The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp. I have been making the very special journey to Mt. Everest for 16 years now. I wasn’t trekking to Everest in the old days of the 50’s or 80’s or even the 90’s but I do remember seeing my first western toilet brought in the region.
The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp
The lodges, food, service, local people in the Everest region have adapted well to the influx of tourist into this very special region of the world. Kathmandu has remained the same and getting in and out of Lukla still remains a challenge that may be addressed with a road all the way up to kharikhola. Kharikhola is about 12 miles/ 19.3km from Lukla.
The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp
This will potentially bring more people into the Khumbu or Everest valley. Some shady companies and helicopter companies have tried to exploit people in this process and this will be an issue for years to come as the systems are not in place to manage the increase in people looking to enter this magical mountainous land that holds the majesty of Mount Everest.
The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp
There will always be challenges when men and mountains meet. From a trekking perspective I certainly have seen the region evolve over the past 16 years. There are still people carrying their own gear and that sense of community is still there in small doses.
What I am seeing now is more and more unprepared people looking for the short cut to the top. People are either too slow or racing the trails. Rarely do people say hello.
The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp
Got to get that selfie in Everest Base Camp!! We still see it on Mount Everest with totally under qualified climbers risking everything and everyone else to reach the top of the world. This is the true selfless side of mountaineering that in my opinion has no place on the mountain.
The challenges of a new era trekking to Everest Base Camp
On the trails, 50% of people are coming prepared with the right gear, cloths, respect and having trained and prepared fully for this amazing life changing adventure and the other 50% are woefully under prepared for the task of safely making their way in and out of the Everest region. Risking the people in their team along with the amazing local people who have to manage and deal with people coming under prepared. Guides are there is lead, not babysit or micromanage unprepared and disrespectful people.
I saw more people on horses going up the trail to Everest than I have ever seen before. The clothing, back packs and lack of water, lack of ability even to walk up or down the easiest of steps makes me worry about the future of this region and what a new road below Lukla will bring to this very special place.
Don’t get me wrong the local people deserve all that comes in terms of development and prosperity. That is why I do encourage you to trek in February, March and late October, November and into December. Stay away from the circus on the trails and come in months when there are less people. Read some REVIEWS from our Everest treks.