Driving To Everest

[PFC]

Having trekked for many years (alone, with groups and teaching Young people for their Duke of Edinburgh Award), my wife has just dropped a bombshell that she wants to go to Everest (Base Camp), problem is due to a medical condition she is unable to walk very far, a few Km then in agony for a few days, i've sugested to her that maybe we find a company or individual that could put together a package where we could combine some minimal walking and using a 4x4 to get us the rest of the way, I know this is not the purest way of getting anywhere, but sometimes compromise is necessary. would welcome any recomendations and views from all.


PFC

[thesilvertops]

I feel sure it's not possible on the Nepal side. Rocky trails, suspension bridges, etc., It's just about possible to helicopter in to Gorak Shep(expensive) but the walk then to base camp is several hours and pretty tough. Your best option is the Tibet side. You can drive to Rongbuk and then take a horse buggy and/or walk to base camp. It's possible to stay there in a tent hotel and go back the next day so as to spread the walking over a couple of days. It's also possible that you would be allowed to take a 4x4 all the way on medical grounds. However, there still remains the risk of altitude sickness - that's why walking in slowly is recommended. Driving in quickly is not to be recommended.

Having said all that I still feel the Tibet side is the best option and if you took a tour from Kathmandu you would both have a chance to acclimatise. You could then fly back from Lhasa and the whole trip would be one to remember. Greenhill Tours in Kathmandu have a good reputation for these trips to Tibet.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.greenhill-tours.com/

Hope this is useful to you.

[PFC]

thanks for your advise, once again invaluable.

PFC