Major 20 Things you need to Know before Trekking to Everest Base Camp
17 Feb 2020 Santosh Gauli
There are so many essential things you should keep in your mind for Everest base camp trek but at least Major 20 Things you need to Know before Trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Trekking route along the valley of Imja leads you to the base of Mount Everest and it is a stunning route for outdoor lovers. It is 11 night 12 days adventure journey provides you so many scenic view, High Mountains and Huge Glacier likewise, you are suggested Major 20 Things you need to Know before Trekking to Everest Base Camp for your successful journey throughout the magical nature and Sherpa town.
Would you like to see the base of world tallest peak- Everest base camp? Everest base camp trekking is probably the world’s best hiking spot, where all trekkers want to reach at least once. It is dream destination for adventure people around the World. Everest is the tallest mountain in planet and it is standing at 5364 m. Trekking to Everest base camp in Nepal is not an easy thing to do but if you are simply physically fit, Positive and few weeks training before heading to EBC than no doubt you can complete this wonderful 12 Days trek.
Although, we believe that every trekker and hikers will be super happy while trekking in Everest region and Everest base camp because within your 12 days journey around Everest you can collect so many memories about Sherpa Culture, Costumes, way of living and sky touching towering snow cap peaks.
If you are dreaming about Nepal to travel in 2020/21 than just fly in to Nepal and trek up to Everest base camp with expert trekking Guide. In this blog, we will share our previous experiences with all different people from the globe and give you some useful information, tricks, tips and safety was to complete this beautiful trek.
Major 20 Things you need to Know before Trekking to Everest Base Camp are a follows:
Nepal is a country of Himalaya, where there are so many High snow cap mountains above 7,000 m including Mt. Everest — world tallest peak. If you think of hiking and trekking in Nepal, then we believe that The Everest base camp trekking will be the place to go. Before heading to Everest base camp trek in 2020/21 in, you have to be prepared for some topics.
We have listed some topics below about Everest base camp trekking, hope it will help you and save your time, Money and safety while trekking around Everest region. Your successful Trekking to Everest base camp will provides so many memories within 12 days.
1. General training before heading to EBC-
Everest base camp is an adventure journey hence, Trekkers need to be physically fit and fine. Once you decide to trek to Everest base camp you have to train by yourself such as running jugging, Ascending and descending walk, however you have to have cardio related game, and exercise to be well-prepared.
2. Trek during autumn or spring-
Autumn season for Everest base camp trek is the best season ever. Autumn season represents 3 months September, October & November. Trekking in October and November is even better because the visibility are very clear, sky is just blue, every day there are no clouds and the weather and temperature is neither cold nor Hot Except Lobuche, Gorakshep, Kalapthar and EBC.
The next, while trekking to Everest base camp in Autumn the path is very clear, no snow, Green valley view and clean atmosphere.
However, if you are able to manage your time in autumn (Sep – Nov) for EBC trek, that would be the greatest months and you explore relatively more than other trekking season in Nepal.
3. You are suggested to buy trekking gear in Kathmandu.
As you know that Kathmandu is a capital city of Nepal hence, there are so many choices of trekking shops and gears. The price is relatively less here because of intense competition and with your budget you can also afford all essential trekking equipment/Gears.
The next, trekking gears to buy in the mountain is still possible but there are only selected small stores and not many choices of gear, plus the price is almost doubles than Kathmandu, thus if you are in Kathmandu before heading to the trek to Everest you are highly recommended visiting some trekking shops around Thamel, where there are many shops and competitions market makes very good price.
The quality of trekking gears differ the price but still you can have high copy gears on a reasonable price. If I give you some idea about price before you buy your trekking gears that would be helpful I suppose:
The roughly price of trekking gears in Kathmandu: Down jacket- US $50 Sleeping bag- US $80
Polls for trek- US 10-$15
Trekking shoes- US $45
Sucks pair- US $3
Gloves — US $10
Trekking paint- US $30
(45-55 Lt) backpack- US $50
Flip flap- US $5
Warm woolen hat- US $3 so on….
