you keep below the 10+5kg weight limit on the plane. I managed the whole trek without taking diamox (though a couple of Ibuprofen were needed one night to suppress the altitude headaches) or using trekking poles (that may just be a personal thing - most people used them). Mobile and Internet access is available in most places but is sketchy above Namche Bazaar so I didn't bother, and it was liberating. Bring a pair of comfortable earplugs if you have difficulty sleeping - there can be a lot of snoring at altitude and the lodge walls are mostly plywood so don't exactly cut out the noise from neighbouring rooms. I managed with a good 3-season sleeping bag since all lodges have blankets/quilts to provide extra layers (travelling in March/April). There are more Western-style toilets than you might have feared but you will need to use squat toilets before the end of the trip, promise... And when you're back in Kathmandu make sure you go to Fire & Ice for a pizza/dessert - what a treat!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my second Exodus trip and my second 5-star review. If I could have given this 6 stars I would have because I enjoyed every minute - yes, even the 04:30 wake-ups. This is a special trip in a special country, and if you get the weather and a bit of luck like we did, you too could have a trip of a lifetime to the roof of the world.

Everest base Camp and gokyo lakes

I had an amazing holiday with Exodus around trekking to Everest base camp and which included Gokyo Lakes. The trek left from kathmandu and was a 16 day trek in total. We were met with our amazing host Ngima at the Hotel Singhi in Kathmandu. He joined us on the first day for breakfast, sat with us and chatted for an hour, and stayed with us for the following 16 days round the clock. He was absolutely fantastic. He was so supportive to all of us, always looking out for everyone. We knew we ould call on him in the middle of the night if we were ill. This is quite a tough trek, and not one I would like to do without a guide. Ngima and our team of guides and sheraps amde this trip so enjoyable. They not only guided us, and helped us through the tough climbs, (and I could not have done the Chola pass without them), but they looked after us when we became ill and made sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. Ngima really did go out of his way to make sure we had a good experience. He even brought us on a night out in Kathmandu and stayed with us until we all got to the airport to fly back home. It was wonderful to do this trek with Ngima, knowing that he was there to help if anything went wrong. We climbed to Namche bazaar, and from there did the tour of the gokyo lakes which were stunning. We were lucky to have a great group travelling with us from the UK which made the trip so enjoyable. From here we climbed the Chola pass. Oh my goodness, that was tough! Not for the faint hearted! it was the most difficult part of the trip but Im so glad I did it. I couldn't have done it without the guides who held my hand all the way up that mountain and helped me reach the top! They have unswerving patience! Everest base camp seemed so easy when compared to the Chola pass! And we skipped all the way downhill back to kathmandu from there!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the summit of the Chola pass. I could finally breathe, relax, and take in the beauty around me, it's so stunning

What did you think of your group leader?

I love Ngima!!! He is just incredible! So attentive to all of us. He didn't miss a beat! There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. And he is so much fun too! He made our trip as great as it was. We were so lucky to have him!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're scared of heights, avoid the Chola pass! And take the easier route to Everest base camp! But if you can brave it, its well worth it! Bring lot's of paracetamol with you for headaches! Oh and bring a hot water bottle with you! it keeps you lovely and toasty on those cold nights Oh nd bring a pack of cards.......

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Exodus way exceeded my expectations. Im already looking at what trip I can do next! Thank you for a very well organised holiday and looking after us so well

Awesome

Absolutely excellent trip, beautiful surrounding, amazing people and a challenge to remember!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip was an amazing experience and also a challenge that won't be forgotten for a long while to come. The Gokyo lakes are beautiful and definitely worth seeing. The Cho la pass is a hard day of walking and scrambling but The achievement of finishing it is worth it. The leader, the guide and assistant guides and also porters were all fantastic and a credit to Exodus and couldn't have been more helpful throughout. The accommodation on the whole was as good as could be expected for the height and accessibility and all the staff were helpful and welcoming everywhere we went.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was excellent, he couldn't have been more helpful, friendly or knowledgable about the trip, nothing was too much trouble day or night.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is not for the faint hearted, it is very hard walking/scrambling on a couple of the days and much harder than the normal Everst base camp trek.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One for the bucket list

