Is the Everest Base Camp Trek Without a Guide safe or not?
Contrary to popular belief, an Everest base camp trek without a guide is possible. Here is a quick guide covering everything a guide does for you, from buying gear to lodging there. Find all the answers to when, how, and why.
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the classic and famous treks you can do in Nepal. This trekking trail takes you to a majestic place surrounded by nature’s work, one of the most visited regions in the Himalayas. You can customize various treks in this region according to yourself. Everest Short Trek, without a guide, usually takes about 2 weeks to reach the base camp and return. This trek can be increased or decreased by modifying the trek to some other place in the base camp region. Most of the trekkers take the trek to reach the base camp of the highest peak in the world.
Reaching this high-altitude secluded area is not an easy task to do, but it is an incredible experience. It is usually done in groups but can be done without a guide as well. The Everest Trek without a guide will be a different experience with a lot of things you will learn. The iconic Everest base camp trek is long and difficult but can be done by anybody in good health. This trek, although usually done with a guide, can be done without one. This article gives you a complete guide from the beginning to the end of your journey on how to complete the Everest base camp trek without a guide.
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How to Get Everest Base Camp Trek without a Guide?
Everest base camp trek without a guide requires you to reach Namche Bazzar first. There are three ways to reach here.
- The first and the most common way is to take a flight from Kathmandu domestic airport to Lukla airport. The flights take place every day in the morning unless there are weather issues that demand the flight to be canceled. The flight is about 45 minutes long and costs about 195 USD per person. Make sure to book your flight way ahead of time. As the flights are limited, the tickets are sold fast.
- The second way to reach Namche Bazzar is by bus. You can take a bus that takes you to Phaplu, Solukhumbhu from Kathmandu, and walk to Namche. This method adds an extra two days to your trek and the trek route is not quite safe. The forest in that region has a lot of bears and trekking that path may be dangerous. This method is quite cheaper than other options.
- The third way to reach Namche Bazzar is by chartering a helicopter. This is the easiest and safest way to reach there. One flight can accommodate 5 people and takes about 50 minutes to reach there. It is less affected by weather conditions than normal planes and takes you straight to Namche Bazar. Also saves your trekking time from Lukla airport to Namche Bazaar. This method is usually available on short notice too but is expensive. It takes about 600 US dollars per person in a group of 5 and takes about 3000 Us dollars if you need to charter the whole helicopter to yourself.
- After reaching the Namche Bazar, you will follow the standard trekking trails Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and finally Gorakshep.
When is the Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek without a Guide?
The best time to get to Everest Base Camp trek without a guide is during the two famous trekking seasons in Nepal; Pre-monsoon which starts from late February and lasts till the end of May and post-monsoon which starts late September and lasts till early December.
Although the best time depends on the purpose of your trip. The purpose of your hike to Everest base camp may be to witness the mountains, reach the peak, or travel solo or without a guide. Different purposes will vary the best time for your trek.
The above-listed time is favorable if you want to experience a relatively easier hike in the Khumbu region as it is the easiest time to trek. There will be a lot of tourists on every trekking trail which will minimize the risks of you being lost. The services will also be of the best quality to accommodate incoming tourists. The weather will not be as cold as any other time of the year, which makes the trek easier than other times.
If you intend to do the Everest base camp trek without a guide, be careful to pre-book the locations and obtain confirmation beforehand because they might not have available rooms at that time. The prices might rise a little during this season compared to other months because of the demand there.
Among the two mentioned times, pre-monsoon is better suited for people who aim to go higher than the base camp and post-monsoon time is better suited for people who want to enjoy nature’s beauty, clearer skies, and better mountain view.
Things You Need to Bring for the Everest Base Camp Trek without a Guide
Everest base camp trek without a guide needs you to be ready with all the types of equipment and gear. As one reaches higher sections of the region, the weather conditions are quite adverse. Packing is one of the most daunting things as you have to keep the weight to a minimum as well as be prepared for anything. Even with guides, you never get the perfect instructions as to how to pack and if the guide is definitive, you always have to alter it according to your needs. Below are the must-haves for your Everest base camp trek without a guide.
- The first thing you need is a backpack that can carry around 10 kgs of weight, is lightweight, strong, and waterproof. Most people pack about 10 kgs for their Everest base camp trek without a guide requires you to carry a little extra stuff so this bag is a must.
- Preferably a water bottle with a capacity of more than a liter.
- Two aluminum trekking poles to climb the rocky parts
- Polarized sunglasses are a must as in the thin atmosphere the sunlight is very white and sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes.
