It is said that the Everest Base Camp trek is among the many bucket lists and for the right reasons. The route that takes there-and-back trekkers to the summit of Mount Everest (called Sagamartha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan) that is the highest peak on the planet.
To reach the top at the top of Mount Everest is a legendary featthat requires huge sacrifices. At 5,600 feet, Base Camp is no an exaggeration however, it is an easier goal for those from all walks of life who are still seeking a glimpse of the highest point in the world.
In actual fact it is true that the Everest Base Camp trek has become so well-known , that there’s been a lot of debate in recent times regarding trekkers “traffic jams” trashing and possible restrictions on the number of trekkers per year.
Coronavirus and Everest
Despite its extremely remote location and abundance of fresh air in the Everest region is still being impacted by the coronavirus epidemic. In March of 2020 the two countries China and Nepal have shut their borders and cancelled for 2020 the Everest climb season.
In November of 2020, Nepal reopened borders to trekkers, but in a limited capacity. Even though most non-natives are still not able to travel to Nepal trekking enthusiasts can now apply for prior approval and permits through their trekking company to travel in the spring 2021 trek season. Be up-to-date on the current restrictions on travel by reading the travel guidelines of your country.
How is it to trek from Everest Base Camp?
Apart from the breathtaking views travelers to the region can enjoy an authentic local culture through visiting monasteries, interacting to local teahouse and guide owners and marveling at Buddhist Mani and stupa stones on the journey.
The days are filled with walking just for the pure joy and perseverance. You’ll pass colorful prayer flags, and walk across bridges of steel that are strung across deep canyons. The evenings are filled with warm Nepali foods, hot chai and a chat with other travelers and local guides around the fire in the teahouse.
The captivating mix of nature’s beauty, fascinating culture , and a deep feeling of accomplishment and the warm Nepalese hospitality from the locals from Solukhumbu. Solukhumbu region, make this Everest Base Camp trek one of the most unforgettable treks on earth.
However, this doesn’t mean that the trek up to Everest Base Camp is simply an amazing walk. Although the trek isn’t technically challenging however, it is extremely hard for your body because of the high altitude. Many will agree that the physical demands make the trek worth it.
When do I need to make the journey?
From March through May and between September and November. The temperatures rise in May, right before the monsoon season begins; be ready for rain, however, the beautiful blooming rhododendron blooms. December is colder than average, however, the days are breathtaking and there are less hikers (but make sure you wrap yourself warm during the night).
Do I need a reference?
It’s not required to use a guide on it to be a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek, and the route is well-marked. But the assistance of a local guide could greatly improve your experience even if you’re a seasoned hiker.
The hiring of a guide comes with numerous advantages. For US$20 to $30 per day you’re providing someone with a great job, and in return you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about the local culture and ecosystem. Many also hire porters, who cost between around $10-$20 per day, who can take care of the majority of your personal belongings leaving only an everyday bag (and it’s a lot easier to travel). In order to save cost, several trekkers usually use one guide. Likewise, two trekkers can share a porter. Make sure you tip them both after your hike.
A trekking company has the convenience of having everything planned for you, such as flights, airport transfers or helicopter rides towards Lukla airport, teahouse reservations made in advance accommodation breakfast and dinner every day as well as guides and porters as well as their insurance. A further advantage can be that the guides certified on the symptoms of altitude sickness and they carry oxygen canisters along with them to help ensure your safety on the trail.
You can make reservations before you visit companies that operate in the west, however you’ll pay a lot less for booking through Kathmandu Make sure your tour operator is registered Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
How can I get in shape?
If you’re not a professional trekker, don’t get put off. People with moderate fitness and no experiences in hiking can still do this hike. However, it’s crucial to get yourself ready in advance for Everest Base Camp with physical exercise. You’d much rather enjoy the views rather than complaining about how your thighs hurt.
The training regimen you choose to follow must include endurance, cardiovascular and strength exercises every week at least once. Make sure you focus on stair climbs, running or hiking, as well as other exercises that build the muscles you’ll require for hiking.
