“The mountains are calling, and I must go”- John Muir.
Inspired by this stimulating quote, people often commit to the adventurous Everest base camp trek without consideration of multiple aspects of mountain climbing.
Even if it is just the Everest base camp, trekking through this trail isn’t a piece of cake. From acclimatizing your body for high altitude to planning the best Everest base camp itinerary, multiple things need to be addressed before actually starting the climb.
Every year, thousands of daredevils around the world are drawn to climb the mighty Mount Everest. Similar is the number of trekkers inclined towards the Everest Base Camp trek, the star of all trekking trails found in Nepal.
If you are also one of the pumped-up trekkers planning for the Everest base camp trek, go through the articles to find 10 things you must know before you begin.
Things to Know Before Trekking to Everest Base Camp
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is no joke! It is one of the most difficult, daring as well as dangerous treks if you do not plan it right. Here are the top 10 things that any trekker must know about Everest Base Camp Trek.
1. Learn About the Best Seasons to Climb Everest
Before you walk to Everest Base Camp, it is essential to know which are the best seasons for the trek. Usually, two seasons have fairly stable conditions, good visibility, and perfect weather to trek or visit Everest base camp.
The spring season between late February to May and the Fall season between September to November are the ideal trekking seasons. These are also the ideal summit season which means you are most likely to come across fellow climbers from different parts of the world.
If you plan your trek in the spring, you will most likely get the majestic view of snow-capped mountains. A clear blue sky and colorful trekking trails full of red rhododendrons and other aromatic flowers on top of luscious green trees are definitely a plus for trekking this season.
Whereas, moderate temperatures and a lower chance of snow or rainfall are highlights of trekking in the fall season. However, it might be a little chillier, and some days you might not be able to get the view.
2. Plan Out a Detailed Itinerary
Whether you are a beginner or a pro climber, a detailed itinerary is a must-have for trekking to the Mount Everest camp. Make sure to plan out your transportation whether you want to fly to the Lukla, get a road transport, or take a heli-ride to the base camp directly.
It is necessary to keep buffer days before and after the trek to cope with delays in the flights or any halts due to medical conditions.
Similarly, plan out a few resting days in between your stops to ensure your body gets proper rest. This also allows your body to acclimatize to the changing weather and also gives you the time to explore the local highlights.
Find an itinerary below that is most apt for a 16-day trek to the Everest Base Camp.
3. Get Your Trekking Gears in Kathmandu
If you want to ascend the mighty trekking route of the Everest base camp, you will need top-notch trekking gear to ease your journey. Trekking gears are your best support wherever you want to climb and also help you avoid any possible accidents.
The packing list for Everest Base camps includes items that are bulkier in size but also to the pocket. If you are a regular mountain climber or a high-altitude trekker, you probably have those gears but if not there’s no need to stress out.
You can buy all your necessary gear from trekking stores in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you also have an option to rent them out from these stores. From hiking boots to sleeping bags, you will get all kinds of trekking gear from these stores located around the stress of Thamel in Kathmandu.
Spent an evening roaming around the streets of Kathmandu while making a stop to rent out or buy all your necessary items. These stores also have new items just in case you need to buy one or two items that are missing from your regular hiking backpack.
4. Prepare Your Body for the Trek
No trek can be a success unless your body is prepared enough to tackle the sudden shift in climate, altitude, and feeding habits. Whenever you plan for the Everest base camp trek, start by getting a full medical check to see if you have a healthy body to adapt to sudden changes.
Once you get the go from your doctor, start training yourself for the trek. Get regular training and workouts to increase your level of physical fitness. If feasible, go on a hike regularly over the weekends to train your legs, body, and mind as a whole to prepare for days-long treks.
In the meantime, it is equally necessary to make sure your body gets acclimatized to the change in atmosphere. To ensure that, you can take a few days to rest and make yourself adept in that environment.
Besides, you also need to eat right and listen to your body before overdoing the trek just to accomplish the task. Avoiding alcohol during the ascent is the most appropriate practice as the concentration of oxygen is less likely to be enough at such an altitude.
Here are a few things you need to practice to ensure your body remains healthy throughout the trek:
End each day of the trek with a short acclimatization hike.
Eat a good fat meal before starting the trek.
Take energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts to munch down while on the route. It is less likely to find a snack stop in the rough terrains of the Mount Everest camp.
Always take an ample amount of rest every day after the trek.
Avoid alcohol during the trek. It will even tire you more.
5. Get Yourself the Everest Trekking Permit
Often the trekking route through the Himalayas of Nepal has conserved areas that require special permit to pass through.If you want your trekking journey to be smooth, ensuring that you have all the necessary permits is a must.
While trekking through the Everest base camp, you will come across Sagarmatha National Park. Since it is a preserved World Heritage site, you will require the National Park permit to pass through. This permit also serves for the conservation of the region’s unique flora and fauna as well as for regulating entry to the area.
Similarly, you will need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry permit. This permit serves as your pass assessing the local municipalities and regions around the Everest Region.
You can get both these permits from Nepal Tourism Board located in Kalmadi, Kathmandu. Make sure to talk out with you travel agency about these permits and attain them in advance from them to avoid all the hassle.
