Do I really need a guide for Everest Base Camp?

Hey all,

I'm off to Nepal in November with a friend (2 relatively fit guys carrying our own gear). My sister went way back 10-15 years ago and said she didn't bother with a guide as the trail is pretty basic and she had a guide book and a map and got on fine. So I'm inclined to do the same, however my friend isn't so confident as our hiking experience is relatively novice level. It's quite a saving of money going without but if it's necessary than I'm all onboard with him.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

No, you don't need a guide. As you are novice hikers, are you familiar with carrying a loaded pack for many days?

Most important is to have enough (and extra) days for a safe and enjoyable trek. Read up on and follow recommendations re altitude sickness.

Recommend you get the LP Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya guidebook.

Much appreciated. We've actually got 3 weeks for nepal so going to take it easy and maybe fit in some small side trips. I've got the book plus a map plus grabbing the drugs incase for the sickness. Everyone I've spoken to has said similar things but just needed to come here for experienced words of advice!

Cheers

Agree with landfall38!
My first serious trek was to this park and I went with my sons that were fit but followed me for directions.
I just had a very basic map for planning and we did much more than just EBC. Went to Gokyo and hiked to Reno pass and when Chola was blocked by a storm, we went back and up to Chukung and crossed Kongma pass before going to EBC.
Long story and all with a 2$ map. Sure did much reading before but nothing as ״advanced as LP".

If you've never been trekking in Nepal before ... take a guide. If you've not, then go prepared.

Read MissingTrekker.com

It's your call at the end of the day. First time trekking, I took a guide and it was the best choice as they showed me more about Nepal, the mountains and the culture than anything else. Meanwhile the lads behind us drank beers, bargained with locals like they were poorer than them, got altitude sickness and left one of their mates behind.

I'm not going to argue the point with the "forum experts". But TAAN want to stop solo trekking in Nepal for the very reasons of first time trekkers getting lost, having accidents and disturbing the local culture.

So, I leave as a I started. If you've never been trekking in Nepal before ... take a guide. If you've not, then go prepared.

PS. Get travel insurance that covers you.

I certainly agree with advice to "go prepared". Moreover, I also believe that for some trekkers, hiring a guide is a great idea. But for the main treks, a well-informed, well-prepared first-timer doesn't necessarily need a guide.

As for TAAN wanting to stop solo (i.e., guideless) trekking because "first time trekkers getting lost, having accidents and disturbing the local culture"... very funny. No, TAAN simply wants more money for itself and member agencies.

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