Should you hire a guide company?
After my trip to Nepal and Everest Base Camp my thoughts of hiring a guide company. When I decided to solidify my trip to Everest Base Camp I did not have the time or energy to plan my trip. I decided to hire a guide company for the trek and stay at Everest Base Camp. Having had the luxury of using a company, also gave me time to consider the Pros and Cons of using a company.
Pros:
You do not have to provide any mental effort to finding the best places to stay. The guide company will address this because they want their clients well taken care of.
Guides have done the upfront research and negotiations with tea houses so you do not have to worry about eating there. When you don't have guides who know the customs and people you could be overcharged and even risk food poisoning. The guide company wants their clients to remain happy and healthy.
Some guide companies offer all inclusive food and drink. This is comforting because you do not need to worry about whether you brought enough money. I witnessed a group that was counting money worrying did they have enough to stay at the hotel for the evening.
Paying for local knowledge of weather. If the guide says that you must start early because of weather conditions it is best to follow their lead. You are paying for their experience and expertise.
Paying for the experience of gear selection. The guide can very quickly identify if your gear is up the standard of making the trip. I was advised to buy another larger jacket and that was well worth it.
Having a local guide who will watch that you do not commit any faux pas.
Having the ability to stay at Everest Base Camp. In Nepal only trekkers that stay with a guide company may sleep at Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is a bucket list item for a lot of people and you might as well stay the night.
My view out of my tent. Over the top of PDX Carpet socks you can see the Ice Fall.
Cons:
The group is too isolated from the outside world. The group dynamics always ends up that the group only talks to those in the group. I found it harder to meet new people, and in my opinion that is why you explore this small planet.
You are stuck with the group. There are times that the larger group may have personality conflicts. This might be the exception rather than the rule because on a long scheduled trek most people are close to the same personality types. These types of people like the idea of walking every mile of the planned trip.
The sense of accomplishment for the adventure is not the same. That moment you step into the breach of the unknown and you find your own way back is why we test ourselves.
First picture of Everest, as we just left Namche Bazaar.
In conclusion, a guide service makes planning easy. Adventure is still there but you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone to make it happen.