Hey, trekking enthusiasts, welcome to my blog. Today, I am going to talk about What is beneficial, solo trekking or group trekking, especially in the Everest region. Which one is the best for you?
If you have similar confusion that is in most hike lovers’ minds, then read the blog to find out the major pros and cons of both solo and group trekking styles.
Overview
First of all, let’s understand what solo and group trekking styles actually mean. Solo means traveling all alone, and group trekking means you will trek with other fellow trekkers.
Solo trekking is a fun adventure. Going on a trek without anyone is courageous work. Hardly anyone tries it, especially in risky areas like the Everest region.
Meanwhile, while going with a group, you have lots of people with you to support each other during the trek. You interact with each other, share your life experiences, and enjoy the journey together.
There are many positive sides to this, but you shouldn’t forget the cons/ negative sides of these trekking styles. While going solo, you have to face the challenges and problems all alone. In contrast, you will miss the private experiences and your true endurance power in the group.
Solo Trekking Style In The Everest Region
Many of you may have been wondering whether solo trekking is possible or not. Everest region is the risky region when it comes to solo trekking but is it really risky?
But if you plan well and be ready for each and every challenge that comes your way, then a successful solo trek is possible. In fact, many people have successfully done it before. But, before planning for the solo trek, first see the pros and cons of solo trekking.
Pros of the solo trekking style in the Everest Region
- Strengthen your confidence
In a world where a risky trek is performed by a group with proper planning and preparations, going solo needs courage and a lot of preparation. It strengthens your confidence and helps you find your true potential.
Only by traveling or trekking solo can you find the true talent that makes you unique in the world.
- Gives you the experience of a quieter trek
Another pro of solo Everest base camp trekking is that the trek gives you a private experience in between the Himalayas. You have the freedom to explore on your own.
- Gives you personalized time to rest
In solo hiking, you have the sole authority to decide when to take a rest and when to continue. It gives you total freedom and doesn’t need to worry about what others think of your decision.
- Power your leadership skills
Whatever you do, doing solo powers your leadership qualities. You find your weakness, eliminate it, and guide others to overcome the same problem that you are facing now. This is one of leadership skills.
You can guide others in trekking when you have one and can teach others or create leaders who can trek on their own.
Cons of the solo trekking style in the Everest Region
- May suffer from loneliness
As solo trekking can give you freedom of choice, it can also be the reason for mental fatigue and anxiety. As you go through problems and face them, it is hard to stay self-motivated all the way.
As humans, we are social beings who live in society. So, going solo trekking can sometimes be lonely due to a lack of social interactions and communication.
- Higher emergency cost
It is true that solo trekking can reduce the costs of Guides or porters, but no one can tell the future exactly when and where the problem will come.
In case of an emergency, you need to hire a guide or porter, which will cost you more than the normal rate. Unplanned hiring is always costlier than usual.
- Lodging challenges
During the peak season, sometimes it is difficult to get accommodation in tea houses without prior booking. All the bookings have already been done by the groups or those associated with the companies.
Sometimes, this may lead to hungry nights and tiredness as you lack comfortable bedding, which may make you sick.
- Safety concerns
As you trek solo in remote areas, there may be no one to help you in case of any injuries or health problems.
- Hard time to get permits and legal paper works
It may be difficult for solo travelers to get permits and permission. These legal processes sometimes take time, and it may be difficult for those who haven’t planned things before.
Group Trekking Style In Everest Region
Trekking with the group without fear of any problems can be fun and satisfying. You have a mate to communicate with and interact with throughout the journey and a guide to help you during the trek.
But before going for group hiking, read the following pros and cons of it to make sure that you are making the right choice.
Pros of the group trekking style in the Everest Region
- Safe trekking
While going trekking in a group, you help each other with difficulties. When you get injured, you have your group members to help you recover from the injuries.
- Responsibility sharing
While hiking in a group, everyone in the group has particular responsibilities. These co-sharing responsibilities help make the trek easier and more fun.
Besides this, you can learn group behaviors and group management, which can develop your social skills by dividing responsibilities among the group members.
- Motivation and encouragement
Trekking in the group is very beneficial when it comes to motivating and encouraging each other. When you are with the group, you will see yourself encouraging and motivating your fellow members, and you will also see the same from your mates.
No one is perfect in this world. If you can do something easily that may be difficult for others. So, by motivating each other on their struggle to walk or save energy, you can have a successful and enjoyable EBC trek.
- Friendship building that lasts
There is a saying that “Tough time brings strangers closer.” During group trekking, you may connect with someone who has thoughts and interests similar to yours.
This will help build lasting friendship bonds by helping each other, understanding each other during tough times, and having fun together.
- Cost Sharing
EBC trekking in groups can reduce costs. Yes, you can save money. While trekking in groups, you will get discounts at various lodges and on meals.
You can hire a guide and get benefits in the group. You can share food, rooms, and other company expenses can also be shared in the group.
Cons of the group hiking style in the Everest Region
- May have to face clashes with group members
As groups form with different minds coming from different places, conflicts may occur. The clashes of thought are common as every member wants their own comfort that may be uncomfortable for others.
One member may love to have a particular meal, while others may not like the idea. Others may be thinking of not increasing the costs or doing unnecessary expenses. This difference in thoughts leads to clashes and sometimes even cancellations of the trek.
- No personalized hike
In a group, no one has privacy. You may need to share the things that you have and don’t want to share. You may need to share your room with a member of the group that you don’t like.
- May take rest when you don’t need it
When you are in a group, you have to focus on the group’s successful and safe journey rather than your own personal journey. In a group, there may be some members who are less fit or often get tired even after a short walk. Then you may have to take a rest frequently.
- Group trek moves at the pace of the slowest member
Fast members may get frustrated as the group hike moves at the comfort of the slowest member. You may be fast and may need to wait for the slow walker in your group.
Final sayings
Whether you are going for a solo trek or a group trek, you just need to think about what makes your journey more unique and enjoyable. Going solo EBC trekking gives you a personalized experience, whereas going in group trekking helps you make great bonds that last till your lifetime.
Whatever you choose, give your best, gain knowledge, explore things, and have a good time.
