All the hard work is worthwhile on the Everest Base Camp tour

Taking on the Everest Base Camp trek is comfortably the most physically exerting, yet ultimately rewarding thing that I have ever done. It is surely one of the most challenging walks that anyone could ever wish to embark on, but the views along the way make all the extra effort worthwhile.

Having spent a few days in the fascinating city of Kathmandu, we eventually reached the scenic Sherpa village of Lukla - which roughly translates as Place for Sheep. This gives you an idea of the landscape in this part of the Asian nation - it is very rural and peaceful. No sign of luxury five-star hotels or gourmet restaurants here, as we would spend the majority of our time either walking or resting up in some traditional teahouses along our epic route.

This was fine by me. It was all about immersing myself in the Nepalese way of life and I couldn't have been happier. As we entered the Sagarmatha National Park, we encountered our first real incline on our tour and this was a sign of things to come. As I said, this was not a trip for the lazy or the physically unfit as the terrain varied greatly as we continued with our voyage.

I was glad that the fantastic guides who led the way were with us, as not only did they carry the bulk of our kit and food supplies, but they also set a fast pace, which encouraged me to up my game and speed up. This was important as there was just so much to see. Of course the jewel in the crown of this part of the world is the imposing Mount Everest - the tallest peak on the planet.

However, there was plenty more to take in along the way and we regularly stopped off in traditional Nepalese villages, which all varied greatly depending on the resources that were available to the communities. The highlight for me though was seeing the spectacular views from Kala Patar, which towers above the Base Camp and isn't the most accessible spot, but those who are fit enough to get there definitely reap the rewards for putting in those extra gym sessions. The latter stages of the trek were far less strenuous (as we headed back downhill) and even though I was exhausted when we eventually got back to Kathmandu, I knew that what I had experienced in the previous 18 days would stay with me forever.

From $1,698pp exc flights

4.8

(average rating, based on 21 reviews)

Trip type: 

Walking & Trekking

Trekking level: 

5. Strenuous

Max group size: 

16

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Everest Base Camp

Asia, Nepal | 18 days

Trip code: 

EK

Everest is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sights - a perfect place for adventure!

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