5 Stars (149 reviews)
At 69 years old I decided to return to Nepal to attempt the Everest Base Camp trek with Active. This is my fourth Active trip so I knew that if it was possible, Active would make it so. To give myself the best chance of completing the trek, I filled my summer with bicycling and hiking. (I actually biked more than 3500 km over the summer. It is amazing how a challenge helps ones motivation to get in shape!) Prior to Nepal I stopped off in Turkey and spent 6 days on one of its long distance trails - The Lycian Way. Arriving in Nepal, I spent 4 days doing the Poon Hill trek out of Pokhara. And finally, in Kathmandu, I met our Everest Base Camp group - a small but diverse group made up of a New Zealander, a Canadian (me) and 5 Americans. I immediately recognized the hallmarks of an Active trip - the attention to detail, friendly and competent guides, great communication, and the confidence instilled in members of the group that this was a great adventure, and that we were up for it. And it was a great adventure! The views were spectacular from day 1, the route ever changing and yes, challenging. Our lodgings were always comfortable, with a touch of luxury at just the right times, the food - nutritious and good. I found particularly fascinating the activity on and around the route: the porters, yaks and mules supplying the villages and guest houses, other trekkers on their way up or down, and the insights to ordinary people and their activities, making a living in this spectacular but isolated landscape. It is a long way from our comfortable homes and modern conveniences that we are so use to. But if smiles and friendly greetings are an indication, their lives are as happy and rich, without the trappings of western life. And I did make it to the base camp and back again, an achievement that is certainly a major highlight of my life. Kate, our Active guide, did a superb job of managing the group, and making participants as comfortable and confident as possible. She never tired of answering the same question over and over. "What is that mountain over there?" Kate had a few extra problems to overcome as the flu/cold hit our group and her compassion and medicine chest helped eased the resulting aches and pains as we approached the base camp and made our way back down again. Our Nepalese guides were two of the most wonderful people I have met on my travels; attentive, professional, and always with a smile and a greeting. It would be worth a return trip just to meet up with them again. Our porters were an enthusiastic group who actually seem to enjoy carrying our stuff over climbs that brought us ordinary trekkers to a gasping stop at one of many rest spots. Now that I am home, somewhat recovered from jet lag and my Nepalese cold/flu, my thoughts are turning to the idea that maybe there is at least one more adventure left in me. Where will it be?
Everest Base Camp Trek, December 2013
Alan, Canada
5 Stars (149 reviews)
I don't think words accurately describe the beauty of Nepal. Every time I looked up and around, it was a 'WOW' moment. I am not sure I will go on another trip that was as exciting, exhilarating and as challenging as EBC. It was a trip of a lifetime. If you want an adventure, Nepal is for you.
Everest Base Camp Trek, December 2013
Amy, United States
5 Stars (149 reviews)
This trip is one that can only be experienced, it is like no other place on earth. There is no confusing it's grandeur with the Alps, Rockies or Southern Alps.
Everest Base Camp Trek, December 2013
Daniel, United States
5 Stars (149 reviews)
Ever wonder what its like to trek on another planet? This trek may be the closest you'll get to that experience on Earth. From the awe inspiring mountain peaks that surround you on all sides, getting passed by yak trains hiking food to Everest Base Camp, the sound of avalanches crashing around you and the sight of the Khumbu Icefall, this is an experience that cannot be missed for avid hikers. The mountains are amazing, but there are so many more fulfilling things about this trek beyond the mountain views. The Nepalese lifestyle and culture will touch your core. Visiting Buddhist temples along the way, meditating in mountain villages, and savoring daily tea breaks were some of the most memorable moments from this trip. The guides and Sherpas are incredible people eager to share information about the trek and the culture. Also, you will never go hungry as delicious meals await at each stop during the day. I would recommend this trek to all of my friends and to anyone interested in seeing some of the most amazing mountains in the world, and experiencing living a completely different way of life.
Everest Base Camp Trek, December 2013
Michael, United States
5 Stars (149 reviews)
Breathtaking at every corner! Awesome guides and Sherpas! Simply amazing!
Everest Base Camp Trek, November 2013
Starr, United States
5 Stars (149 reviews)
It really was the trip of a lifetime, and a dream come true for me. A epic experience in every way! It was my first time in Nepal, really my first time in a developing country. As I had arrived early and already trekked Annapurna Sanctuary, I was up for the challenge of EBC. We had really great guides...Katie and Sudip...they were very attentive to our needs, professional, very informative and knowledgeable, personable and a lot of fun to be with! Bibek our assistant guide was always there to lend a hand and make the trip easier. And our porters continued to entertain us and provide much needed transport support, always with a big smile:))) The trekking terrain in the Himalayas is stellar! Every day provides new vistas, new experiences, more cultural awareness. The camera was always on duty! And never bored! The experience of being at such altitude...(which our guides prepared us for very well), in such a remote area of the world despite the hordes of people...the trekking culture...life in the tea houses..local people and their daily life and work...the hill country, forests, different vegetation...all made for such a rich and life changing adventure. I loved every aspect of life on the trail and experiencing all that Nepal had to offer. It was not always easy, it had its own challenges and hardships..but was worth every moment. I can't wait to go back......!
Everest Base Camp Trek, November 2013
Corinne, Canada
4 Stars (149 reviews)
What an incredible trip. With every step and turn a new photo framed itself ready to shoot. The scenery is spectacular through the lens, but nothing as spectacular as being there soaking in the grandeur of it all.
Everest Base Camp Trek, November 2013
Gary, United States
5 Stars (149 reviews)
I was telling one of my co-workers before I left on the trip that it was going to be a challenging trip both mentally and physically and how rewarding it would feel when completed. The trip lived up to my expectations. Everything from the guides, local people, and the scenery were all fantastic. The unexpected snow only made it better by enhancing the beautiful mountains. Our guides Kate and Sudip were awesome.
Everest Base Camp Trek, November 2013
Monica, United States