Many travellers have Everest Base Camp on their bucket lists. This route leads adventurous trekkers to Mount Everest’s foot (also called Sagamartha or Chomolungma, in Nepali) which is the highest mountain in the world.
It is an incredible feat to reach Mount Everest’s summit, and it requires great sacrifices. Base Camp, at 5,600m, is not a joke. However, it offers a more achievable goal for those from all walks who still desire to see the highest peak in the world.
The Everest Base Camp Trek has been so well-known, there have been recent controversy about trekker traffic jams, littering, and possible limits to the number of trekkers allowed per year.
Everest and Coronavirus
Despite its remoteness and abundance of fresh air, Everest was still affected by the coronavirus epidemic. Both China and Nepal closed their borders in March 2020 and cancelled the 2020 Everest climbing season.
Nepal opened its borders to trekkers in limited capacity in November 2020. Trekkers can apply for special permits and prior approval through their trekking company to enter Nepal in the spring 2021 trekking season. However, most non-citizens cannot still enter the country. Keep up-to-date with the latest travel restrictions by visiting your country’s travel advice.
How is trekking to Everest Base Camp like?
Apart from the stunning scenery, visitors to the region will be able to experience the unique culture of the area by visiting monasteries and meeting local guides and teahouse owners. They can also admire mani stones and Buddhist stupas along the way.
Walking is a way to have fun and be active. Crossing deep canyons, you will see colourful prayer flags as well as metal bridges. You will be rewarded with hot Nepali food and chai as well as conversation with local guides around the fireside.
Everest Base Camp Trek is a unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating culture, and a personal sense achievement. It also features warm Nepalese hospitality, which makes it one of the most memorable in the world.
However, this is not to say that a Trek to Everest Base Camp isn’t beautiful. Although the trek is not technically difficult, it can still be very hard on your body because of the altitude. The physical challenges are what make the trek so much more rewarding, according to most.
When is the best time to trek?
From March to May, and September to December. It’s hot in May just before monsoon season. Be prepared for rain and beautiful blooming Rhododendron flowers. Although December is colder than January, the days are still spectacular and there are fewer hikers (but make sure to keep warm in the evenings).
Do I really need a guide?
Although it is not mandatory to hire a guide to the Everest Base Camp trek hike, the trail is well-marked. Even if you are an experienced trekker, a guide from the local area can enhance your trekking experience.
A guide can be a great way to learn about the culture and environment of the area. A porter is also available for hire at $10-20 per day. This porter will take care of most of your luggage, making it much more manageable. Multiple trekkers may share one guide. Two trekkers can share one porter to save even more money. Make sure you tip them both at the end.
You can have everything organized for you by a trekking company, such as airport transfers, helicopters or flights to Lukla airport, teahouse accommodation, daily lunch, dinner and porters, as well their insurance. You will also be safe because your guides have been trained in altitude sickness and can carry oxygen canisters with them.
While you can book ahead with western tour companies, you will pay significantly more if you book in Kathmandu. However, ensure that they are registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.
How can I get in shape?
Don’t worry if you aren’t a professional trekker. People with average fitness and limited hiking experience can still do this trek. It is still important to train for Everest Base Camp. You’d rather enjoy the view than complain about your thighs.
You should incorporate cardiovascular, endurance, strength training into your individual training program at least once a week. Focus on running, stair climbing and hiking to condition your muscles for trekking.
You should also be prepared for altitude. Cross-train at least once per week with swimming, yoga, and other exercises that focus on breathing. Cross-training is a great way to prepare for altitude.
You can keep moving forward with your Everest Base Camp trek by practicing running, hiking, and exercising every day. The hardest part about a long-distance trek like the Everest Base Camp trek is getting up each morning sore and starting again.
What should I bring to Base Camp?
Be light – pack only 10-15 kg. Before you add a big bottle of shampoo to your bag, think about the weight of your porter.
You will find the climate getting colder as you trek, and most teahouses are not heated. Layers are essential. Two pairs of long pants, thermal underwear and two pairs of long trousers are good options for your base layer. You can also pack two or three T-shirts (not cotton) that wick sweat away. A fleece jacket and one to two long-sleeved shirts should be your insulation layer. Your shell layer should include a raincoat and a down jacket for cold nights at high altitude.
For teahouse evenings, you will need to wear sandals or sneakers for footwear. Gloves, a woollen cap, a buff, a lamp and polarized sunglasses are also required. You will need a good sleeping bag that is rated at -20degC/0degF and trekking poles. These can be rented in Kathmandu prior to your trek.
Travel-sized toiletries include sunscreen, lip balm and tissue. Dry shampoo and baby wipes are great for those days when you don’t have time to shower.
First aid kits should contain medication for diarrhoea and antibiotics for a sinus infection or chest infection. Before you travel to Nepal for specific immunizations, make sure to visit your doctor. To keep track of your oxygen saturation, a pulse oximeter is a useful tool, especially for solo trekkers. Also, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer.
A filtration water bottle or two 1L bottles with water purification tablets is a safe and reliable way to get water. It’s also more eco-friendly than buying bottled water at lodges.
You should also bring enough Nepalese rupees in cash to purchase meals, WiFi, toiletries and other necessities on the journey. This can be obtained from an ATM in Kathmandu prior to your trek. ATMs are not plentiful along the trek. Even a slight rainstorm can cause the ATM in Namche Bazaar to be out of service.
Safe and healthy trekking
Take your time. Slow and steady is key to enjoying your trek. Even the most fit can get altitude sickness. The Namche and Dingboche acclimatization days are there for a reason. Altitude sickness can be characterized by pounding headaches and dizziness. Ask your doctor about Diamox prescription, which can help prevent altitude sickness. If symptoms persist, descend.
Be aware. Although the trail to Everest Base Camp Camp is well-marked and relatively wide, it can be dangerous in some places. You will encounter sheer cliffs that are often narrowed by the passing donkeys or yaks. Pay attention to any bells from approaching animals and stay on the trail’s inner side, where you won’t be knocked down. Be sure to keep your distance from porters who frequently run the trails at marathon speeds. This will help to avoid traffic jams and is a sign that you are respectful.
Be vegetarian. Due to the Sagamartha National Park’s no-killing policy, any meat you see on a trek menu is carried up by porters below Lukla. It’s likely that the meat will be old by the time you eat it. Dal bhat is the safest and healthiest choice. This is what your porters and guides do. Dal bhat, a Nepali delicious dish that includes lentil soup, rice and vegetables, is batch-cooked. It is made fresh every day and provides a lot of energy and protein. It’s a 24 hour power source of energy and nutrition, as the old saying goes.
Cover up. High altitude sun can be harsh so make sure to cover up. You should wear long sleeves, long pants, and a buff.
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