Pro 10 Tips — If you are planning to go for Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is one of the best trekking destination in the world. There would be no trekker in the world who has not dreamed about trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp. It would not be exaggerated to say that Everest Base Camp is the first choice of any trekkers while considering trekking to Nepal. Trekking to Everest Base Camp aka EBC has its own charm and prestige. However, only having a zeal to trek around the Everest might not be enough as Everest Region offers the raw wilderness of nature making it much arduous to conquer it.
Needless to say, the trek to base camp is not every one’s cup of tea however, we have listed some tips /advices for trekkers willing to trek over this high altitude region.
Here are 10 tips to remember while traveling to Everest Base Camp
- Train Before You Go
Though this is just a trek and would not require any technical knowledge of climbing peaks and mountain, you have to keep in mind that you are going to trek in one of the highest elevation region on Earth. Making your body fit for strenuous trails would be a great way to get ready for the trek. Doing physical exercises 3 to 4 months prior to the trek would help your body to withstand the pressure of arduous trek. Cycling, running and occasional hiking would good options for intense exercise.
2. Have right gears
You would need proper gears. Having the right gears would not only ease your trek, it will make sure that you would complete the trek without any injuries which is also equally important. Feet have a great role in your trekking experience, so buying sturdy, waterproof yet comfortable shoes would be the top priority. Be sure to break you new pair of footwear as you don’t want to have blister or any kind of uncomfortable in middle of trek. Do not be shrimp while buying gears.
Apart from the trekking gears, don’t forget to bring necessary items like nail clippers, shampoo, soap etc.
You can also purchase your essentials for trekking inside Kathmandu valley at cheaper rates. Thamel region is full of trekking gears related shops. So, if you forget anything essential you could hit the market inside Kathmandu valley.
3. Choose proper guides / Professional operators
Trekking on a remote location, far away from home is a challenging task itself. The unknown terrains, climate, languages of the foreign land would be a barrier and prevent you from taking the best from the trek. You should always be prepared for the worst while traveling far away, therefore, sticking with the professionals would be a good idea if not the best. Professional operators like Expedition Himalaya would manage you the professional guides, required posters who will accompany you throughout the trip. These operators would take care of all the documentations, permits, fees and necessary plans and procedure of evacuation in case of emergency too. Therefore, we advise you to stick with experienced, professional trek operators for making your trek more memorable and life time experience.
4. Hydration is the Key
Your body should be in proper condition, and being hydrated is the must. At higher elevation and with continuous walking your body gets dehydrated quickly so you need to drink water very often. Hydrated body also can help to resist the altitude sickness. The recommended amount of water is 4 to 5 liters per day.
Having a good quality and size of water bladder is recommended. However, a water bottle of good size i.e. 2 liters minimum would also do the work. The base line is you should be able to carry good amount of water during your daily trek.
5. Beware of Headache / Altitude Sickness
You should always be aware of the fact that you are trekking in high elevation and your body is constantly in a process of acclimatization to the altitude. Altitude Sickness is a common to trekkers who are trekking in such higher region. Altitude Sickness also known as Mountain Sickness would be deal breaker if it gets serious making you to stop the trek too.
However, you should not be afraid of little headache, as it is very common to people while trekking to higher altitude. Still you have to be careful whether the headache would get worse or not. Being hydrated is the good option, another alternative would be of using medicine like Diamox.
If your headache persist then you need to notify your guide and should descend to lower elevation without any delay. Normally your body takes 24 to 48 hrs to get acclimatize with the elevation.
6. Slow and Steady Pace
Always remember you are on high altitude and there is no race. Do not put much stress upon your body. Slow and steady pace is the key to success. Avoid getting the pace, rest often. You might see locals walking in relatively high pace than you, do not get provoked by this. Maintain your heart rate and breathing style. Walking sticks would be a great help while climbing steps on trails.
Keep in mind “Slow and Steady Pace will take you to your goal”
7. Dress in Layers
Weather is unpredictable in higher region. You should always be prepared for some rain and cold.
Days are relatively warmer and sunny, however, when sun goes down cold starts to build up because temperature drops quickly in higher elevation. Dressing in layers will give your proper warm to your body. Layers will help to trap the air inside it making your body warmer rather than a single thick cloth. Layers will also help you to adjust the clothing and temperature while trekking.
8. Expect rough Hotel Rooms / Bathrooms
Keep in mind that you are traveling in very remote location. The Tea House owners do their best to provide you the good service that they can offer. There will be the chances that service will not fit the standard which you are expecting, you need to have a relaxed altitude and should compromise here and there.
Do not forget to have proper rest. Sleep is the best option to re-invigorate your body for tomorrow. Getting to bed in time will give you the good amount of required sleep. Keep in mind, there is internet service but service is fragile in nature. Services are not so good therefore, bringing some good books to read on your free time would be a great idea to spend your time on hotels or tea houses.
9. Remember Sun Protection
Sunburns are common at high elevations. Therefore make sure you to use sun screen and sun protective lips balm frequent while on trek. Use sun screen and lip balm which goes with your skin and it is advised no to share with other team mates. Wearing a good hat or cap will also prevent sun rays on your face.
It would be a good idea to have two pair of sunglasses of good quality. One for daily use and another one is for just in case as sunglasses is a must on such treks so being prepared for a backup would be a good head start.
10. Have some extra days apart from the trek days
Expect flight delays. At higher elevations, weather are ever changing and very hard to predict. Always have little more patience to deal with such situation. Nobody wants to make you stuck on Himalayas still there is very few options that they can do. Having extra days after the trek would help you to tackle such situation.
If you have international flight just another day after the trek has finished and if flights on Lukla get delayed or postponed then there is a high chance you could miss your flight back to home. Therefore, having some extra days would help you to tackle such situation. If you have your flight on schedule time then you can use your extra days roaming around Kathmandu valley.