Tough but rewarding trip with a great bunch of people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Though not for the faint-hearted, the magnificent and rugged landscape, the tough/arduous trekking, and the tranquility of the journey allows you to put things into perspective. This, combined with a fantastic group of people, made for a most enjoyable and memorable trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ngima was an inspirational leader, always there with encouragement and humour to ease our journey. Ngima kept us informed throughout our trek and, along with his chief and assistant guides, made this a hugely memorable (and educational) experience for our group. (I think a special mention for the porters and Yak driver is in order; these guys, through their hard work and efforts, made the logistically challenging task of moving sixteen people's kit look easy. The work that the whole team put in made this trip a seamless and enjoyable experience. Well done all!)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a tough but rewarding trip that is both physically and, at times, mentally demanding. While the group interactions and dynamics can help with mental side of things, the physical is something only you have control over; preparation is key to ensure that you are prepared for (and adapt to) the tough trekking and altitude that you will encounter. Without a doubt I think almost all of my group found the trek difficult at one stage or another, but the fitter and more prepared that you are the better and more enjoyable the trip will be.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip of a lifetime!

This trip is incredible! It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but well worth it and I am so pleased I did it! The guides were fantastic, up early every morning to get us ready and last to bed at night, working non-stop to make the experience as good as possible! A week after I got back to the UK I was still shell-shocked about what I had achieved and just bowled over by the whole experience. The world is there to be seen! :)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Base Camp!! - Has to be really doesn't it, iconic place and great atmosphere when you get there! Such a sense of achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ngima was just incredible, most of the guides caught colds and chest infections while we were out there but they kept going with their unending enthusiasm and good spirits! They were always there when we had bad days and never stopped watching us to make sure we were having a good time!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

To get the most out of this trip I really would recommend a few things. Pack light! Take loads of photos. Enjoy every minute! Most of all I really believe I would have enjoyed it more if I had done some serious hill walking training - I made it with barely any training in that department although a reasonable level of general fitness but I think I would have benefited from more training on hills!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are in two minds - just book it! The Nepali people are some of the nicest I have ever met and this is such an amazing experience. It's really put my privileged life into perspective!

Trip of a lifetime!

This trip is hard work, the altitude is hard work and some days I thought I could walk any further, but it was so worth it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The group were awesome and getting to base camp with everyone was great fun!

What did you think of your group leader?

Ngima and the guides were funny, supportive and very knowledgable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

My Walking sticks were so useful!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'm So glad I did this trip

Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes

Truly the hardest but the most amazing trip I've ever done. An excellent trip from start to finish. We were looked after by the best leader and guides and we had the best group to trek with. Awesome!!!!!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many but to list a few.... my first view of amazing Everest; trekking past the beautiful Gokyo lakes; reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri with amazing Himalayan views (so tough but so worth it); reaching the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass,

What did you think of your group leader?

Our Group Leader, Gele was incredible! He took such care of us each day with patience and sensitivity. He took the time to get to know us all as well as sharing his stories. Gele was dedicated, attentive, informative, caring and supportive, a fantastic team leader. The entire Exodus team was great, very friendly and always there to offer assistance.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trek is very difficult however if you listen to your guides and take it slow and easy you will have an amazing experience. Equipment: This is very important, if you go without the proper equipment you will fail. A good water proof Gortex jacket is a must. You will need a good down jacket for the tea houses Boots: Good worn in boots are critical to your success. Make sure they are very comfortable and supportive around the ankles. Layers: Take wicking material (don't forget good thermal underwear) – Icebreaker rules Invest in a good sleeping bag; Crampons for the glacier; Protein bars and beef jerky Finally listen to your guides! They know best.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't keep thinking about it - do it! Exodus have a fantastic reputation and there is no doubt that I will continue to travel with them for many years to come.

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

This spectacular trip is well within the grasp of most reasonably fit individuals whatever the age. Got the time? Go for it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My most inspirational moment was reaching the top of Kala Pattar on my own soaking up the view leading up the Western Cwm to the summit of Everest. I made it just before sun-up and had the great mountain to myself (EBC had closed for business so noone was summiting either), shortly before the rest of the group brought a violoent catabatic wind with them which nearly tore us all from the ridge. Very exciting!

What did you think of your group leader?