However, if you are travelling or hiking for first time than you can buy all gears in Kathmandu, which I mentioned you above will cost much lesser compare to your country. Note: If you are tight in budget to manage all gears than sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking pools are available for rent.
4. You should keep 1 or 2 extra day
Trekking to Everest base camp is just about 12 days trek go and back from Kathmandu but due to the unpredictable weather of Lukla you are suggested to keep 1 or 2 days extra after your trek. In case if there is bad weather and if you have very tight time for Nepal holiday than you may lost your international flight which is very expensive.
Lukla is a most popular trekking gate way for entire Everest region, where at least 400 to 500 trekkers fly every day. The next, it is also a small Airport with 575 m long airstrip so that only small can take on/off here, which means if there is bad weather in high season than there will be so many passengers will stick and really a problem to fly back to Kathmandu. Though, try not to spend extra day before trek but keep extra day for Lukla weather.
5. Use your shoes at least few days before you hike
Trekking to Everest base camp or Around Everest region is an adventure journey so that your shoes need to be comfortable and fit on your feet. If you just wear your new shoes straight in Lukla or Namche Bazaar you may get so many problems such as Blisters, Aching feet, and Rubbed skin so on this is why you are suggested to use your new shoes at least few times before you hike to Everest base camp.
Many trekkers buy their shoes in Kathmandu and next day they just fly to Lukla that is not a good way and it may also affect your entire trip cause of feet issues thus, even if you buy your shoes in Kathmandu, you can wear around the city, that will helps a lot.
6. Weight limitation to/from Lukla
You are taking a small plane throughout the massif mountain from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu therefore Air Company has strict weight limitation for your safety fly.
There is weight limitation that the luggage should be 10 kg and your hand carry bag is 5 kg. If you have some extra weight you can still fly in to Lukla or fly out but it is payable and not really recommended. Once you meet your travel agent or Guide in Kathmandu, they will also suggest you what to bring for Everest base camp trek and what is not so, in this way you can leave your extra cloths or weight in Kathmandu Hotel. It is safe and you have bag tag provided by Hotel.
7. Choose a professional trekking agency
Trekking to Everest base camp is an adventure journey throughout the massif landscapes and steep trails. It is really important that while you are trekking in Everest region you have to feel very safe which is only possible if you are trekking with experienced Trekking agency.
There are few different ways to trek in the mountain: trek through trekking agency, trek with freelance/Independent Guide/Porter or Trek by your own, However if you are trekking through local travel agency than your trip will be relatively more safe and the most important thing is your emergency evacuation. If you need emergency helicopter evacuation from Everest region to Lukla or Kathmandu within an hour you get very quick response if you are trekking through authorized local travel agency because they are well introduced with helicopter company similarly, due to the weather in Lukla there are no regular flight some time, in this case if you are with Guide and trekking agency they will manage your Flight even in helicopter on a same price that you paid for Plane ticket, it is just the opposite, if you have just guide or trekking by your own, there will be problem with flight when there is bad weather. From every prospective, Having a guide or agency is the best way to explore Everest base camp.
8. Read all service section of your travel agency before you book your trip
There are Hundreds of trekking and travel agency who organize Everest base camp trekking and almost all of them have their own price according to their services, But Once you done the price you are recommended to follow the service included section as it is very important. I have seen many local travel agent offering very low price Everest base camp trekking but their service are just very limit and you have to pay extra while you are in trek and at the end the price of professional company and cheapest company will be same. Once more, price is not a matter; I think the services are more important while you are trekking in very high alleviation.
9. Flight diversion to Ramechhap, Manthali Airport-
Nepal’s aviation authority notify that dated from April 1st, 2019 to June 30th, 2019 will be the Airport repairing period In Kathmandu so that expect your flight diversion from Ramechhap Manthali Airport. The estimated date to fix the airport is over but until they finish or finalize the Domestic airport in Kathmandu you have to take 4-hour drive (140 km) to Ramechhap from Kathmandu than fly to Lukla.
10. Carry your best snacks
There are plenty of stores, you will find many places to buy snacks, but they are quite expensive. After your 4 to 7 hours of daily walk, you may need something good which you like and also fills you thus, if you carry your own favorite snacks that would help a lot while you are trekking in high altitude area.
