Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek

1st review of the trek is city tour of Kathmandu, this was done with Ram and it was a very good incite to the city and religion. Ram really knowledgeable about everything, if the next stage the trek to gokyo follows the same professionalism then really looking forward to it

We recently did the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek and I have mixed feedback - I have given it 5 stars because that's what the trekking team deserved and I'd like them to get more groups going forward but it is not a true representation of the whole experience! So, I'll start with the trek itself; we were met at Lukla airport by Dambar who is so lovely - we were so happy we had him as a guide as he was very patient with us! Mardhap was our porter and again, he is a really nice guy. There were just 2 of us on the trek which I was disappointed with initially, but in hindsight, it was probably for the best as I am incredibly slow and a big group would have got frustrated with me. The trek is hard work; really hard work but the views are amazing! We stayed in Phakding, Namche, Dole, Machermo and Gokyo - the walk differed each day in length and intensity and nothing could have prepared me for how physically and mentally draining it would be. I needed a lot of ibuprofen on the way down as my knees were in agony! I would recommend walking poles, even if you don't think you need them, take them just incase. We picked up a pair in Kathmandu for a couple of pounds and I used mine every day - if you don't use them, stick them in your backpack - better to have and not need than need and not have! If you can get altitude sickness tablets before you go, I would recommend. We took the tablets each day and didn't have any problems at all. During the trek, Dambar told us each day what time we would set off, he arranged breakfast to be ready for us and would give us an idea of what we would be walking each day; how long it would take, how difficult it would be, how much flat, how much climb etc. It was really useful to know this so you could prepare yourself! On days when I was slow, Dambar just walked with me being very patient, he didn't rush me and he let me have as many breaks as I wanted and took all my photos so I could concentrate on just getting myself to the next place! The guesthouses along the way are adequate; some better than others. I found the food to be nice in all of them. In the winter months, it's so cold at night, seriously cold. Sometimes it was so cold I couldn't sleep despite being fully clothed with a sleeping bag and blankets. Where possible, Dambar got us extra blankets and did what he could to help us. Prepare yourself for some of the guesthouses having frozen pipes so no water and no toilet etc. When we got to Gokyo it was lunchtime so we decided to go out for a walk around the lake, Dambar and Mardhap came with us to make sure we were ok and didn't get lost/injured etc. Dambar was a very attentive guide, always checking we were feeling ok, he tested our oxygen levels to make sure we could continue climbing etc, when it seemed like a snow storm was coming, he made sure we left and didn't get stuck! He even played cards with us on a night to keep us entertained. On the day we were due to leave, the airport was closed due to bad weather - this is a common occurrence in the mountains so if you have the flexibility to stay extra days, book your international flight some time later - unfortunately we didn't have flexibility and had to leave the next day so the airport being closed was a problem but Dambar managed to arrange a helicopter for us so we could make our flight which was very much appreciated! All in all, our little team was fantastic and I wouldn't change anything about them and would recommend them to anyone. If you get Dambar on your trek, you'll have a lovely time! Now, the downside of the trip was the admin side and the office based team back in Kathmandu. When we booked the trip we received little to no communication - the only time I got information is when I reached out to ask for it and I don't agree with this; it's not a good way to conduct business. When you're paying a lot of money and taking a trip of this magnitude, you sort of expect people to be better organised. I asked for a kit list but what I received was not adequate for the time of year that we were trekking, about 3 days before we left the UK we got an information sheet that would have been helpful 3 months prior. Nobody asked when we would arrive in Kathmandu or when we would leave even though they transport you to and from the airport. Despite me communicating with them, when we arrived, there was nobody to meet us at the airport, I had to chase information on the 'welcome' meeting and when that would take place, we had to chase up sleeping bags, we didn't get the t-shirts we were told we would get, we were told 8 people would be in our group when it was actually just 2 of us, I had to ask for the flight tickets to Lukla as these weren't sent, I had to ask for flight tickets to Kathmandu because these weren't sent. We paid for our helicopter and were told we would be given the cancelled flight money as a contribution; I had to chase up the payment over a week after returning to the UK as nobody from the company contacted me about this and if I'd waited for them, I expect I'd still be waiting now (the amount contributed was less than the flights were due to cost them too but I can't be bothered arguing with them). If you're relatively laid back and don't need things to be in order, you'll probably be fine but if you do like things organised, prepare to be frustrated by the admin team! So, if speaking honestly, I would say 5 stars for the trekking team as they are wonderful but just 1 star for the office team - given that the trek itself is the most significant part, I have given 5 stars but wanted to be completely transparent in terms of what to expect (or not expect as the case may be)!

This was a bucket list adventure for me and I can't say enough about the team leader Ram and his team that exceeded all my expectations. The trek team along with the porters were encouraging and more than helpful. The trek itself was challenging and at the same time very memorable from the scenery, the wildlife, the teams of yaks and mules that shared the trail, and the great variety of the 16 trekkers that created new friendships from around the world. We did have some challenges with altitude sickness from mild to quite serious, which Ram and his team handled with care and concern. Personally, it was a great experience and an experience of a lifetime...only if you don't go back! I would highly recommend Luxury Tours and in particularly Rom and his team, for a wonderful Himalayan trekking experience.