The Everest Base Camp trek might be on your bucket list if you are a mountain lover or enjoy adventurous trekking. Don’t just keep it on your list; hop along the trails. Walk through the lush forests and diverse wildlife, and enjoy majestic mountain views and beautiful Sherpa villages along the way.
The trek is filled with excitement and warm memories, but it is not an easy feat. You need to consider a few things to complete the trek successfully. Hence, here are 35 helpful tips for Everest Base Camp from the Alpine Club of Himalayas.
- First and foremost, find the itinerary that is suitable for you. There are many packages for Everest Base Camp with different routes and itineraries. Explore and choose the best package for you.
- Trekking to Everest Base Camp is possible throughout the year. Pick the time of trek based on your preference (Summer/monsoon, spring, or winter). Every season has its specialty.
- Many Everest Base Camp trek information, routes, and tips are available on the internet. But, trying to trek alone or even in a group with experience trekking in the Himalayas might not be safe. Contact a professional trekking company if possible.
- Trekking to an altitude of over 5300m is commendable and surely not easy. Therefore, we highly recommend you train beforehand you trek to make your body fit.
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Essential tips for Everest Base Camp Trek you shouldn’t miss
- You must trek for 5 to 6 hours a day with your baggage. So, only pack the essentials for your trek.
- If you have brand-new trekking shoes, try them on before hiking or on your practice hiking. New shoes might cause foot pain or give you blisters and chafed skin.
- Along with your trekking shoes, try out your trekking gear before your trek. Be familiar with your gear and change if it is inappropriate for you.
- Since there are no ATMs available at higher altitudes or even at Namche, carry enough cash to last throughout the trek.
- If you cannot trek halfway, your travel insurance covers your emergency evacuation. Therefore, make sure to purchase good travel insurance.
- The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is quite intense with a spectacular view. Be prepared for the scenic and adventurous flight.
- On the first two days, you will cross several suspension bridges that are shaky and high. Be careful while crossing the bridges.
- Do not try to trek fast. Take your time, enjoy the view and walk slowly. Don’t exhaust your body by rushing through the trek.
- Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. At least 3.5-4 liters of water per day is required to function properly. If you are taking Diamox, drink about 5 liters of water.
- Many physically fit trekkers tend to go a little overboard and rush through the trek. It is not worth rushing when danger roams throughout the trek. Hence, we suggest you do not rush through the trek.
- Altitude sickness is a major problem while trekking to Everest Base Camp. Be cautious of altitude sickness and notify your guide if you have any health problems.
- It is hard to digest food at a higher altitude. Hence, we suggest you try veg and soupy meals prepared with fresh and local ingredients.
- Non-veg meals are high in protein, and our body finds it difficult to digest which might give us an upset tummy. So, avoid non-veg meals.
- Avoid alcoholic and soft drinks and take soup and hot tea instead. Alcohol causes dehydration and harms health, and soft drinks are also no good.
- Hot showers may not be available every day throughout the trek. Lower trekking regions offer it at a low price but get expensive at higher altitudes. So, you may have to take a bucket shower.
- You can purchase water hot/cold from local teahouses or bring water sterilizing tablets to filter water. But, do not drink water from taps and springs without filtering it.
- You will get hungry along the treks. Bring some snacks like chocolate bars, dry fruits, etc., and eat whenever you get hungry. Do not wait for your next meal.
- You might need to call someone along the trails. And, through a local cell is the easiest way. So, buy a local sim and contact emergency numbers if needed.
- You can find both western and squat toilets in the teahouses. But, make sure to check the flushes and water before using them.
- The weather conditions in Lukla can be quite harsh, and airplane takeoff and landing are impossible. Therefore, be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.
- Since the flights can be delayed or canceled, we suggest you keep an extra day at the end of the trek.
Accessories to carry that are Helpful during the trek.
- Clothes are crucial to completing the trek. Dress comfortably and warmly according to the weather.
- The UV rays at higher altitudes are high. So, use sunscreen routinely to avoid sunburn.
- Along with sunscreen, also make sure to wear sunglasses. This will also protect you from snow blindness.
- Make sure to pack headlights/torches. At higher altitudes, not all rooms in teahouses have electricity.
- The local people will offer you their warmest welcome and hospitality. Make sure to reciprocate by showing respect to them and their culture.
- Charging your electric device is expensive at a higher altitude. Bring a solar power bank with you to avoid spending extra money.
- Also, your device might need different voltages, frequencies, and pins to charge electric devices as Nepal has round pins and 230 V with 50 Hz electricity. So, make sure to bring Universal Power Adapter.
- If you see a train of mountain yak, move to the side of the tail towards the hill, not the cliff.
- You can get injuries at any time throughout the trek. So, pack a first aid kid with you.
- Suppose you have trouble carrying your backpack. Hire a porter either at Kathmandu or Lukla.
Based on the questions asked by our customers, we have prepared these 35 helpful tips for Everest Base Camp Trek. Alpine Club of Himalaya suggests you follow these to have a successful EBC trek.
