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We have some priceless tips and insights for anyone getting ready for the climb to Everest Base Camp. Here are 15 things you should know before embarking on the EBC climb, from extending the life of your devices’ batteries to saving hundreds of dollars.
1. Purchase (or rent) some hiking equipment in Kathmandu
A winter sleeping bag, winter jacket, trekking boots, and trekking poles are among the heavy and pricey items on your packing list for Everest Base Camp.
It’s doubtful that you’ll have all the equipment if you’re not an experienced high-altitude hiker. Additionally, many items can be rented or purchased at the last minute, but some, like trekking boots, cannot because they must be worn.
some of the Gear mentioned below you may purchase or rent In Kathmandu,
2. Hiking boots
Everyone knows—or at least we hope everyone knows—that you should never go on a major walk wearing brand-new hiking boots. However, there is a difference between trying out your boots for a day trip and then using them on a multi-day, extensive trek. You haven’t necessarily broken them in enough or tested them out just because they were comfy for that day trek.
For example, was there a lot of high climbs and some lengthy, steep descents on the day hike? Each has a particular effect on your foot.
We advise purchasing boots made of synthetic fabric if you have a short break-in period, such as two to three months. Purchase leather boots only if you will have many months to break them in.
Please be aware that trekking footwear that are waterproof or water-resistant are required for the Everest Base Camp hike. In addition to trekking through snow, you might also have to cross mud and rain.
3. Rest days before and after the hike.
Due to the highly variable weather in the Himalayas, flights are regularly canceled until the weather improves.
Please do take this advice seriously, as it is really important!
In the event that your local flights are delayed or postponed, it is crucial that you avoid scheduling your international flights too close to the beginning or conclusion of your EBC trek.
The EBC journey begins at Lukla Airport, which has notoriously erratic and delayed flights. This is because the airport’s single, short runway, which is nestled against the side of a huge mountain, is too hazardous to use in bad weather.
Additionally, you should take into account that the pilot may not be able to fly you out in inclement weather if you intend to take a helicopter flight back from Everest Base Camp. Therefore, in the event of inclement weather, you can be stranded in Gorakshep, the settlement next to the base camp, for an additional night or two.
The last thing you want is to be detained in Gorakshep or Lukla and miss your international connection out of Kathmandu, or to miss the start date of your trek because your aircraft into Lukla is delayed. Because of this, we advise starting and finishing your EBC trek with a few buffer days.
4. Keep these medications on hand in case
You can’t and shouldn’t rely on your trip guide’s first aid kit for every emergency, even though all trustworthy tour operators will make sure it has supplies like bandages and backup oxygen.
When trekking, it’s preferable to have your own small first aid kit on you rather than in your duffel bag, which is typically carried by a porter who would typically travel ahead of you. We advise that this kit include:
Zinc oxide tape, hypodermic needles, blister plasters, and plasters for hot areas and blisters.
Anti-constipation and anti-diarrhea medications (since you’ll be eating in different places and consuming foods that aren’t known to your system).
Antimicrobial medications in case you get a stomach ache (see point #10; this is typical on the EBC hike).
Lozenges of medication for the throat (and lots of them, because you’ll get through them rapidly if you acquire a sore throat).
The best advice for people who are menstruating is to pack tampons or pads because high altitude can cause an unplanned period.
5. Be mindful of the height
compared to the other pieces of advise, this one is more specific. It’s also among the more significant ones!
Unfortunately, a lot of hikers experience altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trip, forcing them to return before they reach base camp. This is typically the result of their attempts to push themselves to climb too fast and too high.
To put it succinctly, they showed insufficient regard for altitude.
So, how can you have a successful EBC journey while respecting the altitude? The best methods are:
Take breaks when necessary and proceed at your own speed.
On the climb, factor in a day or two of respite.
Take a quick acclimatization hike at the end of each day’s journey.
Talk honestly about your feelings with your trek guide.
Take breaks when necessary and proceed at your own speed.
Don’t try to impress people on the EBC journey, even though it may seem too apparent to say. Avoid competing with other members of your trekking group. Additionally, don’t care what people think of you. Your pace is determined by your body, your trip guide, and yourself; this is your own unique struggle.
On the ascent, take a day or two off.
On the EBC journey, it is recommended to plan at least one day for acclimatization during the ascent. You might want to factor in at least two days of rest if you’re traveling the Three Passes route or returning via Gokyo Lakes.
Acclimatization is more difficult when you’re exerting yourself physically. Therefore, resting frequently—and even sleeping if needed—is the greatest approach to adjust to a higher elevation.
Regardless of the route you choose, Follow Alice offers a rest day in Namche Bazaar as part of your trip to Everest Base Camp. This is due to the fact that the day you go to Namche Bazaar entails a significant height change to around 3,500 meters.
