Everest Base Camp Trek Solo vs Group: Which 14-Day Experience Feels Better?
Fourteen days trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime hike in the mighty Himalayas. Walking to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth and experiencing the chilling wind is probably a dream that countless people have. However, before these new trekkers set off on such an incredible journey, they are often puzzled by a single question in their heart. The question they are asking themselves is whether they should trek alone or with a group. Both options seem to be equally exciting and both will get you to EBC, but they differ in your feelings. In this simple story, I will explain it as if I were talking to a small child so you can understand it slowly and happily without feeling anxious.What It Means to Trek Solo
Solo trekking is when you walk alone, without other trekkers being a part of your journey. You may still have a guide or a porter if you need assistance, but you are not a part of a large group. You plan out your own personal itinerary and trek in the way that suits you best.
Solo trekking is like a silent quest. You get to think about your own thoughts and emotions. You can walk slowly or quickly depending on your stamina. You can take photos wherever you want. You can have tea wherever you like. You are the master of your entire day.
What It Means to Trek in a Group
Trekking in a group means that you are one of the several trekkers walking together. You have the same guide, follow the same plan, walk at the same time, and stay at the same tea houses. You are like a little mountain family. You chat while walking, laugh with others and share happy memories.
Group trekking is like a friendly adventure. You get to know new people from different countries. You make fun of each other, tell each other your stories, and give each other strength when the walk is too slow or too hard.
How Solo Trekking Feels in the Heart
While trekking solo you are as free as a bird soaring in the sky. Your heart feels tranquil because no one is rushing you. You can sit alone and stare at the mountains for as long as you want. You contemplate life and feel serene.
At times solo trekking may make your heart stronger as you are relying on yourself. You could even say that you feel courageous as you are the one who is taking a big journey almost all the way by yourself.
How Group Trekking Feels in the Heart
Trekking as a group fills one's heart with warmth and friendliness. You make new friends every day and talk with them. You share tea, smiles, jokes, and moments of sunrise. The people that trek in a group say that the best part of their group trek is not only the mountains but also the people they meet.
There is a lesser degree of loneliness because you can constantly hear people's voices, laughter, and friendly words.
How Safe Is Solo Trekking?
One can say that solo trekking is safe as long as one adheres to certain basic precautions. It is always better to have a guide or a porter with you so that you do not lose your way or get confused. The Everest trail is not deserted, and quite a number of people are walking along it every day, hence it is highly likely that you will come across other trekkers on the trail.
However, at times, you may feel somewhat lonely or that you are not certain of the situation. You should always be cautious and take care of yourself. In case you are feeling unwell or exhausted, you should be informing your guide promptly.
How Safe Is Group Trekking?
The presence of many people makes the feeling of safety definitely stronger in the case of group trekking. The guide is like the eyes and the hands of the whole group and he looks after their health and breathing. In case of exhaustion or sickness of a single member, the group takes care of him. Hence, you always have someone next to you.
Group trekking creates a comforting feeling because at the same time, you know that quite a few other people are sharing the same path as you are.
How Cost Works in Solo Trekking
There are moments when a solo trek is somewhat more costly due to the fact that the fees for the guide and porter are paid only by one person. The costs of the room and food also increase slightly when one is alone in a lodge.
Despite the fact that the price is higher, there are people who still opt for solo trekking, as their desire for absolute freedom and a personal experience in the mountains outweighs the cost factor.
How Cost Works in Group Trekking
The cost of a group trek is lower than that of a solo trek because the expenses for the guide, the porter, and the organization are divided among the members of the group. The price becomes lower when more people participate in the same plan.
Therefore, group trekking is suitable for people who want to have a wonderful experience but do not wish to spend a lot of money.
How Feelings Change During the 14-Day Trek
When doing a solo trek, some days seem quite enchanting and tranquil, whereas you might feel a bit lonely on other days. While trekking in a group, some days can be very entertaining with the company of others, but there might be times when you long for some quietness and that you are not always granted it.
Each of these experiences comes with its advantages and minor drawbacks. However, both of them make your heart become stronger and happier as the mountains are great teachers and they teach new things every day.
What You Learn from Solo Trekking
Solo trekking teaches you a lot about yourself. You get to know your body, your thoughts, and your feelings. You learn virtues such as patience, courage, and calmness. You experience the feeling of pride as you are the one who has done something very big almost entirely by yourself.
This in turn makes one’s heart grow strong just like a small tree turning into a large sturdy tree.
What You Learn from Group Trekking
Group trekking is a way to learn about cooperation, friendship, and love. You find out how great it is to help others and how good it feels when someone helps you.
You learn that people from different countries can become best friends very easily if they just walk together and smile at each other while being in the mountains.
Which One Feels Better in the End?
There is no definite answer as every person is an individual and hence has his own unique feelings. In case you like quiet moments and personal thinking, then solo trekking would be your cup of tea. If, on the other hand, your heart wants to laugh and talk with people, then group trekking is the right choice for you.
Both will take you to the same base camp; Both will allow you to see the same sunrise; Both will give you the same snow, the same mountains, the same happiness and the same beautiful memories.
Conclusion
Fourteen-day trek to the Everest Base Camp remains enchanting either you walk alone or you walk with a lot of people. The mountains stay high, the sky stays blue, the snow stays white and the joy in your heart stays strong.
Solo trekking is an experience of peace and bravery. Group trekking is an experience of friendliness and warmth. The only thing you need to do is to listen to your own heart and pick the place where your heart smiles the most. Whichever way you decide to go, you will still get to Everest Base Camp and feel proud of yourself as you will have walked in the footsteps of the tallest mountain in the whole TIM world.