Everest Base Camp on Horseback

The route is rated difficulty 4 out of 10 — lower than a walking trek, owing to the relief provided by the saddle on parts of the journey. But the altitude remains: six nights above 3,400 m and two nights at around 4,750 m. The horse saves energy, but it does not accelerate acclimatisation and does not eliminate altitude sickness.

What you need to be able to do

• Sit confidently in the saddle on a calm horse along a mountain trail for several hours a day, and dismount on command from the guide at difficult sections

• Walk on foot for 1.5–3 hours on steep ascents, narrow ledges, and at bridges where riding is not possible

• Walk the final approach to base camp at 5,364 m on foot — this section is foot-only

• Sleep six consecutive nights above 3,400 metres, including two nights at around 4,750 m

About horse riding

Prior experience is not required — the horses are calm and accustomed to tourists, and on the first trekking day the guide and horseman conduct a short briefing: mounting, stopping, and behaviour on descents. However, if you have a fear of horses or serious problems with your back or pelvis, the saddle may prove harder rather than easier than walking — write to us before booking and we will give you an honest assessment of whether this format suits you.

About altitude sickness

Symptoms of mild altitude sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue) occur above 4,000 m in roughly half of people without altitude experience — regardless of whether you are walking or riding. Our protocol: the acclimatisation scheme 'climb high, sleep low' in Namche and Dingboche, daily saturation monitoring with a pulse oximeter, Diamox at your physician's discretion, and immediate descent if condition worsens.

Who the route is not suitable for

• Pregnant women

• People with uncontrolled hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, severe asthma, or epilepsy

• People with serious problems of the back, pelvis, or hip joints — the saddle on long transfers can aggravate these conditions

• Those with a severe fear of horses

Equipment falls into three categories: critical, important, and optional. Some items can be purchased or rented in Thamel on day 2. For the riding segments, trousers without coarse inner-thigh seams and footwear that does not catch on the stirrup are important.

Critical

• Trekking boots — broken in, with a membrane, ankle support, and a stable heel (for the stirrup). Final foot sections and dismounting are unavoidable regardless.

• Sleeping bag rated to −15 °C comfort. Lodges above 4,000 m are not heated at night. Rental in Kathmandu $1.5–3 per day.

• Waterproof shell jacket and trousers (wind and moisture protection).

• Down jacket 600+ fill power for camp evenings.

• Base layers — two sets; merino wool is preferable to synthetic.

• Warm gloves and fleece balaclava liners.

• UV-protective sunglasses, category 3–4.

• SPF 50 sunscreen for face and lips.

• 1 l water bottle and 0.5–1 l thermos. Drink at least 4 litres per day.

• Headlamp and spare batteries.

• Personal medical kit: Diamox (on physician's advice), ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoeal, oral rehydration salts, blister plasters (Compeed), elastic bandage, your regular medications with a 7-day surplus.

Important

• Trekking trousers without coarse inner seams, and elbow/knee pads for dismounting sections

• Trekking poles (for foot sections)

• Day pack 30–45 l with rain cover

• Thin trekking socks × 3 pairs and warm socks × 2 pairs (wool/synthetic; not pure cotton)

• Dust and sun buff, and a warmer buff for cold early-morning starts

• Wet wipes and toilet paper

• Asian power adapter (Nepal — type C/D/M, 230 V) and powerbank 10,000–20,000 mAh

Optional

• A book or downloaded playlist — evenings in the lodges are long

• A camera; a phone drains in an hour in the cold, keep it in a chest pocket

• Several small-denomination dollar bills for tips and minor purchases