Superb. That'll do.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I will just add a few tips – they may seem obvious but easily forgotten. - You are trekking at altitude – it’s going to be cold. - You are trekking at altitude – its going to be exhausting. - You are trekking every day, that’s right, EVERY DAY. Get used to the idea. - You are trekking in a very poor country – the toilet facilities are likely not to be up to your high standards. Also if you are very fit and used to carrying your own gear on your own, you may well find the pace frustrating, constantly walking in single file annoying and the fact that porter is carrying your stuff difficult to stomach. It can feel that, rather than trekking to the Himalayas, you are being taken there. But just remember it is often the very fit who succumb to AMS because they attack the climb too fast. Be grateful for being held back. Bistari, bistari my friend. With these caveats in mind, it is still a once in a lifetime experience and so very well worth it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I joined my Exodus group after trekking up independently from Jiri so was quite well acclimatised to both altitude and culture. It must be pretty tough to fly straight into Lukla, a reasonable altitude of 2680m and get trekking straight away. It’s not as easy as some make out. When you reach Kathmandu, it is easy to consider the trek up to EBC to be ‘a walk in the park’. Well I suppose literally it is, but that’s not the point.  By-and-large our group coped admirably with the gradually intensifying physical demands. I think we were also lucky to have a great collection of folks who all had something to contribute. In a tight and claustrophobic social environment it’s easy for tempers to fray and resentments to fester but I don’t think there was really a crossed word. On the whole the group embraced each challenge and supported each other through the tough bits. We were even more lucky to be led by Gum, Bena, Gopal and Lakpa (I hope i spelled their names correctly). Patient, professional and always cheerful. It was a great pleasure to trek with them.

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A fantastic holiday, with a mix of short days and relaxation and more challenging climbs.  A real holiday of a lifetime!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of the Cho La pass and looking down on the Glacier, then turning the corner and looking down the valley to Ama Dablam - the thrill of reaching the top of the pass and then the views were truly inspirational.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sukman was excellent and very attentive.  He was continuously checking with us for signs of AMS and advising us so that we stayed healthy.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Remember that this trip is at high altitude, drink the recommended about of water / liquid (I topped up on hot drinks in the teahouses), the recommended ascent is 400m a day - this means that some days you will be in the teahouses by 11.00am - if you are expecting to be walking for full days then this is not the trip for you.  Allow yourself time to rest when you reach altitude.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a fantastic and well-organised holiday - the trip notes are accurate and make sure you read them before you go.  The climb of Cho La pass is a tough one and undulating terrain in Nepal is not quite the same as in the UK.

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Truely the hardest but the most amazing trip I've ever done...the wonderful memories will stay with me forever.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many but to list a few....the amazing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and seeing the Himalayas above the clouds at sunrise; my first view of amazing Everest; trekking past the beautiful Gokyo lakes during snowfall; reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri with amazing Himalayan views (so tough but so worth it); meeting successful Everest summitters, a real honour; the wonderful snapshots of Himalayan life along the way.

What did you think of your group leader?

10/10! Lhakpa was attentive, informative, caring and supportive, a fantastic team leader. Him and our other guides, Kaji, Kami and Nima, were all wonderful and all brought different strengths to the group.They worked together as a fantastic team to allow us all to achieve our dreams and goals, always friendly, kind and optimistic along the way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

First of all, if you are reading these reviews wondering if you should book this trip then...yes! Do it! Now! And, definitely, if you can, book the Gokyo lakes trip as opposed to basic base camp as the lakes are stunning and you get to see more of this wonderful region. If you are comparing Exodus to other companies then all I can say is I could not fault them, would heartily recommend them to friends and definitely book with them again. I was pleased I stayed in teahouses as opposed to camping and it was good that we were able to choose our meals as opposed to getting set meals cooked for us. The sleeping bag I hired through Exodus was fab and I wasn't at all cold at night (and I really feel the cold)...I had the sleeping bag, a silk liner and also a metal water bottle which I could get filled with boiling water every night and put in a sock to act as a brilliant hot water bottle. It is really worth taking a camelbak/platypus for easy hydration on the go.   I would recommend Icebreaker (or other merino wool) thermal baselayers to keep you toasty warm and to take multiple base layers as well as a good fleece and down jacket as the temperatures vary a lot. Take a good thin pair of liner gloves so you don't need to have bare hands and don't have to take your gloves off every time to do something. Take lots of hand gel and over-use it, we all did and none of us got tummy bugs. People who had UK mobiles found they worked better than those who had Nepalese sims and we got reception some of the time when trekking so we could call and text home, even at base camp! Be aware of the weight restrictions for the Lukla flight - 12kg for hold luggage and 3kg for hand luggage so weigh and prioritise before you go (and you can leave some changes of clothes and other bits safely at the hotel in Kathmandu). Read as much about Everest and the region before you go to fully appreciate the wonder of the region.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just ask questions, take photos and soak in every moment (and start a kitty for the next trip as, as soon as you get home, you'll want to go straight back to the mountains again!)