The Accommodation in Everest region trek are not really expensive compare to the food this why the management of your lodge, want you to eat at their Hotel but not outside, it is kind of rules from their Hotel management committee. I would say don’t take your snacks on the dining table unless you can enjoy your snacks at your room but remember that at least a meal you should have at the lodge otherwise, they will charge you 2000 ($20 US) per head as a penalty.
To make ensure again, no matter how much food you eat outside of your lodge but as per their strict rules at least one meal you have to order there every eating session (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
11. Bring your own Book
Books are the best partner to spend the time in the mountain. After long time walk, you may need your private time in a peaceful environment, which means if you have your own favorite book with you, you can relax and read it.
You can also spend your time with your Laptop, Mobile phone and other technology but the temperature is too cold for batteries so it drains super-fast. However, Books will be the best option to spend you own time and relax but if your are technology friendly you have to request to the owner to charge it but it is payable.
If you have your own card that would be the way to spend time with your friend and Guide.
12. Prepare for Mountain Temperature at Night and early morning
Everest Trekking itself is one of the highest region treks in the world and no doubt you will suffer from the cold. If the day is sunny, you might be shocked that the temperature is mild and you can wear T-shirt and half paint while walking. The other hand, if it is cloudy early morning walk or when sun sets the temperature drops very quickly.
However, trekkers need to be prepared and also have to expect cold temperature in Everest region trek. Especially after crossing Namche Bazaar, the alleviation gets high over 4000 m and the temperature is colder than lower loop of Everest region so take warm hat, warm jacket, warm slapping bag, tremolos and warm gloves as a most important trekking gears. The next is hot bag, or metal water bottle with hot water that you can use inside your sleeping bag while sleeping, which will helps a lot.
The Temperature at Everest base camp is very cold before sunrise and after sunset. The temperature drops very fast about -10 In the morning and -8 after sunsets. Dear visitors who wish to go to Everest region or Everest base camp trek, you need to be assured what to bring and what is not, the next you can consult with your travel agent or guide before you decide to hike.
13. Bathrooms and dining halls
As you know that Everest region is a remote area trekking route where no Buses/Jeep to supply the goods, which means as an adventure trekkers you need to expect basic Bathroom, even sometime outside in the Sherpa toilet (it is made by wood and a big whole middle of the small hut). However, since last few years there are some nice lodges where you can use western style toilets but don’t expect every lodge you will stay.
Likewise, Dining hall is just one big that will be shared with all trekkers who are staying at the lodge. Dining halls are generally crowded because every evening they provide basic heating systems at the middle of dining hall, where every Guide, Porters, Trekkers gathered.
The Hotel management provides the warm dinning after 5 pm every day in general.
14. Get enough food and stay hydrated
Trekking and walking in the high alleviation is an adventure work and you need lots of energy. You need mostly protein, carbohydrate and sweet things that will gives you energy very quick.
If you are trekking through travel agency, there will be your guide, who will provide you three times proper meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) as it are included in the package. The next, if you are very good eater you are suggested to eat Dhal Bhat, which is traditional food of Nepal. It contains Rice, Dal (Lentil soup), Spinach, Papad, Pickle, Veg curry and chilly. It is all served in a big plate and you can refill it twice if you need more food, it is same price.
The important things for Everest trekkers are staying hydrated. Make sure you have enough drink at least 3 to 4 liters a day. Similarly, you have to take hot tea, hot water and soup by diner time. There will be quite some small huts and restaurants where warm/hot water so you can buy easily. The cost of mineral water is with different price as per the residential area but roughly the price of liter of drinking water at Lukla is $1 US, Namche $1 US, Tyagboche $2.5 US, Dingboche $2.6 US, Lobuche $3.5 and Gorakshep $4 US.
However, drink clean water either, mineral or boiled filter both cost similar cost probably boiled water may cost little lower if you are budget trekkers.
15. Carefully know your AMS symptoms
Everest region is located in the very high altitude region of Nepal. Obviously, you may get some symptoms but if you are conscious about some important things while you are there to walk than you will be out of risk and you complete your trek.