- A good elaborated map and a compass
- Clothing ( a few base layers, shoes, woolen socks, two pairs of trekking pants, layering warm thin trousers, light fleece, thin down jacket,
- Headlamp with good battery
- Swiss army knife
- Medications – hand sanitizer, lip balm, moisturizer, altitude sickness medications, pain killers, diarrhea tablets, Antibiotics, paracetamol, and other personally required medication
- Ziplock back with important documents
- Travel Adapter ( charging requires you to pay money which is more expensive as you climb higher)
- Sunscreen, toiletries, and a small toilet.
- Light sleeping bag
It is recommended to carry the products which you have used. All of the products are available in Kathmandu or Namche bazaar to rent or to buy and make sure you have used them once in Kathmandu before you proceed to the trek.
Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Trek
The trek in the Everest region requires you to get two permits beforehand. The first permit you need is a local permit (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit) which costs about 20 USD and the other permit is Sagarmatha National Park Permit which costs about 30 USD.
If you start your trek from Jiri, you need to obtain a Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit which costs you about 30 USD.
Standard Outline Itinerary
Everest Base Camp trek without a guide has one perk of not having a fixed itinerary. One can always change according to how he/she is feeling. Below is a basic itinerary that is usually followed on the trek.
Day 1 – Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek for about four hours to Monjo
The trek is flat and relatively easy.
Day 2 – Trek from Monjo to Namche Bazaar. The duration for this trek is about 4-5 hrs on average. The ascent to Namche Bazar is through a dusty slog of pine forests. The later part of the trek is relatively difficult because of the steep climb.
Day 3 – Acclimatization in Namche Bazar. It is a place with a few good places to eat and buy gear if you missed any.
Day 4 – Trek from Namche Bazzar to Tengboche, which is at an altitude of 3870m. The duration of this trek is about 4 hours. Everest Tengboche Monaster Trek
Day 5 – Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche. The duration of this trek is about 4 hours. After you reach Dingboche, you’ll see an amazing view of mountains like lots, Amadablam, and Taboche.
Day 6 – Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche for about 5 hours. You will reach an altitude of 4930m. Lobuche has an ancient cemetery and offers a breathtaking view.
Day 7 – It is advised to acclimatize for a day in Dingboche. It is in a higher altitude and hiking without acclimatization will increase the risk of you falling ill
Day 8 – Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. The duration is about 7 hours but the trail is easier compared to other days. You will reach the main destination of your trek.
Day 9 – Trek to Kalapathar and stay at Pheriche. Kalapathar offers a panoramic view of the mountains. It is said to be the best place to view the mountains. The trek lasts for about 7 hours.
Day 10 – Trek back to Namche bazar
Day 11 – Trek back to Lukla
Day 12 – Fly back to Kathmandu
Common Health Problems During the Trek
As you go higher, the health services available are very less. There are only a few health posts available in the area. Therefore, be sure to take care of yourself and carry medications for common health problems listed below:
- Altitude Sickness
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema
- Diarrhea
- Food Poisoning
- Sprains
Cost Ideas for Everest Base Camp trek without a Guide
Everest Base Camp Trek without a guide can be both expensive or cheap, depending on how well you have planned. If you have planned it efficiently, it is cheaper without a guide.
The average cost per person for the whole trek usually varies from 1500 USD to 5000 USD, inclusive of transportation, gears, and other necessary materials. The total cost per person on average per day in the base camp region is about 50 USD.
Important Rules for Safety
While trekking alone at a high altitude, you will need to adopt some safety measures. As you don’t have a guide, communication there will be difficult. You might also be overcharged for some products. To help you with this, we have listed a few measures that you can take :
- Go slowly. Listen to your body. Take as much time as you need instead of rushing to the destination.
- Drink lots of fluid every day.
- Get about 8 hours of sleep on a minimum.
- While trekking makes sure you leave your way for the yaks and not walk on the edge of the trail.
- Do not wander off on your own. Follow the trail.
- Do not hike at night, make sure you reach the destination on time.
The most important and functioning medical facility in the Khumbu region is given by the Himalayan Rescue Association. It has aid posts in multiple places in the region and has a lot of volunteers employed. Urgent medical conditions cannot be treated in the health posts and therefore have to be evacuated via helicopter.
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Trekking Agency in Nepal
- If you are here in Nepal for the first time, it is much safer if you travel through a trekking agency. They will guide you in each step.
- You will get a hassle-free experience.
- The company will obtain permits easily, you don’t need to waste your time running for all the permits and other required documents.
- You will get better security. The company will assign you a local guide, they will help you from being cheated along the trail.
- Local guides are experts in the places and cultures of Nepal. You will get valuable insight and information from them.
- You will get expert consultations. Trekking agencies will help you to make your trip better as they have decades of experience.
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