I’m often asked the question, “what footwear do I need for the Everest Base Camp trek?”. A fairly simple question, but with no simple answer.

If the weather is kind with little or no precipitation, good trail shoes will do the job. Shoes like Merrill Moab GTX or Salomon X Ultra GTX.  Scarpa Vortex are another good shoe also Goretex (GTX) lined.

These walking shoes are well made, offer good grip on most surfaces and are waterproof. Keep in mind that shoes offer little or no ankle support, so if you have a tendency to strained or sprained ankles, then I would definitely recommend good hiking boots from the start of the trek.

The Everest trail is quite rough terrain and you will be walking on uneven and rocky glacial moraine as you get closer to Base Camp. Glaciers are constantly moving of course, so the trail changes frequently so it never really gets worn smooth by the constant foot traffic of people, yaks and donkeys using the trail.I personally use both, shoes give my feet a bit of a break from the restriction of my Scarpa SL boots, which are amazingly comfortable and like walking with an old friend. However, where weather and trail conditions allow, my shoes are fine. I like FiveTen Camp Four when I can get them. Their Stealth Rubber soles give superior grip, but there is a down side in that they are soft and therefore only last a couple of treks. Whatever you decide is best for you, be sure to give them plenty of time to adjust to your feet BEFORE leaving home for your adventure. Wear them in on your training sessions well before your trek.

Another important consideration are socks. The two pair system suits me when I am wearing boots, which is most of the time in the mountains. A lightweight liner sock next to my feet paired with a good quality trek sock works really well.

Again, I will mention a couple of makes that I use, but there are many others on the market that I am sure are just as serviceable. I am not endorsing any one brand over another, these just happen to be brands that I use and am happy with. Thorlos have been consistently good, as have Wigwam liners. Australia’s Mountain Design’s also sell very good socks under their own brand name.

Whatever system you decide upon, I wish you Great Trekking and if you are not trekking with Design Himalaya, try to have a good time anyway.

Dave. 

It was about 10 years ago that Dave Hodson, owner and trek leader at Design Himalaya, after listening to some of his trekking group members came to realise that the standard Everest Base Camp trek at 15 to 18 days is a hurried affair.

“We would like more time to acclimatise”.
“A slower pace”.
“More time in the villages”.
“More time to see the magnificent sights in the Kathmandu valley”.

These were just some of the comments Dave got from his feedback forms, but the overwhelming opinion was, “we need more time”. Of course, not everyone has the time to take the 21 day option, so  Design Himalaya still has the shorter option available, but the somewhat inaccurate title of “over 50’s trek” has proved to be so popular the we run at least two of the 21 day option each trekking season.
The three week option is also great value for money and virtually everything is included in the price from when you arrive on day one of your adventure at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, through to your departure on day 21.

You will be met at TIA by one of our staff and transported to your comfortable hotel in the tourist area of Thamel, about 15 minutes from the airport. The hotel is on a B&B basis, so you will need to buy your lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu, there is a plethora of good restaurants in Thamel and you will be spoilt for choice. Other than lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, all meals are provided including tea and coffee in the comfortable lodges we use whilst trekking. Sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley is also included as are transport from your hotel, entrance fees and an English speaking guide.
All internal transport and flights are included in the price, all accomodation in comfortable lodges (no camping is involved) three meals a day whilst on trek, a porter to carry your gear (one porter to two group members) an English speaking licensed guide who will remain with you throughout and a western leader will be on hand throughout your time in Nepal.

Full details including a detailed itinerary are available on the website www.designhimalaya.com. Or you can contact Dave or Faye, info@designhimalaya.com

Our next available “Over 50’s” Everest Base Camp Trek dates are October 6th. To October 26th. 2019. Cost is USD$3,100.00.  UK Pounds 2,450.00 Euro2,850.00. 20% Deposit on booking