With around 50% less oxygen than at sea level, the Everest Marathon is a challenge that will leave you breathless. At a lung-stifling 5,364m (17,572ft), it’s considered the highest marathon in the world. KE traveller Ben from Colorado gave us feedback after his trip and highlighted how important the leaders and Sherpa team were that supported him on route.

Being from the USA, getting to hang with 7 Brits and 4 Nepalese Sherpas was phenomenal. My entire experience from booking, to travelling, to trekking with KE Adventure was wonderful. One of the reasons why I loved this experience so much had a lot to do with the support we received from the leader and support staff on the trip. There is simply so much to express, so I thought I’d list each member of the trekking team staff that made a difference and are the reason why I loved this holiday so much.

Tour Officer in Kathamndu

I fell ill on the flight over from Doha to Kathmandu and I needed to go to the hospital to get cleared for the trek. It was Sam that took care of me. She took me to the hospital in Kathmandu, spoke with the doctors, arranged an extra night at the Hotel Shanker and arranged for my fight up to Lukla with a Team Doctor. I could have very easily been put on a flight home. Without Sam, I wouldn't have met the Sherpa Team: Raj, Treejan, Mani and Binod. Without Sam, I wouldn't have had the most delightful time with our fantastic group and without Sam, I never would have seen Everest, met so many amazing people, discovered the incredible culture, or run the Mount Everest Marathon. Without her help on day 1, my whole trip could have fallen apart. Sam gave me the experience of a lifetime and I cannot thank her enough.

Sherpa Lead Guide

King Raj! That's the nickname the team gave Raj, and it's fitting. What a tremendous joy to be around. He made us laugh and smile at every opportunity. His wealth of knowledge and experience was incredible. We would all wait to hear what Raj had to say, whether he was sharing a piece of history, lore, facts of the biodiversity, or sharing a joke, his voice was that valuable to us. He was always there, happy to answer our questions, to help set expectations, make sure we were healthy, eating enough, sleeping enough, drinking enough. I accredit his leadership, his humility, and his example as the reason why everyone in our group achieved the goals we had set out to do. He helped us acclimatise at a steady pace, going high and coming down lower, going slow, not too fast, not too high, so none of us were too badly affected by the altitude. Raj showed us breathtaking sights and wonders. I was moved to tears when we saw Everest. That never would have happened without Raj's guidance. I learned so much from Raj and will apply what I have learned to my future high altitude treks.

Sirdar - Managed Logistics, meals, hotels and porters

Treejan was a very important man and quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. After trekking for hours the group always looked for his smiling face as we trudged in at the end of the day. He'd always greet us with a fist pump, hand shake, or hug and help us with our rooms, our bags, team tea and meals. He greeted me at the finish line of the marathon, helped me to the medical tent to rehydrate, collect my race certificate, race medal and finishing photo. When it came time to say goodbye to Treejan at Lukla, a few of us were holding back tears. There was no one better to pull up with and have lunch with.

Sherpa Guide

Oh what a delight. If there was anyone that could make you laugh, it was Binod. He was a beacon of fun and a steady hand on our trek. It was incredible seeing him know and communicate with every other Sherpa we came across. From Namche to Base Camp, Binod was there, helping us with meals, lodging, coffee runs and has very keen eyes. He'd spot something the rest of us missed and point it out, letting us enjoy the wonders of the nature of Nepal. The group loved being around Binod and we would take turns to chat with him, take pictures with him and try to see the world through his eyes. He has a unique perspective and you couldn't ask for someone better to help lead you through the mountains of Nepal.

Sherpa Guide

Mani is the man. Smooth, classy, usually at the back of the pack, he never stopped and was always there. He always had a smile on his face and always made us laugh. It was a comfort knowing he was there watching us, and he provided a firm but steady hand in helping us in our trek. When it came to meals, Mani, was constantly there making sure that we were well fed and getting the nutrients our bodies needed. He was gracious to take pictures with us all the time, and everyone in the group took turns chatting with Mani, to learn more about him, his family, and his wealth of knowledge of Nepal. I know there were probably moments he was tired, but he never showed it. His confidence and leadership was indispensable. Mani is an up and coming expert in the field of trekking. I trust him and would gladly trek with him to the end of the Himalayas.