Everest is still, and will always be, the most coveted goal for serious
climbers setting their sights on conquering the World’s highest
mountain. As such it has a great attraction for ambitious trekkers who
wish to walk in the footsteps of these Everest expeditions to get a
taste of what Everest Base Camp is really like and stand in the mighty
shadow of this goliath.
Searching on the internet for “trek to Everest Base Camp” throws up lots
of impressive looking websites but many are “virtual businesses”.
Treks are routinely sub-contracted to local operators without risk
assessment, quality controls or even proper insurance being place;
European laws designed to protect clients are disregarded. This can mean
that they are disasters waiting to happen and in the case of trekking
at high altitude, such as to Everest Base Camp, this may mean a fatality
from Altitude Sickness.
When searching on the internet for “trek Everest Base Camp” some
companies will say this about insurance “We can't get insurance for
taking treks on the mountain” and on the safety of customers money for
those who do not have bonding add “ I can promise you that we are a
healthy stable company .....but I can't offer you any guarantee beyond
my word” (This is highly concerning given that EU law makes this
illegal). Some operators try and side step these issues by saying that
they are “a UK registered company purely for the purpose of booking and
banking”, so who actually is running and your trek and taking
responsibility for your safety?
Trekking at high altitude can be potentially dangerous and operators
that take shortcuts to avoid costs off the mountain will look to take
similar shortcuts on the mountain with disastrous consequences.
For a safe and fun experience trekking to Everest Base Camp use this checklist to vet your operator.
1. Check your operator is a member of ABTA or a similar organisation?
A good indication that the company you are looking at is reputable and
trustworthy is that they will be a member of a recognised travel body.
2. Check that they have financial bonding and insurance
Bonding means that you are protected financially and proper insurance
not only provides protection but is another good sign of quality as an
operator cannot get insurance without having well prepared operational
and risk management plans
3. Do they use qualified guides on every trip and a minimum ratio of 1 guide for three climbers
Maintaining a high guide ratio ensures that the needs of every climber can be looked after
4. Ask exactly what their price includes, is it a private or group trek or a fixed or flexible itinerary
It is cheaper to join an open group trek with a fixed itinerary, but the
real price paid is that the success rate can be lower and a cheap trek
that doesn’t get you to the top can later seem very expensive
5. What accommodation are you booked into on your trek
Most Everest Base Camp treks are accommodated in teahouses, however, if
you are booking a Fully Catered Camping trek then ensure that you find
out that they are using good equipment. The Himalaya is a very tough
environment and a small cramped tent that leaks will totally spoil your
climb as surely as a lack of good quality food.
6. Check what happens if your flight is cancelled or your luggage delayed
This can be happen in all countries, but it can be too familiar in Nepal
particularly if you have tight connecting flights. Ask what happens if
you arrive a day after the trek is scheduled to start! Has it left
without you?
7. If someone is sick in the group and has to descend, can you continue your trek
Sadly some people will get sick on the Everest Base Camp trek and are
forced to descend. Check it is possible to continue so that at least
some can reach your final goal.
8. Check what is included in the price quoted
Make sure you compare quotes carefully – some operators leave out the
cost of the food or even park fees which can be in the region of £250
per person and add these on as a locally paid cost
9. Ask for real testimonials
These are easy to fake so don’t just rely on website testimonials. Ask
you potential operator for their previous customer email addresses or
better still phone numbers and check this out for yourself.
10. Check that they operate responsibly and treat their crew well
Ask if they are a member of the IPPG or at least follow their guidelines to ensure the best conditions for their crew.
All of this advice is straightforward common sense but we often forget
to ask obvious question, but when you are spending over of £1000 on a
trek and potentially risking your life isn’t a bit of precautionary
checking things out worthwhile.
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