Base Camp review

As far as ticking things off the bucket list go, Everest base camp is by far one of the biggest. So for us, ensuring we had the best experience possible was important.

 

Apart from all the self-preparation, getting fit and equipped for the adventure a good company is a must. There are lots of trekking packages available for the base camp trek, ranging in price and in quality.

 

After quite a bit of online research we decided to choose AME. The reviews were exceptional and the price affordable.

 

On arrival in Nepal we we’re met at the Airport by our guide Danish. Considering he was only just back from a trek, he met us with huge enthusiasm, dawning us with a necklace of local flowers, a welcoming handshake and help with our bags.

 

We were whisked off to a nice comfortable hotel in the heart of the city where we would spend two night before starting the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Danish has been in the industry for a number of years so could easily answer all our questions (of which there were many) His English was good and personality engaging.

 

Once we were checked into our hotel arrangements for the following day were confirmed. We met the company manager Binu in the hotel lobby over a fresh glass of fruit juice and agreed a time for our city tour the next day.

 

Once everything was confirmed and we were happy with the arrangements Danish and Binu left us to settle in. By 9am the following morning we were up, fed and ready to see the city sites. Together with a couple of other trekkers we were driven from temple to temple absorbing the history and culture. From a roof top lunch to riverside cremations the day was packed and left us ready for a good nights sleep.  Once back in the hotel, we had time to change and were met by our guide Danish. We were taken out for a complimentary welcome dinner of the local dish dalpat. This gave us a good opportunity to get to know our new friend and for him to sus out whether we could handle base camp or not!!! The evening was a pleasant mix of good food, some entertainment on a stage of local dancing and good, informative conversation.

 

The following morning we were met in the hotel lobby, unsure of what was in stall for us we shared a mixture of excitement, apprehension and disbelief that we were actually here!! We had one large pack between us containing sleeping bag, clothes and food. We also had a small rucksack each with day to day items such as water, cameras and warm clothes. Denish met us with a smile and before we knew it we were on a sixteen-seater aircraft buzzing through the Himalayas!!

 

One of the things we had read prior to setting off was the frightening landing into Lukla airport. As we were at the back of the aircraft we were unable to see the approach to the runway but the experience was still exciting and views breath-taking.

 

As soon as we stepped off the aircraft our guide Denish was straight to work, showing us exactly where to go, retrieving our bag and pointing out exits and toilets if needed.

 

Once we got through the madness of Lukla airport we met up with our porter Sager. He was a young lad from a village close by. Both mentally and physically robust and fit. He strapped up our bag with rope and displaced the weight of the pack between his head and body. He would prove to be a huge asset throughout the trek.

 

For the next eight days we battled with the dreaded altitude sickness which would leave your lungs feeling tight and only a quarter full. By day each step felt like a mile, apatite’s got less and less. By night the lack of oxygen to the brain would cause vivid dreams which often woke you startled and confused. Helicopters dominate the sound of the vally’s moving up towards basecamp and back every hour or two. A mix of day trips to see Everest, movement of equipment and of course the evacuation of trekkers either injured or suffering from lack of oxygen.

 

Both Dinesh our guide and Sager our porter were fully acclimatised to the altitude.  They knew all the signs and symptoms of anything serious and showed genuine worry and compassion when my chest infection began to slow me down. Their experience and local knowledge was invaluable. When my apatite was at zero a bowl of garlic soup was encouraged as the garlic helps with the altitude.

 

Once at basecamp the elated atmosphere made the previous eight day’s worth every step. We could see the genuine look of achievement on everyone’s face. We embraced Denish and Sager, thanking them for getting us there safe and sound then posed together for many, many photos.

 

The hike back down is much more jovial and relaxed. Your body will feel better every few hours that go by. The altitude will quickly become less of a hindrance and before we knew it we were back in Lukla! We celebrated with a gin and tonic in a lodge by the airport and exchanged stories with other trekkers and guides.

 

We have very fond memories of the trek to Mount Everest Base camp. It is no easy feat but with the help and encouragement of Denish and Sager it will remain one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. A big thank you to everyone at AME.

 

Steve & Nikki.

 

Steve & Nikki UNITED KINGDOM Everest Base Camp Trekking