Summary: If you’re planning a trekking trip to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, then you must read the following article to find some amazing tips to make the Himalayan experience worthwhile.
Mount Everest is the highest on earth, soaring at an altitude of 8,848 m above sea level. The Everest Base Camp trekking is the most dramatic Himalayan adventure that offers grandstand views of this mystical snow-covered peak, along with a remarkable trekking experience.
“You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.”
AmitKalantri
The EBC trek generally ranges from 9-14 days, depending upon the chosen package and follows an epic trail through Lukla, Gorakshep, Namche Bazar, Kala Pathar, Sagarmatha National Park, and various ethnic villages. This challenging trek in the Khumbu regional of Nepal displays an array of nature’s magnificence with unparalleled mountain views, lush surroundings, fantastic trekking routes, beautiful villages, crystalline glaciers, pristine rivers, and blooming rhododendrons. You will also get the opportunity to admire the fantastic architecture of Buddhist Monasteries as you traverse through variety of terrains, decorated with fluttering prayer flags. Everest is more than just a mountain; it’s a worthwhile journey and a stairway to heaven.
Tips For Planning Your Everest Trekking
- Physical Preparation
The trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain requires some amount of hard work and strength. Even though the climb is not technical, the trekker has to be in excellent physical condition to be a part of this expedition. Experts suggest that one must indulge in intense physical exercise for at least 4-6 months prior to the start date of trek. You will have to walk through rugged trails for 5-6 hours for 9-15 days and the same requires high endurance and conditioning. The muscle memory built from the physical workout will enable you to climb to the Everest Base Camp with less fatigue and make better memories.
- Pack the essentials
You should prepare a proper checklist with all the necessary items that you’re supposed to carry for the trek and pack according to it. An ideal checklist includes comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, warm clothes, windcheater, raincoats, and an umbrella. You might not be able to shower every day and it might affect your personal hygiene too. Warm water is not readily available in the mountains and a sponge bath once in a while is the only option. If you are under any certain medication, carry the prescription and the medicines, along with a basic first-aid kit. Be sure that you carry a headlamp, toilet paper, sunglasses, caps, hand sanitizer, camera, extra batteries, etc.
- Finding the right season
If you’re planning to climb Everest, it is important to note that there are two distinct trekking seasons. The former is pre-monsoon that includes the month of February to May and the latter is post monsoon with months ranging from September to December. The former season receives high footfall and the trails are bustling with trekkers and climbers; whereas, the latter season is less crowded as the temperatures begin to decrease eventually.
*Pro tip: It advised that one should always include 2-3 contingency days while planning to a trek to the Everest Base Camp because the weather in the mountains is unpredictable and may cause delays in flights.
- Choose the right trek organizer
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp requires a lot of preparation and formalities in order to have a hassle-free vacation. You will need to find a good trek organizer who will help you arrange with the necessary paperwork and other bookings. Before choosing a trekking organizer, one must make sure that the company is government licensed, has an experienced staff, uses environment-friendly techniques, and follows proper safety procedures. Compare your trek package with different organizers to see if they have any hidden charges and include the basic permits, stays, meals, transportation and other services for a hassle-free stay.
- Stay Hydrated
Trekking for prolonged hours requires a lot of energy and may cause dehydration. You might not feel that because of the cold weather, but your body needs to be hydrated after intervals. Also, water scarcity becomes prominent as you gain altitude and the prices of bottled water shoot up. It is recommended to carry a large temperature resistant flask that can be filled with clean water from water stations in villages. You may also carry water purification tablets and portable water filters.
- Dealing with Acute Mountain Sickness
People generally suffer from altitude sickness, after reaching an altitude of 2,500m and its important to learn about its symptoms and precautions. As we gain altitude, the oxygen level in the air, drops drastically, which might result in shortness of breath and nausea. One must inform the team leader about the same if they feel any of the above symptoms and take proper precautions. Gradual ascent, proper acclimatization, and hydration are necessary to avoid AMS.
- Learn about the local communities and country’s traditions
Nepal trekking packages are not only famous for the extraordinary mountain views and quaint trekking trails but also its diverse culture and friendly natives. You should spend some time learning about the country’s culture, traditions, local communities, and the Sherpa people. The Nepalese follow Himalayan Buddhism and have a high influence of Tibet due to its closeness with Tibet. Sherpa is a proud Nepali community in the mountain region of Nepal whose members climb the mountain every day for their work and well-being. One must respect the different ethnic communities and their culture.
- Enjoy yourself
The most important thing that one must remember during Everest Base Camp Trekking is to fully immerse in the tranquil views and enjoy yourself! One must experience the joy of trekking, explore exquisite views, click pictures, learn about the culture, try a new cuisine, and relax in beautiful teahouses, instead of getting worried about things. You are climbing to the Base Camp of the World’s highest mountain and you shouldn’t let any opportunity go waste to absorb the surreal aura of Everest.
These are some of the essential that will come handy when you start preparing for the Everest base camp trek. The journey to the base of the world’s highest peak requires a lot of preparation based on informed decisions. So decide wisely and experience a surreal landscape unlike any.