6. Buy a Trekking Insurance
While most people do not consider it that important, getting a trekking insurance is a must- more specifically while ascending high altitude. The Mount Everest camp is well above 5000 meters and often at a risk of natural calamities such as avalanches, landslides and outburst of glacial lakes. This is why you would need insurance in order to get a quick rescue in case of any unfortunate situations.
In fact, the helicopter rescue is going to cost you a lot without insurance. The insurance will also help you cover up the medical costs if you get hurt in an accident or calamities.
Additionally, the insurance also covers up for the delay, cancellation or any kind of interruption during trek. Since nothing can be certain while you explore thinly inhabited, rough terrains, it is best to get insurance and be prepared for any unprecedented scenarios.
7. Pack Apt for the Mountains
As a trekker your goal isn’t just to ascend the altitude but also remain healthy and travel comfortably as possible. To ensure your trek is smoother, you will have to pack all your essentials from clothing, medications to the trekking boots.
First and foremost, you will need appropriate clothing to keep yourself warm at high altitudes with extremely low temperatures. Pack warm but lightweight clothes such as polyester made warmers, trekking pants, snow proof jackets and trousers. As it can sometimes get sunny, it's better to get a zip-off trousers to help you cope up with the changing climate easily.
And yes, you will need a very good pair of trekking boots to climb through the rocky, rough and slippery trekking routes. Get the water resistant ones if possible to help you keep your feet warm and to dry off your boots easily. Use thick trekking socks inside to comfort your feet and also to help you warm up.
Additionally, pack energy bars and dried fruits or nuts to keep yourself charged up. Since it is a rural and rough trekking route, it is less likely to find cafes to satiate your hunger during long treks. It is best to get plenty of wet-wipes too as it is rare to find running water in these high elevations. Bring along solar batteries as well to ensure all your devices are charged up.
We have prepared a check list of items to pack for your Everest Base Camp trek. Take a look at this list before you start actually backing your trek backpack.
Here’s a list of must have items in a Everest Base Camp trek:
8. Research About Must Visit Stops Along the Route
What is the purpose of trekking if you do not visit the highlights of that area? This is why you need to research about the must visit stops along your trekking route. We have prepared a list of major highlights of Everest Base Camp trekking route to ease the task.
Must Visit Highlights of Everest Base Camp
Italian Pyramid : Located near Lobuche, the italian pyramid is a high altitude research station which was constructed by the collaboration of Nepali and Italian governments. This station serves as an observatory as well as research center for monitoring the Everest region. This research center monitors the height of Mount Everest as well as other peaks, glaciers and much more.
Tengboche Monastery: Situated at an altitude of 3867 meters, the Tengboche monastery welcomes a number of trekkers every year. It is a Tibetean Buddisht monster of the Khumbu valley that falls on the trekking route to Mount Everest camp. This monastery was built in 20th century and is considered the oldest cultural center showcasing the oldest Sherpa traditions.
Sherpa Museum: While you take a halt at Namche Bazar, visit the Sherpa museum which highlights the lifestyle of infamous inhabitants of the Everest region.
Khumjung and Kunde Village villages: These traditional villages located up north to Namche bazar are divided by rock walls and have beautiful scenic views. Along with experiencing the local culture, you will also get a chance to experience the history of Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Everest along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. You will find the first school that was built by Edmund Hilary himalayan trust and also a chance to explore Khunujmg Monastery.
Final Tips for Your Adventure
Summing up, the Everest base camp trek will be one of the most memorable adventures of your life only if you are aware of a few things as mentioned in this blog.
Get expert guidance and the best Everest experience by booking your trip with Adventure Himalayan Circuit.
It is handy to learn some basic Nepali phrases to ease the communication with your guide as well as the locals. Befriend your trekking guide for a smooth journey as well as to experience the terrain more locally.
Keep the adventure alive!
FAQs
Why is Everest Base Camp considered a challenging trek?
The trekking route to the Everest base camp has a high-altitude terrain, unpredictable weather as well as rough trails that are difficult to trek. Besides, the elevation is above 5000 meters, low oxygen concentrations making it a challenging to ascend.
How do you prepare for Everest Base Camp trekking?
You can prepare for the Everest Base Camp trekking by increasing your fitness level. Get enough trekking training, try to hike short trails every weekend months before you actually ascend. Besides, keep your body healthy by getting a regular medical check up and eating a healthy diet.
Can a beginner do Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, indeed. A beginner in climbing or altitude trekking can do the Everest Base Camp trek, However, get ample amount of physical training as well as prepare yourself mentally in advance. Make sure to plan out your itinerary thoroughly including enough rest days between the trek.
What precautions should you take while going to Everest Base Camp?
You need to pack all your medications, take enough rest and eat well while going to the Everest Base Camp. Never hustle to complete the trek and try to keep your body as healthy as possible.
How fit do you need to be to trek Everest Base Camp?
Since you need to trek to a higher altitude where there is a lower concentration of oxygen, physical fitness is a must. If you have respiratory diseases, you might face difficulty while climbing. In that case, you can experience the heli-ride to Everest which takes you through the major highlights of Everest including Gokyo Lake, Kalapathar, Namche Bazaar, and much more.