There is a lot to see and do in Namche Bazaar, which serves as the primary trading hub for the Khumbu region. Additionally, the town is situated at the meeting point of two valleys, which puts you in a good position to go on wonderful day treks to nearby villages or picturesque viewing points if it turns out that your body doesn’t need a day of rest.
Take a quick acclimatization hike at the end of each day’s journey.
We advise you to drop off your daypack and take a quick walk at the end of each day, where you climb even higher before heading back down to sleep, even if you’re exhausted from the hike. It’s because ‘climb high, sleep low’ is a really good acclimatization technique. Your body will sleep and acclimate more easily if you expose it to a little bit higher elevation before bed.
Talk honestly about your feelings with your trek guide.
Your EBC trek guide has received training on how to recognize and handle the signs of altitude sickness. He can only determine the severity of your symptoms and provide you with appropriate advice if you are totally honest with him about how you are feeling.
When you’re feeling bad, don’t strive to be a hero or keep your head up. On the EBC trip, no. In this situation, you must trust on the knowledge and experience of your guide to make wise decisions that will keep you safe and increase your chances of reaching base camp.
Two pointers for honoring altitude
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol since they put too much strain on your body.
Water helps reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness, so drink lots of it.
7. Purchase travel insurance for 6,000-meter hikes.
The elevation of Everest Base Camp is far higher than 5,000 meters. It is essential that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for climbing up to this altitude due to the inherent risks connected with such a high altitude. You want to choose the “hiking up to 6,000 m” option, which is typically available in policies.
Because helicopter evacuations are so costly, it’s critical that your policy allows you to hike to this level; if not, your insurance company might not pay for it.
In addition to this specific coverage for trekking up to 6,000 meters, we advise making sure your policy covers you for the following:
journey that is postponed, canceled, or interrupted.
health insurance.
luggage that is missing or broken.
Things beyond your control, such as a traffic congestion that keeps you from getting to the airport on time, a mechanical problem with your plane (or helicopter), or bad weather that keeps the plane from getting to its destination (or even taking off!), are all considered delayed travel. This is a crucial topic to discuss because inclement weather is a component of the Himalayan atmosphere.
If you have to cancel your trip in advance due to a natural disaster, illness, extreme weather, or a terrorist strike at your location, you are covered by trip cancellation insurance.
The expenses incurred when you must cancel your vacation after it has already begun for any of the same reasons as trip cancellation are covered by trip interruption insurance.
We can suggest World Nomads as a trustworthy travel insurance provider that you should look into. They encompass approximately 150 adventure sports, including trekking at high altitudes.
8. Don’t overlook these ancillary activities.
On your day off or in the afternoon after arriving at your overnight destination, you can go on certain excursions or visit certain locations. We strongly advise making the effort to visit a few particular locations, even though it may be tempting to just collapse and not get back up till the following day’s trip (and no one would condemn you for it!).
Top’sides’ to appreciate along the EBC hike route include:
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
Keep in mind that acclimatization or “rest” days don’t necessarily need to be “restful.” There are many of fantastic things to do in the town and outside if the altitude is overwhelming your body!
A round-trip hike to Hotel Everest View, the highest hotel in the world at about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), is among the best! We strongly advise anyone who is capable of doing so to take advantage of this fantastic day hike.
Additionally, as you hike up to the guesthouse and then down to Namche Bazaar, the day trip can aid in your acclimatization. The well-known acclimatization technique of “climb high, sleep low” is followed in this action.
Kunde and Khumjung villages
With drystone walls separating the area into numerous little fields, Khumjung (3,790 m) is a charming valley village. It is regarded by many as the most beautiful of the Sherpa communities! The first school established by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust is also located in the area.
The next village up the valley is Kunde, which is also quite charming and well worth a trip.
The ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach we discussed under principle #5 makes hiking to Khumjung and Kunde and back on your rest day a great method to help acclimate your body, especially because Namche Bazaar is at 3,440 m.
The Museum of Sherpa in Namche Bazaar
The well-known residents of the Solokhumbu area, which is close to Mount Everest, are the Sherpa. They came from Tibet and share cultural and ethnographic characteristics with contemporary Tibetans, including being Tibetan Buddhists.
Although we advise you to ask your trek leaders and porters about the local way of life, spending a day at the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazaar during your downtime there is also a terrific chance to learn about the history and customs of the locals.
Monastery of Tengboche
The largest monastery in the area is located at Tengboche, and since it is a functioning monastery, you should expect to see several monks there. Indeed, the monastery welcomes guests with open arms!