There are some major symptoms you may get while trekking in Everest region especially after passing Namche bazaar.
- Deep back headache,
- Vomiting and lack of appetite,
- Dizziness and lack of vision,
- Coughing deeply.
For more details you can click here and get important information.
16. Bring torch light and spare battery-
You have to bring head torch or light. It is really handy and useful especially when there is very low light. Along the route of Everest base camp, there are some villages where they provide you whole night light in the room but not every lodge because they have only rechargeable big battery for light which is not enough to use all night for all trekkers thus, if you have your own torch with you, it can be used anytime you need. The next, you are suggested to bring spare battery in case if you can’t recharge your battery. When there is peak season (Sep-Nov), you may not get a chance to charge your battery. There will be so many trekkers.
17: Carry only essential trekking gears with you
On your arrival in Kathmandu, your travel company provides your Duffel Bag to put your important trekking gears. It is the bag that you’re going to give to your porter for trekking. The next, if you have extra city cloths, extra unnecessary things in your bag you can store in Kathmandu Hotel, it is safe with locker. You fly to Lukla there is also weight limitation per head. The luggage has to be 15 kg including your hand Bag thus, for every prospective if you have light bag back with only essential things that will be easy for you.
The quickest suggestion as a previous visitor of Everest region you can bring only. Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, A pair of sucks, A pair of t-shirt, Shoes, Sun cream, Sun glass, Warm hat, Cap, Oxy meter, Thermals, and Wind proof jacket.
18. Take enough local Nepali currency
When you arrive in Kathmandu, there are so many ATMs, where you can get money and lots of choices to use your card but not in the mountain thus, make sure you have enough cash for your 12 days journey in Everest region. There is one place- Namche Bazaar where you can get money from ARM But the maximum amount you get is about 150 US (16,000), Nepali rupee in one time but in Kathmandu in one time you get 50,000 Nepali rupees and the charges of bank is some 5 US per uses.
If you are trekking to Everest base camp through the travel agency than you probably get packages which includes your meal, accommodation, transportation, guide/porter salary and permit which means you can bring only some cash about 2500 local money a day(2500 x 12 days)=30,000 Nepali rupee about per person. Likewise, if you are trekking by your own way you need more money about 4,000 a day per person. The cost which we mentioned here are general expenses but if you are alcoholic or want to drink some time while trekking than you have to bring more money for your safety.
19: Make your own pace, while walking
No doubt you come to Nepal to see the massif Himalaya and local culture thus, Everything need to be safe, comfort and positive., without you may not be successful. However, Everest base camp trekking is an adventure trekking path in a very high alleviation, where trekkers have to be very sincere and careful by them self. You may have very quick trekkers in your group or guide/porters but don’t follow their speed, you just take your time, enjoy the view, take picture and rest wherever you feel to rest. If you are positive and able to control your own pace than no worries you’re going to make it without any difficulties.
Trekking without itinerary and proper plan you may get mountain sickness and you don’t make it.
20: Visit Sagarmatha National park photo gallery center, Sherpa museum and Tangboche Monastery.
When you are trekking in Everest region there are so many Mountains, Glacier, Green rolling hills, Traditional houses to see, Similarly the Sagarmatha national park photo gallery, Sherpa museum and Tyangboche monastery are other major things to visit. The gallery hall on the top of Namche hill provides you immense opportunities to know about mountaineering around Everest, Sherpa culture in the past and now, about flora/fauna, history of Glacier and many more information hence, once you reach at Namche Bazaar on your acclimatization day you can visit photo gallery hall and the next you can also visit Sherpa museum which is just next to it.
Another lovely place to see is Tyangboche Monastery. It is situated on the top of the massif mountain ridge, where there are few lodges and huge Monastery. There are some monks who chant in the morning and evening every day. The lodges are very close from monastery and easy to go even you can see it from your lodge.
I really hope the information above helps you a lot and please if you think that the information is not enough for EBC trek than just drop your message at info@nepaleverestguide.com however, at least Major 20 Things you need to Know before Trekking to Everest Base Camp to complete this wonderful trek in Nepal.
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