Mount Everest Base Camp Trek (Mt. Kala Patthar), Intrepid Travel 2010

[accesskb]

thanks for the video... came across by accident but now I'm hooked. How much did the whole trip cost you?

[simonantony13]

@accesskb. Cheers. It was about $1000 for our flights to Nepal then about $1500 for food, drinks and the tour (which included internal flights, guides and accommodation).

[elsaLeeable]

Yay thanks for the reply! Now I save tons of money :)

[elsaLeeable]

Hi! I'm going on the exact same trip at the end of the month. Out of curiosity, what boots did you wear? I was told to buy the La Sportiva Nepal Evo gtx but I think that's overkill. Could you recommend any? Would really appreciate your advice!

[simonantony13]

Sorry for the late reply. I just wore a pair of Merrell trekking shoes (with the usual vibram soles and gortex casing), they worked great for me. The path is pretty stable so boots are not a real necessity. La Sportiva Nepal Evo gtx are awesome boots, but I would only use such a boot for mountaineering where I need to attach crampons. Otherwise I agree, they are bit of an overkill for the base camp trek.

[tapirashabrack]

Hey, thanks for sharing this video and giving advice :)

I'm seriously considering going to EBC in january 2012, but so far I've been told by a few people winter is dangerous to trek there, but the books I read say it's still a great time if you're prepared for very cold nights. Not so many tourists and clear sky.

What do you think ? Will tea houses be closed in winter ?

Also I'd like to go to go through Cho La pass (5400m) and Gokyo from EBC. Do you think Cho La may be too tricky in winter ?

[thesomewhatwiser]

I am planning on doing this trip during this upcoming January to February . How do you survive the -18 C temperatures? Did you have to bring a sleeping bag or could you rent one there?

[simonantony13]

I took my own -10 sleeping bag and silk sleeping bag liner, which kept me extremely warm. You can get everything you need in Kathmandu. My sister hired one in Kathmandu which didn’t cost much and was just as good as mine. Some places had heaters running, otherwise for the extremely cold nights I put on a down Jacket and beanie. However, in the day time, even up at basecamp it got quite hot when it wasn’t snowing.

[simonantony13]

Yup, you just have to carry your day pack. The song is Now We Are Free, Enya off the Gladiator Soundtrack.

[ImpalerX]

Thanks man, the porters carry your bag right? Great song choice for the vid by the way. What's it called?

[simonantony13]

The guides had some medication. The only person who got really sick had rushed ahead, best just to take it easy. The group was spread over 3 hour at some stages. There is 4 guides plus 5 porters. You could defiantly do it on your own; however it’s cheaper with a group, the guides where great fun, full of knowledge and its safer and easier having them around. If he can jog for an hour he will be physically great. Just drink lots of water and good gear defiantly makes it easier.

[simonantony13]

Yeah just basic in the sauna. Everyone was affected by altitude sickness in some way; however no one had to be rushed down and we all made it to basecamp, some looking better than others. The guides the whole way are making sure you’re drinking enough and eating the right foods, they tell you when you can sleep and do extra walks to help acclimatise. I had a cold so I was struggling to cope with the altitude, so before we got to high I started on the altitude tablets.

[ImpalerX]

Hey sweet vid. I'm planning on doing this trip was just wondering a few things. You said you trained in a sauna did you do the same basic exercises (lunges etc.) or anything special. In the group you went did people get alltitude sickness? was anyone not able to continue? What did the trek leader do? Did you like doing the trip with Intrepid or would you do it on your own? I'm planning on going with my father he's 54 will this be ok for him? Thanks and all the best.

[simonantony13]

Do lots of uphill walking, stair cases, lunges and running. Try and do your training in the shoes you will wear on the trip. I was carrying my own backpack, so I did a lot of core body work (sit-ups and bridges). Unfortunately there is not a whole lot you can do to prepare yourself for the effects of altitude. I did a few training session with my trainer in a sauna to try and simulate the effects of altitude. Most people made it to basecamp. However the fit ones enjoyed the trip a lot more.

[thegoodmond]

I'm thinking of doing this trip. any tips on how to get fit and train for it?

[dmoorf]

u guyz think ur so kool dontcha.

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