It is also essential to get yourself ready to be at a higher altitude. Do cross-training at minimum every week by doing yoga, swimming, or other exercises that focus on breathing. There is no way to predict how their body reacts to high the altitude until they’re actually in the position However, cross-training will assist you in preparing for.
As you approach the time of your Everest Base Camp trek, ensure that you are practicing running, hiking or exercising for a number of days. The most difficult part of a long-distance trek, such as the one up to Everest Base Camp, is getting up in the morning with a stiff back and having to do it all over again.
What should I bring for Base Camp?
Take care to pack lightly. Aim at 10-15kg. Think about the load of your porter before you pack that large bottle of shampoo, or pair of jeans.
The temperature is getting colder as the trek continues and the majority of teahouses do not have heating and therefore layering is essential. To make an ideal base, bring thermal underwear as well as two long pants and a couple of T-shirts (synthetic fabrics , not cotton – that help wick off sweat). The layer that will keep you warm should be an outer layer of fleece, as well as two or three long-sleeve T-shirts. A raincoat as well as an Down jacket (for the frigid high altitude nighttime temperatures) are the perfect addition to your shell layer.
Footwear is a must for lightly worn-in boots as well as trekking socks. sandals for the evenings in the teahouse. Also, you’ll need gloves as well as a woollen hat buff and a headlamp, and polarized sunglasses. A suitable sleep bag (rated to 20degC/0degF) as well as trekking poles are required and are available for rent in Kathmandu before you begin your trek.
Choose to purchase travel-sized toiletries, such as a great sunscreen lipstick, tissue paper and travel towel. Dry shampoo and baby wipes are great for those days you’re not able to shower.
The first aid kit you have should include diarrhoea medication as well as antibiotics to treat sinus or chest infections, bandages with adhesive or hydrocolloid bandages for blisters. Consult your physician before you travel to Nepal for specific immunisations. A pulse oximeter can be useful, particularly for solo trekkers in order to monitor your oxygen levels. Make sure you carry a supply of hand soap and sanitizer.
Utilizing a water bottle with filtration or two bottles of 1L that contain water purification tablets is a safe and reliable method of drinking water – and it is much greener than purchasing bottles of water from lodges.
Make sure you bring an amount of Nepalese rupees in cash for food WiFi showers, toiletries as well as other things you need on the way. You can get this at an ATM located in Kathmandu prior to embarking on the trek. There are a few and far-fetched ATMs on the trek, and even a minor storm could put on the ATM located in Namche Bazaar out of commission.
Being safe and healthy while during the hike
Be patient. Slow and steady is the best way to achieve the best results and enjoying your journey. The effects of altitude sickness can be felt by anyone even the most fit. (The days of acclimatization, typically in Namche and Dingboche are scheduled to be there for the reason.) Be aware of signs of altitude sickness. signs include headaches that are pounding sleeplessness, dizziness, loss of appetite, breathlessness or low saturation of oxygen. Before leaving, consult your physician for the prescription drug Diamox that can help prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness. If symptoms persist, descend.
Be aware. The route up to Everest Base Camp is relatively spacious and well-marked, however it is still difficult in some places. There are cliffs that look like a mountain that are often narrowed through the passage of large groups of yaks or donkeys. Pay attention to the sounds of approaching animals and make sure you stand on the inside of the trail so that you won’t be smashed off. Be sure to be on the lookout for the porters who are often running through the trails at the speed of a marathon. Not only does this aid in avoiding traffic jams, but it also shows respect.
Be vegetarian. If you’re offered meat on the menu during your hike, remember that all meat is transported up by porters coming from below Lukla because of the no-killing rule in Sagamartha National Park. This means that when you eat it, it’s aged – and could be rancid. The most healthy, safest alternative is to consume dal bohat, as your guides and porters use to. Dal Bhat is a tasty Nepali recipe made up of lentil soup and rice, along with vegetables and curry, which is made in a batch. It’s prepared fresh every day and is a good food source for protein as well as energy. According to the old saying “Dal bhat power, all hour!
Cover up. The sun in high altitudes can be very harsh, so make sure you use the right sunscreen and reapply often. Wear long-sleeved clothing or pants that are long, as well as buffs – or be prepared for blisters.