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

This trip was a great adventure, combining the thrill of superb mountain scenery with the achievements of crossing the Cho La Pass and reaching Everest Base Camp. We gained a fascinating insight into the sherpa culture and lifestyle. At the same time it was a really tough trek! 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was a great thrill to get to Base Camp and see the profusion of coloured flags, both prayer flags and national flags, that surround the cairn. I was not expecting to see anything at Base Camp out of the climbing season, but it seems like a place of pilgrimage in honour of the many climbers, including our sherpa guide Kaji, that have reached the summit of Everest from there. Also, it was a real eye-opener to see the huge loads carried by the sherpa porters up and down the many precipitous paths along these valleys. Almost everything needed in the villages, apart from basic foodstuffs, has to be carried up; these guys are a breed apart.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Gele, was very experienced and exuded an air of calm competence. He was very knowledgable about the whole area. He was very supportive and always on hand to help or offer advice, without being intrusive.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a very tough trek, being 15 days continuous walking, the majority of which are above 4000 metres and several above 5000 metres. Although there are some shorter days, most days are 6 to 8 hours with a lot of steep ascent or descent. For comparison, this is much tougher than a Kilimanjaro trek, which is all over in 6 days. Getting supplies of drinking water is an issue. Many walkers felt the need to buy bottled mineral water, which gets increasingly expensive the higher you get, since it is all carried in. But adding sterilisation tablets to the local tap water is a perfectly safe alternative at essentially zero cost.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some of the teahouses are very basic in the provision of toilet and washing facilities, the latter sometimes no more than an outside cold tap. So don't expect too much!

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

This was a brilliant trip and offers a more interesting walk than just going up to Everest Base Camp and back the same way. You walk round in a loop so each day is different and the view from Gokyo Ri is not to be missed!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was brilliant to complete the whole trip - Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. Seeing Everest for the first time was amazing and then seeing it up close from Kala Pattar was a real highlight.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nothing was too much trouble for Pasang. He was a brilliant leader and was seriously tested on our trip. Due to bad weather in Lukla he had been stuck there for 5 days with a school party. Shortly after they left our group arrived. We were also 2 days late because of the weather but Pasang changed our whole intinerary and fit a 15 trek into 13 days. He got all of our group all the way round the trip and made us laugh along the way. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead our trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You are very likely to come down with a cold and cough so make sure you have cold and flu medication and lots of strepsiles and throat sweets. The tea houses all have thick blankets and duvets so a good synthetic sleeping bag is fine ( a down bag is not essential). I down jacket did come in handy in the evenings and on several of the days.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a fantastic trip but it was hard work. I would recommend this trip to anyone but you need to have a strong desire to do the trip yourself. It is hard work and some of the days are very long so you need determination to do the trip but the rewards are worth every penny and every step. Exodus were fantastic as well. We were delayed by 2 days because of bad weather in Lukla but Exodus kept us up to date all of the time and did all of the negotiating at the airport and ensured we got to Lukla on the first day the flights were going again. Exodus are clearly well connected in the area and all of the tea houses they use are a good standard.

