Is Everest Region Safe for Women? Crime Rates & Safety Reports

Solo travel

Everest Base Camp - Cho La pass - Gokyo Ri 16.05 - 31.05 The Everest Base Camp trek has a bit of a bad rep, with concerns about rubbish, overcrowding, sherpa/porter conditions. I had the same concerns, but I think it’s important to experience things ourselves where possible. I can wholly recommend going solo, the trails are well marked and offline maps work well. The end of the season has led to empty guesthouses, giving my money to local families, many whomn have been inspirational mountaineers & have summited many of these incredible Himilayan mountains. I have been so encouraged to see rubbish initiatives, @sagarmathanext & picking up rubbish as I walk with places to deposit on the way as well as initiatives to take kilos back after walking. I had a 5am start to summit Gokyo Ri at 5357m. Going without a tour/guide/porter meant I was able to afford this experience (£650, which included a £165 flight to Lukla, it cost 2 days and £24 on the way back down with a 7 hour jeep & 14 hour bus). I felt confident walking solo, with experience of the Annapurna & walking in Japan; but I wasn’t without doubts or fears. There’s a fine line between encouraging everyone to equally being responsible in the mountains & at altitude. But do all the research to overcome barriers, if it feels scary - try, keep breathing, be slow, get good insurance