Thinking
of going to trekking to Everest but not sure which company
to choose? Wondering whether to go for 2 or 3 weeks? Big
corporate company or small independent? I was in your shoes
last year and am so glad that I chose to go with Richard.
The entire trip was impossible to fault and I can wholeheartedly
recommend the Safe Journey experience. From the first email
he was helpful and friendly and always quick to reply. Richard's
many years of trekking in the Khumbu have helped build up
a knowledge of the Sherpa people and culture, as well as
offering inside knowledge on great viewpoints and off-trail
walks. He is also very experienced in the physical demands
of trekking and altitude and made himself available 24hrs
a day for any problem or question we might have had. Although
we were a mixed group of ability and ages (47 year difference!)
he catered for all of us equally and we worked as a team.
Over the years he has also managed to work regularly with
a fantastic group of Sherpa guides and porters. Nothing
was too much for them! Lastly, most of the larger companies
simply go straight up and down from Kala Pathar on the main
trekking highway. Whilst this makes the journey shorter
it also means you potentially miss out on a huge amount
of scenery and cultural aspects en-route. It also helps
acclimatisation - it's far better to take your time than
take a chance. The additional option of returning via Gokyo
or climbing Island Peak was for many of us, the highlight
of the entire trip. So, if you want the experience of a
lifetime, don't rush, take an extra week and have a great
time.
Dr Mike
Steven Aberdeen.
