Our guide Claude Wauthier, who has led several trekking expeditions to EBC, clarifies some of the misconceptions we hear about this legendary trek.

With Aventure Atlantis, he has had the opportunity to trek this route year after year, and today he wants to clarify several misconceptions that he still hears all too often.

❌ “There are traffic jams of walkers at EBC.”

False.
The viral photos showing endless lines… are taken at over 8,000 m, near the summit, and concern climbers.

The base camp is located at 5,400 m, much lower, and there are no long lines.
In four years, I have only seen a line once, for about 15 minutes, during the post-pandemic boom year. That’s it.

❌ “The trek is full of trash.”

False.
Nepal has implemented a strict cleanliness and environmental management policy.
The trails are surprisingly clean despite the passage of trekkers, porters, yaks, dzos, and local residents.
It’s rare to see litter, and the villages do a remarkable job of preserving their environment.

❌ “You have to be an athlete to succeed.”

False.
No need to be an Olympian!
However, you do need to be in good physical and mental shape, and above all, in good health.
You’ll be walking for about 17 days, an average of 5 hours a day, at high altitude—yes, it’s demanding.
But with good preparation, this trek is accessible to anyone who is motivated and disciplined.
The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the trip.

❌ “Hygiene is a nightmare.” ”

False.
Each lodge has functional toilets, although at high altitude you sometimes have to pour the water yourself (the pipes freeze at 5,000 m).
Water is also available in all lodges.
And yes: you can take a hot shower in each lodge (for a small extra charge)…
…even at base camp!

⚠️ “Sherpas and porters are exploited.”

This can happen, but not with all companies.
Some offer low prices at the expense of local teams.
At Aventure Atlantis, we work with a reliable local agency that ensures fair wages and good conditions for all sherpas, guides, and porters.
This is an essential value for us.

❌ “Altitude sickness only affects non-athletes.”

False.
Acute mountain sickness can affect absolutely anyone, even athletes.
That’s why we follow a gradual acclimatization schedule, validated by experience and local guides.

❌ “Base Camp is a dangerous trek.”

False.
The CBE is a physical but non-technical trek: no climbing, no ropes, no exposed passages.
With an experienced guide and good preparation, it is a safe trek.

❌ “The lodges are very basic.”

Partially false.
The lodges are simple but cozy, clean, with varied meals, and a unique atmosphere specific to the Khumbu Valley.
The food is good, the beds are comfortable, and you often meet wonderful people.

Want to experience the adventure of a lifetime?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is a guaranteed departure, in a small group, in one of the most beautiful environments in the world.
The landscapes are unreal… and the kindness of the Nepalese people is simply incomparable.

👉 Registration is still open for this legendary trek, so if you want to join our group and have a life-changing experience, now is the time.

Return to Everest base camp