Everest Base Camp 9 Days trek
It was an incredible experience trekking up to Everest Base Camp with Arun, our guide. We did a 9D trek up, coupled with a helicopter ride down from Gorakshep.
First of all, Arun is a very experienced guide, and he speaks / write eloquent English. We became friends on day 1 of the trek. His cheerful nature and his story telling made our hikes less tedious and more enjoyable. He also chooses huts and rooms which offer better view / comfort (which is important after 7-8h of walking / climbing)
At first we were a bit apprehensive as the longest hike we have done was only a 4D trip at 2.5km altitude – so going up EBC for more than a week straight at 5.3km altitude was something out of our experience. However, Arun was able to assess our physical conditions and adjust the pace accordingly – he was also very encouraging, which helps.
He made sure to systematically measure our oxygen level every night after dinner to check if we are adapting to the altitude. The professionalism made us feel a lot more at ease.
It was our honeymoon and Arun even went all the way out to get us a baked cake at Namche to celebrate the occasion. He also brought us on a slightly detour to see the yatti hand and explained to us the history and beliefs. It’s the small touches and care that makes all the difference.
On the last day we started Everest Base Camp 9 Days trek from Lobuche at 6am and at -25c. It was an immensely satisfying experience reaching the Everest Base Camp. This is thus far the best hiking trip of our lives and we are looking forward to going back to Nepal for more!
Our Everest Base Camp 9 Days trek itinerary below for reference
Day 1 – Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 2 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3 – Acclimatisation at Namche Bazaar
Day 4 – Namche to Tengboche
Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6 – Acclimatisation at Dingboche
Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8 – Gorakshep and EBC, helicopter back from Gorakshep to Lukla
Day 9 – Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
