My First Everest Base Camp Trek as a Guide: A Journey of Growth

I still remember taking my first flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla as Guide. Before flight, I met my guest who came to Nepal for Everest Base Camp trek. I introduced myself to them as trek leader. During flight, me and my guests enjoyed the stunning view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse. I was so exited when me and my guest landed at Lukla Airport after amazing flight. Seeing Lukla runway, beautiful Himalayan peak from the terminal I realized my guiding journey had started.

Why Trekking Guide became my profession?

From my childhood I like to travel, hike on the trails. I used to hike on the Champadevi hill, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park trails, Phulchowki hill and Nagarkot trail from the age of 10 with my family and friends. The moment I hiked, I felt great connect with nature. I feel inner peace when I am close to nature. I like to meet with new people, explore the different culture and tradition of different indigenous group of Nepal. Travelling, hiking, meeting new people and exploring their culture and tradition are my passion. So, to transition of passion into profession I became trekking guide.

How I prepared for my first Everest Base Camp Trek as a guide?

This was the first time I got opportunity to lead Everest Base Camp Trek solo. Before this trek, I used to lead Annapurna Base Camp Trek which was less challenging than Everest Base Camp Trek. This time I was going to lead challenging trek. I convinced myself that leading this trek would not be difficult. I was so positive that I will lead this trek successfully. I always perform deep breathing exercises to strengthen my lungs. I regularly drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. I never consume alcoholic beverages. Hence, these habits act as a pre trek preparation before leading this trek. I packed down jacket, waterproof jacket and pant, gloves, sunglasses, hiking boot, camp shoes, trekking socks, waterproof backpack cover, water bottle, trekking poles, headlamp, sleeping bag, Personal first aid kit, Altitude sickness medicines as a essential gears for this trek. Additionally, I carried Passport, permits, TIMS card, Trekking map, camera, phone and power bank.

My first day in the Everest Region as a guide

On the first day I led my team on trek from Lukla to Namche bazar. Our today’s initial destination was Phakding. We reached Phakding by passing through pine forest and several suspension bridges. Then we reached to Monjo from there by-passing farmland, forest Mani wall and suspension bridges over Dudh koshi river. From there we reached to Jorsale village to Sagarmatha National Park to register for park entry permit. From there, we climbed steep hill 2 to 3 km enjoying the stunning views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku to reach Namche Bazaar. I asked my trekker to walk slowly on the steep hill to avoid shortness of breath. Since the weather was clear we got an opportunity to view Mount Everest from Namche Bazaar. Today we stayed overnight here in the teahouse.

How do I guide my trekker on the acclimatization day of Everest Base Camp trek?

After staying overnight at Namche Bazaar, early in the we took our breakfast. On the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, as a lead guide for Everest Base Camp Trek I asked my trekker to go hike. We hiked to Sherpa village khunde and Khumjung. After that we hiked to Everest View hotel. Then we descended to Namche Bazaar again to stay overnight. Similarly, during the acclimatization day at Dingboche, I asked my trekkers to go hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) and then we again descended to Dingboche to stay overnight. During hike I advised my trekker to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. I also advised my trekkers to take rest for few minutes when they felt short of breath. On these acclimatization days, we have followed the principle of “Climb High, Sleep Low” to help our body to adjust the low oxygen available at high altitude. I explained my trekker about the step of acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

How I guide my trekkers when they face challenges along the way to EBC?

My trekkers felt challenged when steep uphill came along the way. They were experiencing shortness of breath while climbing steep uphill. I advised my trekkers to pause and rest for few minutes so that their body compensate low oxygen level. After taking some rest, they overcame their shortness of breath. I encouraged them not to give up as they were near to their final destination. I advised them to drink water at regular interval to prevent dehydration.

Reaching Everest Base Camp as a guide: Most Emotional Arrival

I and my trekkers reached to Everest Base Camp by early afternoon from Gorakshep. Standing beside the Buddhist prayer flag with my trekkers was the most memorable moment for me. We took some photos there in Everest Base Camp. Me and my trekkers also stood on the iconic Everest Base Camp Stone and enjoyed view of Khumbu Glacier and surrounding Himalayan peak. Reaching Everest Base Camp as a guide was most emotional arrival for me. I was very happy when I successfully completed my first Everest Base Camp Trek as a guide, I was very happy.

Lesson Learned from first Everest Base Camp Trek as a guide

Before trekking Everest Base Camp as a guide, I had already trekked there as a trekker. But after trekking there as a guide I learned the real meaning of leadership. I realized that leadership comes with responsibility and safety of my trekkers is more important. I should encourage my trekkers when they felt to give up while climbing steep uphill. My responsibility was not only to take my trekkers to destination but to make sure that they reached to destination safely. I realized that I should walk on the trail matching my trekkers speed. I also learned safety of my trekkers is more important than pace of walk to reach the final destination.

Today as a founder and lead guide of Nepal Trekscape Pvt. Ltd. I would love to guide you personally through our Everest Base Camp Trek package which is founder led trekking designed to ensure your safety while you are making unforgettable moment in the base of world’s highest mountain.