Everest Base Camp is not only the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest is also a dream destination of many people. Moreover, the base camp is the first step taken by many legendary mountaineers including Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay in their quest of Everest Summit. For these mountaineers it is a pilgrimage and for some the place is on the top of the travel bucket list. Therefore, Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking trips to do in Nepal. With this being popular, many people ask the question “Can I Do Everest Base Camp Trek without Guide?“. Well, you will find a proper answer to this question on this blog.
Nepal is a country full of mountains, valleys, green lush forests, isolated terrain, hills, and gorges. The presence of these natural wonders has made this country heaven for all kinds of trekking activities. Therefore, trekking in Nepal is everyone’s wish. It is equally important to know all information about the trekking route before planning to trek on it. In this blog we will try to highlight cons and pros of doing Everest Base Camp Trek without or with a guide.
The salary of a trekking guide depends upon the experience and language proficiency. The minimum salary of a trekking guide is 25 $ per day. The figure may be higher up to 60 $ per person according to the task and language proficiency. An English speaking guide’s salary starts from 25 $ but a specific language speaking guide costs more than this. So, you must be prepared about which type of trekking guide you are trying to hire.
Yes, you can hire a guide in Lukla for Everest Base Camp Trek. You will have to contact any tea houses upon landing in the Tenzing Hillary Airpot Lukla. These tea houses will search for a guide. It is mandatory that a trekking guide must have a Nepal Government Licence. Therefore, before booking a guide you must check his or her credentials.
A solo trekker can hire a guide as well. However, the cost of the guide cannot be shared with other fellow trekkers so the salary must be paid in full by himself or herself. For a group of two trekkers the cost of a guide will be splitted into two so it costs less.
Do you know that you can find a guide – porter in trekking routes of Nepal. Yes, there are many people who work as a porter and also work as a guide. These people may or may not have a trekking guide license. Your luggage will be carried by him or her and then they will also act as your trekking guide. Therefore, this is also one of the ways to trek in Nepal.
The maximum altitude on the Everest Base Camp Trek is 5545 m from sea level. Trekkers have to spend 9 nights in places above 3000 m altitude. Usually, the places beyond this altitude are risky zones in terms of altitude sickness. People may end up becoming sick in these areas which may be fatal at times. The first benefit of having a trekking guide is that he or she will take care of you in case of emergencies. He or she will ensure that you are in proper health conditions.
Availability of teahouses for lodging during peak season is very less. Thousands of trekkers trek on the Everest Base Camp Trek route. If you are with a trekking guide then you will not have any problems regarding lodging and food. In high altitude trekking getting a nice and warm bed after exhausting walking throughout the day is crucial. It is possible to immerse in local culture and traditions with the help of a guide. Moreover, the guide will also provide you geographical insights and your trekking becomes interestingly informative and memorable.
It is possible to do Everest Base Camp Trek without a guide. If you are looking for unknown adventure and thrill then it is okay to do EBC Trek without a guide. While doing this trek without a guide you must not forget the fact that you are on your own in case of any emergencies. Therefore, build your fitness level, collect all information about trails, and tell your near ones and authorities. The popular Everest Base Camp Trekking trail links to other beautiful treks and climbs like Everest Three High Passes, Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, Island Peak and Lobuche Peak climbing too.
For a beginner this blogger strongly advises that you get a trekking package from a reliable trekking agency. It is not exasperating to say that Everest Base Camp Trek with a guide is much more momentous than trekking solo. The best thing about doing the trek with the help of a guide ensures that you enjoy the trek while hassles will be taken care of by a guide. Trekkers don’t have to worry about permits, lodging, food, baggage, and other logistic stuff. All they have to do is enjoy the trek to the fullest.
I hope that this blog has helped you find an answer to this question “Can I do Everest Base Camp Trek without a guide?”. As an experienced trekking blogger, I strongly suggest you hire a guide for any types of high altitude trekking trips in Nepal. Low altitude trekking routes and short trekking routes having lots of amenities may not require a trekking guide.
Therefore, you must hire a trekking guide for a momentous and safe Everest Base Camp Trek journey. If you are looking for a reliable trekking agency then you can contact travel planners of Nepal High Trek too. There are more than 50 trekking guides in this trekking agency who have got immense knowledge and experience. Feel free to inquire further regarding Everest Trekking queries. Cheers and happy trekking to you all.