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Owing to bad weather we lost 4 days of the trek because we were unable to get to Lukla and this meant that the Goyko Lakes and Cho La section was cancelled. Exodus did in the end organise helicopters so we were able to make it to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar. I am still disappointed at missing Gokyo and the Cho la pass but the trek was fantastic and the helicopter journey was a great experience. I was on my own and the only female in the group, but it worked out really well. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was inspirational just being close to all those wonderful Himalayan peaks. Walking on the lateral moraine alongside the icing of the Khumbu glacier to base camp was amazing. The weather on the trek could not have been better, so the views were excellent. One advantage of the bad weather was that there were few trekkers ahead of us, so not only did we have the lodges mostly to ourselves, but it was the same at base camp and the top of Kala Pattar. Such freedom. Constant reminders of the Everest Expeditions, such as the work done by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumbu Region and knowing that we were trekking on the same paths to Base Camp taken by mountaineers determined to reach the summit of Everest. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was young, energetic, enthusiastic and he did his best for all of us. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just bear in mind that if your trek relies on a flight to Lukla, bad weather can mess things up, so be prepared for a changed itinerary. Take your credit card in case you do have to contribute towards a helicopter flight. Don't worry about being a solo traveller and the only female. You can probably put up with more discomforts than men! Take a pack of cards.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You do get very cold at night, the food is a bit boring. you go for days without a shower, the loos smell, you may get the odd headache, but I just can't wait to trek at high altitude again. 

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

The trek from beginning to end was an amazing experience made all the better for Exedus's usual attention to detail and superb organisation. This is a challenging but really superb trek which anyone with a willingness to stretch themself can do.   

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Almost too many to list but seeing Everest for the first time, the sun breaking through at Gokyo after a day walking in a blizzard, the views from Gokyo Ri and Cho La and making it to Base Camp will stay with me for many years to come.

What did you think of your group leader?

Lapka was an excellent leader. He was friendly, approachable and totally professional. His sense of fun made even the hardest of days enjoyable as did the rest of his team. They were all so encouraging and enthusiastic there was never any doubt we would all make the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you want to see Everest and trek to Base Camp then I would recommend Gokyo as a more challenging but satifying alternative to the straight Base Camp trek. The route to Gokyo is quieter and the views from Gokyo Ri and the climb over Cho La are a never to be forgotten experience. Get yourself reasonably fit before you go, follow the advice of the Exodus guides, drink plenty, keep the pace steady and have a great time. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Age is no barrier.

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

It was a great trip, but really, really hard!  The actual walking was not harder than your average day in the Lake District, but with the altitude, freezing cold nights, early starts, and basic tea house washing and toilet facilities it all added up to something of an endurance test.  I was the only woman with a load of adrenaline junkies, so needless to say I generally found myself bringing up the rear.  Come on women, get booking - don't just stick to the easier treks.  You can do it if I can!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar were great, but I got a real buzz of excitement when we arrived at Base Camp.  The climbers themselves weren't actually there yet, but there were streams of yaks and porters pouring in carrying all sorts of ridiculous things - there was a real sense of them getting ready.  The Cho La might have been beautiful, but I was in no fit state to notice - getting up there nearly killed me!

What did you think of your group leader?

Prem Gurung was our leader, and he was absolutely fantastic.  Very knowledgeable, competent, calm and fun.  He and the 2 guides - Indra and Norbu - did a great job, and one of them always kept me company at the back of the pack.  Prem kept a sharp eye on us for signs of altitude sickness, and brooked no resistance when he thought someone needed to start on Diamox.  One of our porters got altitude sickness on the Cho La (I'm not joking about how hard it was!), and they decided to quickly get him down to Pheriche 1,000m lower - no messing about: they saw the problem and acted to fix it.  Just what you need in that environment.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

All you need is to be reasonably fit, being super fit won't necessarily help.  Do some reading about altitude sickness, and take Diamox and loads of Paracetamol/Ibuprofen with you.  Not to mention Immodium!  And loads of wet wipes and hand gel.  I did manage to have a hot shower every second day, and even washed my hair twice, but in between it was very dirty.  Only take 1 bottle of biodegradeable soap - it goes a long way, especially when you rarely see water!  I took salted peanuts and dried fruit as snacks, plus Pepperami and biltong to supplement my post-Namche vegetarian diet.  As well as chocolate bars, of course.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip gave me a great idea of how the different valleys and routes around Everest all fit together, and it was interesting to see the massive range of trekkers from all nations - some in groups, some independent with guides, and some totally independent on their own (not necessarily a safe option).  I'd have a much clearer idea of what's available to do if I came back - which I probably will do, but maybe not next year!

