Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes & the Cho La Frequently Asked Questions

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or just want to have a chat about the trek.

Do you offer group trips?

No, we do not have group departures, we leave that to the larger operators. We offer private trips with a personalised service - there is always someone to talk to at Macs. If you are a pre-formed group of family or friends then you are more than welcome to book with us and if you are more than 3 we will offer you a discount. Most of our trekkers are couples, small groups of friends or larger groups - rotary, charity etc. We do not cater for solo trekkers. 

Is this itinerary fixed or changable?

This is a sample itinerary but, we find that most clients will use it as a base upon which to build a trip.

We are more than happy to tailor-make each trip. Maybe you wish to add or take away trekking days or hotel nights or add on a trip to Chitwan National Park or perhaps do some rafting? We are itching to have a chat about this wonderful country. Please just give us a call and we will start planning your perfect trip. On the other hand if this trip is already perfect for you click on the avilability and prices tab and go ahead and book it.

How fit do I need to be?

This trek is graded strenuous and does spend considerable time at high altitude so you will enjoy the trek far more if you are well prepared and enjoy a good level of physical fitness. If you do not currently enjoy a good level of fitness it may take many months of training to reach a suitable level of fitness to enjoy the 5-7 hours of walking that are involved in trekking to Everest Base Camp. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your fitness. Try to exercise for between 30 and 45 minutes three times per week (walking, running, cycling or swimming) and go for longer walks on the weekends which should include some hills. A local gym will be able to draw up a fitness program for you on request.

Will I be affected by altitude sickness?

The affects of altitude vary between each individual and all our itineraries are designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from the symptoms of altitude sickness. Our leaders are fully trained and experienced in dealing with altitude sickness should it affect you. For further information onaltitude sickness please visit the NHS Fit For Travel Website

Do I need any mountaineering experience?

No mountaineering experience is required as long as you're in your sound physical shape & have a sense of adventure you will enjoy this trek.

What type of people book with you?

Our clients are generally aged between 30 and 70 and are looking for a high quality, authentic trekking experience.

How far in advance do I need to book?

As we treat each itinerary individually we are sometimes able to book treks with as little as 2 weeks notice so, it is always worth giving us a call. That said the further in advance you book the more likely you are to get availability at our favourite hotels and of course the earlier you book your international flights the cheaper they will be, especially in peak trekking season.

Is it safe to trek in Nepal?

Travel to Nepal is safe and after a long period of political instability the situation has now improved substantially. We do take every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of trekkers but as with travelling in most developing countries you should remain vigilent and use common sense. We always keep an eye on any news and advice from the Foreign Office.

How long have you been in business?

We have been operating adventure holidays since 2003 and help thousands of clients each year to enjoy amazing walking and adventure holidays around the world.

Do you have any referral customers?

Yes, we would be happy to supply references and you can of course read our reviews.

Are your porters and guides properly equipped, paid and insured?

Whilst on the trek, your porter (sherpa) will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings (camera, water bottle, waterproofs etc.) Porters are provided with warm jackets, woolen hats, trekking boots and socks, blankets or sleeping bag for high altitude trekking, sunglasses etc. Guides generally have their own trekking clothing and equipment and are suitably equipped for the conditions. Both guides and porters are fully insured through the Neco Insurance Company Nepal. Porters and guides are paid a competitive wage by our local partner.

What training and experience do your Nepalese guides have?

All guides have many years experience of leading trekking groups in Nepal. They have been trained by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hospitaility Training Centre, which includes training in first aid, environmental awareness, customer service and the handling of altitude sickness.

How many miles is the Trek?

The total distance of the entire trek is around 95 miles.

What hotel do we stay at in Kathmandu?

We like to book our trekkers into the luxury Hotel de l’ Annapurna or Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu. Ultimately this will depend on availability but we will always book a hotel of a similar standard.

What is teahouse accommodation like?

Teahouse (or guesthouse) accommodation is excellent and far superior to camping on trek. Teahouses are substantial stone buildings and sociable places with a central eating/living area and private twin rooms for sleeping. Toilet facilities are generally shared and contained in the accommodation. In major villages eg. Namche Bazar, Lukla we arrange a room with a hot shower. Hot showers/wash basins are available at several other overnight stops. It will cost you around US$3-4 per shower. Your accommodation will be one of the highlights of your trek.

Will there be opportunities to charge camera batteries along the trek?

Yes, you can charge batteries along the trek (US$2-3 per hour). You may want to consider bringing a solar charger which are now widely available.

Should I buy or hire a down jacket/sleeping bag?

Down jackets and sleeping bags are available to hire from our local partner in Kathmandu at US$1 per day per item. These are fake branded jackets/sleeping bags (like all other branded mountaineering gear in Nepal) and are more than adequate in terms of warmth/quality for your trek.

You can also buy these locally for around US$60-80 (down jacket), US$100-150 (sleeping bag). Unless you really want to own a down jacket I would recommend hiring or buying locally. I wear my down jacket quite a bit in Scotland but, my sleeping bag hardly comes out the bag from one year to the next and, if you consider a decent down jacket will cost at least £150 and sleeping bag from £200 upwards in the UK you can make a huge saving.

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