Everest Base Camp (Luxury Escapes)

[Saltywings]

Came across this LE that's mighty tempting: Bucket-List 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Ride

I've done some light research and from the looks of it, the asking price appears reasonable compared to what other travel blogs say to budget for EBC (usually 1.5k USD+ ex. flights). Given the inclusions in this LE, the 1.9k AUD price seems okay.

Anyone else had experiences with EBC for a similar length of time and could weigh in on whether or not this is a good deal (and whether the LE's inclusions and implied exclusions are to ponder over)?

 

[Pushka]

Came across this LE that's mighty tempting: Bucket-List 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Ride

I've done some light research and from the looks of it, the asking price appears reasonable compared to what other travel blogs say to budget for EBC (usually 1.5k USD+ ex. flights). Given the inclusions in this LE, the 1.9k AUD price seems okay.

Anyone else had experiences with EBC for a similar length of time and could weigh in on whether or not this is a good deal (and whether the LE's inclusions and implied exclusions are to ponder over)?

How are you with altitude? Altitude sickness could easily kick in at that level. Sounds amazing for those who are fit.

 

[Saltywings]

How are you with altitude? Altitude sickness could easily kick in at that level. Sounds amazing for those who are fit.

In terms of physical fitness, I'm likely above average - I regularly hike (multi & single-day) and strength train 5 times a week. Less sure about altitude - the highest I've been was on the road to Lhasa which is around 3.6km in elevation, but of course that's still a far cry from EBC at around 5.3km.

They say that altitude sickness affects everyone differently: someone who's never gymmed a day in their life might do better than someone who's run marathons for years (though of course, they are extreme examples...).

A friend my age who's done it said that EBC is quite chill...but then again she's done the 230km Annapurna circuit so uh...might not be the best data point.

 

[Pushka]

In terms of physical fitness, I'm likely above average - I regularly hike (multi & single-day) and strength train 5 times a week. Less sure about altitude - the highest I've been was on the road to Lhasa which is around 3.6km in elevation, but of course that's still a far cry from EBC at around 5.3km.

They say that altitude sickness affects everyone differently: someone who's never gymmed a day in their life might do better than someone who's run marathons for years (though of course, they are extreme examples...).

A friend my age who's done it said that EBC is quite chill...but then again she's done the 230km Annapurna circuit so uh...might not be the best data point.

Indeed. Fitness has nothing to do with altitude sickness which is unfortunate as you can’t train for it. Going up slowly seems to help. I got it in the French Alps so I’m no good.

 

[Happy Dude]

I visited EBC for one night from the Tibetan side as part of a wider "tour" of the country. It was an easy drive. However, I suffered with hallucinations all night and had some difficulty breathing which was compounded by smoke inside the tent cause by burning dung. One of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. The reward was incredible, crystal clear, views of the summit at sunrise.

I think the price may represent really good value given the inclusions but I don't know much about Nepal and travelling costs there.

 

[gojun]

Just saw this post and I know it's a month old but thought I would reply just in case you haven't gone yet.

I did EBC 2 years ago, it was a total of 12 days, 9 days up and 3 days down. I went during the end of May, the start of Monsoon season, so the trail was not very busy.

To give you perspective, I was 30 and did not train for EBC at all. Leading up to it I was out drinking every weekend. I think if I did train for it, it would've made the hike a lot more enjoyable. The other people in my group did not train either, they were early 20s and was fairly easy for them. The terrain itself is not difficult, but it is undulating most of the way up. I think the hardest part of the hike was day 2, going from Phakding to Namche.

I did suffer from AMS around 3,500m, even though I took preventative medication. It was extremely bad for me once I hit 5,000m, I lost my appetite to eat, could not sleep and terrible headaches (not as bad as my migraines but pretty bad). They say Garlic Soup is a remedy for AMS, so I drank a tonne, I was fine next morning and cleared by the guides to go to EBC. One of the other people in my group started to suffer from AMS around 4,500m as I noticed her pace dramatically drop off to be slower than me. I saw other hikers who did not even make it to the second stop, Namche Bazar 3,440m. There were also two girls who managed to climb to EBC within 5 days with no acclimatisation, which is highly not recommended and extremely risky.

When you pass 4,500m+ you'll see helicopters nearly every day flying up and down to take sick hikers back home.

It's an awesome experience and I have thought about going back and doing it again. Happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.

When are you heading there?

 

[Saltywings]

Thanks for your response! AMS does seem to be the limiting factor, though it's also luck of the draw. Won't deter me when I actually do attempt it.

I was originally going to go late 2020, but I might have to defer till around 2022 as I intend to go back to uni. But I'll definitely keep your comments in mind when it does happen.

 

[kpc]

i would love to do it but at >5000 metres that would kill me! Going to Cusco, at 3400 metres, from sea level resulted in shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, tachycardia, inability to sleep etc...it was an awful feeling, one which I do not care to repeat. i have also flown in to Quito where i was fine at 2800 metres but the next day went up by cable car to a nearby mountain at 4000 metres....I was out of breath like I had just run a marathon and my legs felt like jelly, and after taking a few quick photos, had to descend immediately. My +1 wants to go to Lhasa but at 3600 metres i have refused unless she organises a continuous supply of oxygen!