Gokyo: alone or with a guide?

It’s very easy for those of us to say it’s easy to solo hike but for those who do not have experience you will worry about many things and until you get on the trail and walk for a few days you may not be able to visualise what many of us experienced solo Trekkers are saying. I have trekked with people who are afraid not sure of themselves and did not enjoy it and could not go on. You can also find a guide along the way if needed and a guide can be enjoyable also to get some cultural influence, extra security, and provide local employment. You will become very attached to your guide as they will look after you and become friends.

Research posts and forums for solo hiking but my view is:

1. Personal security - keep your passs port and money hidden in a money belt or sling pouch while trekking, in guest houses and going to toilet, on buses etc. Also, don’t put yourself in unsafe situations although there are not many.

2. Read trekking books and maps etc. Maps in Kathmandu trek shops etc.

3. Equipment, Health and safety - research water purification fro trekking and sort out your backpack.

4. Learn how to judge distances according to how you walk and what you are capable of. Basically you will walk 6-8 hours a day so just plan from village to village with many stops in between. Read your trek guide book and refer to map.

The best thing about solo trekking is you will meet many more people and make friends than in a group trek, with a guide or as a couple. Every time I trek solo I make so many friends along the way and I am rarely on my own, just be open and friendly. At the end your sense of achievement will be very rewarding also.

The trail is very easy to follow. My husband and I did this in 2014. There are teahouses in small villages every couple of hours. If you have the time, I would recommend only hiking 1/2 a day at this altitude and taking at least 1 rest day between Namche and Gokyo. It is more fun if you are not in a hurry.

Above Namche you need to be organised...Plan your trip itinerary to allow for proper ascent schedules!!

Have a read of this (one of many online references you can read and follow)http://www.mayo.edu/research/documents/preparing-for-safe-travelpdf/doc-10026905

Here is the Crux of it:
Gradual Initial Exposure: Graded ascent to high altitude is preferred over rapid exposure to high
altitude. For example, trekking to elevations over 3500 m over a number of days decreases your risk
of AMS when compared with flying to the same elevation. Ascend to altitude slowly when possible. If
you are rapidly exposed to altitudes > 3500 m (e.g. LaPaz, Bolivia) consider taking Acetazolamide
according to accepted therapeutic regimens. Once you arrive at 3500 m, you should take 2-3 days to
rest and allow your body to adjust to the new altitude. This involves non-strenuous activities like
walking, touring the local town, or sightseeing.
Ongoing Exposure: After 2-3 days spent at altitudes around 3500 m, travelers should increase their
sleeping elevation no more than 600 m per day. Gaining more elevation during the day is acceptable
so long as overexertion is avoided and the sleeping elevation does not exceed 600m. In addition, an
extra night of acclimatization is recommended every 300-900m gain in sleeping elevation. As noted,
terrain may frustrate adherence to these schedules, but groups must make their best attempts to
approximate these guidelines.

Actually, the accepted recommendation is not too exceed 300-500m per day (300 especially for groups).

Yep, actually 1,000 ft a day gain in a sleeping altitude is more accepted advice;) For more experienced trekkers, and climbers, who have been to these elevations and know their own responses to altitude, you might go a little over it, but still need to be vigilant and know the AMS symptoms... No need to be a hero;)

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