My partner and I went on this unforgettable trek for 12 days to EBC and had an amazing time. There were issues with the flights on the day we were due to fly to Lukla but the company booked us a helicopter at no extra charge, which meant amazing views and an amazing experience flying over the mountains coming in to Lukla. The trek starts off going through many small villages along the path, and its very interesting seeing people go about their daily lives there, alongside sweeping beautiful views of greenery over the mountains, passing cows and donkeys carrying loads (the only version of Himalayan traffic jams youll see!) and lots of bridges to cross over the river. As the altitude goes higher the whole landscape changes to an alpine one with more shrubs and gravel and views of the snowy mountains above, and the climbing becomes colder, windier and more difficult because of the altitude, with some sections of steep climbing. Our guide Bibek was amazing he not only was cheery and easy to get along with, always motivating us with a Lets do!, but he gave us invaluable advice about what we needed for each days trek, what the route would be like, and recommendations on buying things like hiking poles and scarves where we would have struggled without them. Not only that but he has great knowledge of the surrounding mountains and views. He was also very understanding when things were harder for us, and always made sure we were well taken care of! Our safety and comfort were the most important things to him he always checked in on how we were feeling, took the lead when the trail was tough to show us the safest and easiest route, and kept us safe from the traffic mentioned above. The lodges do get a little rougher going towards higher altitude be prepared for it to be cold (up to -20oC), despite the warm sleeping bags and down jackets we rented and the good weather we had on the trip. We would also highly recommend a porter as trekking at altitude was already difficult, we couldnt have done it without them. At the end of it, we were so proud and happy to have done it, and the whole incredible experience was finished with an awesome night back in Lukla with some beers and traditional rice wine, and busting out some moves with Bibek and the porters, as well as a great Nepalese dinner the last night in Kathmandu to cap it all off. Thanks so much for an awesome experience!
We contracted the services of this local operator to climb Mera Peak. Our initial intention was, once finished the climb of Mera, go to Hinku valley and cross the Amphu Lapsa to arrive Chukung. Unfortunately, the second part of our trekking was not possible due to the great quantity of snow. Regarding the operator, we have to say that the service was very good, with a limited price, which makes the relation quality - price excellent. The guide (Sherpa Llacpa) is a very high qualified professional, who knows the route very well, as well as the possible ways of approximation. To come to Honku's valley, we follow an alternative way to Khote, not crossing Chatara pass, which was very beautiful one, despite the bad weather. The rest of the team Nima, Phuri, Pasang, Norbu, and Tzambo - always with an exemplary behavior. The food has been of sufficient quality and quantity at all time. The manager - Khum Subedi - always bore in mind any suggestion for our part.
I booked this once in a lifetime experience with Exodus in the hope it guaranteed quality and they didn't let me down. Our leader, guides and group were phenomenal. The walking was a little easier than I imagined and the scenery more spectacular, BUT dial down your expectations of the tea houses...they were variable. Some were totally fine, but a couple were barely heated. If you are hardy enough to put up with cold mornings and nights, book this trip without hesitation. I personally had no problems with altitude sickness and I didn't take pills - much of the credit for that must go to the excellent pacing of the guides. It's necessary, but the acclimatisation does drag the walking out over a lot of days and the way down is a literal anticlimax. That said, everyone should make this journey at least once in their lives.