Trekking to Everest Base Camp Tips

Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas is one of the amazing experiences for novice and weathered trekkers.

When most people think about trekking in Nepal, they immediately think of famous Everest Base Camp trek.

Without any doubt, Everest base camp trek is one of the most adventurous and wonderful trekking destinations of Nepal.

The breath-taking scenery, glorious snow-capped peaks of Everest region is hard to resist. Everest base camp trek leaves you breathless !!!

Mountains are mysterious and unforgivable, which is why you need to come prepared. Here are some trekking to Everest base camp tips to make your trek stress free and definitely more fun.

Hire a guide

Everest base camp trek is possible without trekking guide. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s advisable. I mean to say, if you’re novice trekker than trekking in the Himalayas alone is not a good idea.

A guide will help you throughout the trail. They’ll keep you safe. During the peak trekking season, Everest region is full of trekkers. At this time, your guide will arrange everything. You don’t have to worry about accommodation and logistics. You can fully enjoy your trek.

A local guide is well-informed about the trail and the local customs too. With the help of your guide, you’ll get a close insight of culture of remote mountain people.

Physically train yourself

Although Everest base camp trek doesn’t require previous trekking experience, you need to be reasonably fit. You require a good level of fitness. So, it’s a good idea to train ahead of your trip.

You can start your training program before 6 months of your trek. Aerobic exercise like cycling, running, jogging, stair climbing is the best way to train yourself for the trek. These exercises will help you to build up the endurance level.

You should also focus on the strength training particularly your legs, arms, back, and shoulders.

Furthermore, if it is possible you can go for small hiking in your home country. This will help you for the

Mentally prepare yourself

To complete Everest base camp trek successfully your mental state plays a vital role.

Most of the physically fit people are not able to complete the trek all because of their mentality. During the Everest base camp trek, don’t let your mind take over. So, try to expect different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the trail.

Have faith in yourself and make your way to the base of the world’s tallest peak.

Pack Properly

The next factor you need to consider is to pack properly for your trek. This one is really important to do before your trek.

You’ll experience lots of different weather while trekking Everest base camp. So, you need to bring a wide variety of clothing.

You’ll need several equipments and gears for the trek. But you need to choose wisely.

The trekking gears you must have;

• Down jacket
• Fleece jacket/ trousers/ pants
• Hiking boots
• Camp sandals
• Down vests/ tops
• Thermal tops/ bottoms
• Windcheater jacket
• Sun hat/ woolen hat/ scarf
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• T-shirts
• Hiking socks
• Heavy and lightweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
• Underwear
• Shorts

The trekking equipment you must have;

• Sleeping bag
• Duffel bag
• Daypack
• Trekking Poles

Other essentials;

• Water bottles
• Headlamp with an extra spare of batteries
• Toiletries
• Basic first aid kit
• Small quick-drying towel
• Small locks to lock trek bag

Prepare for altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is caused by ascent to high altitude. The symptoms will occur within 6 to 24 hours of achieving a high altitude. If it is not cured at time, it is fatal.

So, you need to be alert to any of the symptoms that occur.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty sleeping

If you notice the symptoms of the altitude sickness then follow these guidelines mentioned below;

• Descend to a lower altitude if possible
• Take complete rest until you feel well
• Drink plenty of water
• Take anti-altitude sickness medicines (Diamox)

Note: If you don’t see improvement in your health within 48 hours, you need to immediately deport to the city.

Altitude sickness can happen to anyone with any level of fitness.

There is no any way to train to totally avoid altitude sickness.

But there are some ways you can prevent it;

• Ascend slowly as you reach higher
• Keep yourself hydrated
• Eat balanced diet
• Avoid alcohol and high caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea
• Do not smoke
• Take plenty of rest

Get travel insurance

Everest base camp trek is a high altitude trek in the remote part of the Himalayas. In most of the trail section, there is no road access.

So, in the emergency case, you might have to be immediately deported in a helicopter. The cost of evacuation is covered by medical insurance.

Besides, it’s best to get travel insurance. While trekking in the remote region, there is a chance of accidents, diarrhea, and altitude related illness.

Also, there is an equal chance of natural disasters like avalanches, rockfalls, and landslides. So, it’s best to get travel insurance. It covers the extra cost of flight delay/cancellations or loss of luggage.

Other Handful Tips

• Make sure to enjoy the whole journey. Everest base camp trek is an experience of a lifetime. To reach the base camp, you’ll have worked so hard, so enjoy each moment.
• While trekking to base camp, you are often walking through local villages. Here you’ll get a chance to meet a local people. The children of the villages are always special. You can bring anything a small treat for them. I’d recommend pencils, books, note copy anything that worth.
• During the EBC trek, you may not find everywhere ATMs especially when you really need one. The mountains and hills still lack ATMs facilities. So, you need to bring enough cash ensures to complete the trek without any hassle.
• Before going for the EBC trek, it’s good to do research about the places and people. Respect the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
• You can hire or buy everything you need for the trek in Kathmandu. So don’t need to take stress if you forget something at home.
• Bring a water purifier or purification tablets. Every time purchasing the bottle of the water is also not a good idea economically. On the trail, anywhere you’ll get tap water for free, but it’s not hygienic like boiled water. So just fill water and purify it yourself by using purification tablets.
• Remember to keep batteries close to your body at all the times. As the cold drains, your batteries quickly. Charging batteries might cost $3-5 per hour. So, you can save few dollars by extending their life by keeping them warm.

Final Say

Hope this article will help motivate and prepare you for the Everest base camp trek. If you have got any more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

Best of Luck!!