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

I went on this trip with very little expectation or knowledge of the region - massively underprepared, however with a great bunch of people, a fantastic leader and guides I found this one of the best trips of my life. I would highly recommend it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trip had it's hard days, but it also had its easy days. A couple of us (with a guide) set of earlier than the main group on the morning of the Gokyo Ri summit, and although we missed sunrise by about 10 minutes it was such a spectacular view. I also really enjoyed the scramble to the top of the Cho La Pass, the day was long and hard but very rewarding - this was more of what I was expecting of the trip. Reaching Base Camp was amazing, there was alot of activity on the trail up, which was a bit of a shock because the route we had taken to get there past the Gokyo lakes and over the Cho La was quite quiet. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Prem was amazing. He was undoubtedly key to making the trip as enjoyable as it was. He was so easy to get on with and extremely knowledgable. We also had 2 guides, Indra and Norbu, both did a great job. Prem was always making sure we were prepared every evening for the following day, making sure we were drinking enough whilst walking, always on the lookout for signs of mountain sickness and always trying to accomodate the different demands of the group. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip doesn't necessarily demand you be at your physical peak, I certainly am not and still managed the trip, although you do need to be prepared, half of our group were on Diamox for the higher parts of the trip. The actual walking wasn't that difficult, there were a couple of long days towards the end, and a couple in the middle, but all in all it was a nice steady pace so very managable. Things I wish I had taken: more wet wipes - very handy when you haven't seen a shower for a couple of days; a thin buff or dust mask - the trails get very dusty, expecially when following a herd of yaks and finally a pack of playing cards (althogh thankflly someone else had thought of this) they help pass the time in the evenings when its snowing outside and there's nothing much else to do.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I booked this trip without much research into it, and how difficult it could be - I just want to say, don't be put off by the talk of how difficult it wan be. I'm not saying it can be done be a complete novice with no experience of trekking, but I hadn't been above 2000m before this trip, and I had only been on one walking holiday prior to this and that was only for 5 days, not quite the 16 days this was. If you have the mental stamina and reasonable fitness, book up - its more than worth it. Oh, and when you're packing, if you find you've forgotten something, or after talking to people on the first couple of days of walking realise you want something you didn't even think about packing you'll be fine, you can pick up almost anything an Namche Bazaar (even a decent coffee, and a game of pool in an irish bar)

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A strenuous but well-worth trek encompassing two spectacular and incredibly diverse valleys, encompassing two summits, a high pass and culminating in the trek to Everest Base Camp for close up views of the highest mountain in the world (when its not hidden behind the Lho La ridge).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are far too many to choose from, from the first proper sighting of everest through the tree-line heading up to Namche Bazaar, the crystal clear Gokyo lakes and the stunning cloud-strewn views from the top of Gokyo Ri, the sheer satisfaction in having reached the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass, the final trek towards the edge of the Khumbu icefall and discovering the vast tent city of Base Camp, the unrivalled views of the highest mountains on earth from the top of Kala Patthar....

What did you think of your group leader?

Jangbu Sherpa displayed tremendous knowledge of the valleys as we ascended higher up, he spent most of the time looking after the slower ones of the group and making sure they made it to the next lodge but he was sometimes reluctant from mingling with our group, we dont bite honestly! Our assistant guide Nima was always chirpy and full of enthusiasm and often led the group during the day's trekking.  Singing and dancing his way up the mountain he also got us out of bed in the morning with cups of tea and was our 'waiter' of an evening in the teahouses. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trek is not to be underestimated, its a long haul and you have to be in good fitness and good health to really enjoy it or you will struggle with it.  Dont skimp on the decent gear, particularly warm clothes for the early starts and when the weather turns (as it usually does in the afternoon).  The many days spent at high altitude does have some effect on you, be it a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping and these are to be expected in even the fittest of you, altitude can affect anyone.  The Cho La pass in particular is a definate challenge involving alot of scrambling, fairly exposed sections and the glacial travel which is often uneven and slippery underfoot unless you have full crampons on your boots.  Care is to be taken on this section as its a long day and you can easily lose concentration.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For those confident in their fitness, determination, those that relish a challenge and want to be surrounded by striking and dramatic scenary with every step, all the while following in the path of climbing parties the world over in their bid to conquer the great Mt Everest, there is little to compare this trip to.  The diversity of the Gokyo valley means it is a great alternative to the standard trek as it takes in a seperate route on the ascent to base camp to the descent.  This trek should be on every wannabe adventurer's bucket list and is truely one of the greatest treks in the world.  For those that go the extra mile the views from Kala Patthar will truely take your breath away - literally and figuratively!