With a legendary beast on a pedestal keeping watch on either side, the monastery’s grand entrance is incredibly striking. Nothing compares to the vibrant show of color within the gompa, despite its outside being covered in elaborate and colorful ornaments and religious iconography.
The Italian Pyramid close to Lobuche
Please do yourself a favor and visit the high altitude research station, also referred to as the Pyramid, if you get to Lobuche early enough or choose to spend a day there relaxing. Alternatively, plan to spend the night there (the facilities are the best at this elevation!).
The governments of Italy and Nepal established this research station as a multidisciplinary observation and research facility. From earthquakes and glaciers to the height of Everest and other peaks, the staff conducts research and keeps an eye on a variety of topics.
9. Bring hiking shirts that wick away perspiration and pants that zip off.
Even though the majority of the EBC journey is extremely chilly, the first few days are spent in a temperate forest. Shorts are better than pants (trousers) on sunny days since you can become rather toasty.
However, as we’ve already discussed, the Himalayan climate is quite variable, and when the sun sets or you go inside the trees, the temperature can drop dramatically.
So, on the EBC trip, zip-off pants that turn into shorts are a godsend. Brendan actually says they were the most practical item of equipment he brought!
10. Bring your own fruit and stay away from meat.
Since all meat must be carried down the same trail as you to get to your plate, we advise against ordering any meat meals after a few days of the walk.
On the EBC journey, we strongly advise against consuming any meat at higher elevations. It is all imported from other parts of Nepal and then carried down the trail on foot or by yak. in order for the meat to be compromised.
Additionally, keep in mind that there won’t be any fruit at all during your EBC expedition. and very few fresh vegetables.
11. Think about bringing a solar charger.
It makes sense that high up on the EBC climb path, electricity can be erratic. You might want to pack a solar charger that you can fasten to your bag throughout the day because of this.
Additionally, don’t expect your bedroom to include power outlets. Usually, the charging outlets are grouped together at the front desk or in the common area. This implies that when you’re extremely exhausted and would rather not be attached to a plug socket in the common area, a portable solar charger that you can bring to your room can be rather helpful. or holding out for one to open up.
Additionally, keep in mind that occasionally there is a minor price associated with charging your smartphone.
12. Bring a lot of wet wipes with you.
Along the EBC trek path, there are significant differences in your capacity to remain clean and smell fresh. You can anticipate showers, flowing water, and western-style toilers toward the beginning. But the higher you go, the fewer amenities there are.
You shouldn’t expect showers or even running water once you’ve climbed above about 4,000 meters since the water in pipes just freezes over night. Toilets turn become long drops as well.
It is advised that you always have a pack of sanitizing wet wipes in your backpack for use after using the restroom. Additionally, instead of taking a shower when you get to your lodging, keep a larger bag in your duffel bag that you may dip into.
13. Keep your eyes, lips, and skin safe.
On the EBC journey, it’s critical to protect your skin and eyes. Not everyone considers that when setting out on a chilly journey over the Himalayas.
Please be aware that the sun’s rays are more harmful to our eyes and skin at high altitudes since they have less atmosphere to go through. In actuality, you are exposed to up to 10% more UV radiation for every kilometer you go up. On the EBC hike, you also ascend well above 5,000 meters!
In light of this, we suggest that you prepare for the EBC journey by bringing:
sunhat with a wide brim (to cover the back of your neck).
Polarized sunglasses are necessary because on sunny days, the glare from the snow can be very strong.
Reapplying high-quality sunscreen is simple.
lip balm with a high SPF.
Keep in mind that you might walk for the most of the first day or two of the hike with nothing but shorts and a shirt. Therefore, you will also need to shield your arms, legs, and the back of your neck from the sun.
Lastly, just in case, you might want to bring aloe vera lotion or another calming aftersun care product.
14. Place your drinking bottle and devices in your sleeping bag.
At higher elevations, it can get extremely chilly at night, and teahouse bedrooms aren’t heated.
Indeed, you may anticipate waking up to frozen water bottles and iced windows.
Therefore, place your drinking bottle in your sleeping bag with you if you want to have some water to drink during the night or when you wake up.
In addition, did you realize that cold causes electronics’ batteries to deplete more quickly? The batteries will last longer if you keep your phone and other electronics in your sleeping bag.
As previously stated, not all EBC trek lodges need you to pay a nominal fee in order to charge your devices. Therefore, you don’t want to have to perform it more frequently than is required.
When interacting with locals and your trekking team, a few words and phrases in Nepali will go a long way. It demonstrates that you have the disposition of a considerate traveler eager to put in the time and effort to learn about the traditions and practices of the area.
When locals realize that you are making an effort, you may quickly establish a relationship, no matter how tiny, and break down barriers. It can make your journey much more enjoyable and bring some pleasant smiles along the way!
