The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous and sought-after trekking journeys to do in Nepal.
People from far and wide visit Nepal to do the trek that leads to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain peak. It is a moderately easy journey with trails through many ethnic Sherpa villages and settlements. Destinations like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and many others are explored during the Trip.
It is a great experience incorporating the best highlights and features of the beautiful Khumbu region. From the diverse landscape to the culturally rich atmosphere, Khumbu is a place in Nepal directly associated with the cerulean Himalayas of the country. It is optional for you to have prior experience with trekking to make this journey.
Albeit having long hours of trekking per day from one location to the subsequent, preparation for the trek before doing it helps the journey’s success. There are various factors to consider while doing the trek.
Here are some travel pieces of advice on Everest Base Camp Trek with the help of Balaram Thapa, Travel Advisor at Nepal Hiking Team, A local tour operator based in Nepal.
Best time to make the Trip
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to
December) is the best time to do this trek. These two seasons offer the best
atmospheric features for an enjoyable and visually appealing trek in Khumbu.
Summer and winter trekking can also be done; however, they are generally not recommended because summer monsoons make the trekking trails wet and slippery while clouds block most of the Himalayan views, and winters see the accumulation of heavy snow at specific paths that block further progress. But still, trekking can be actively done at all times of the year.
Equipment and Packing
It is no surprise that bag-packing as lightly as possible is the best way to go about any adventure, and the same applies to the Everest Base Camp Trek. While trekking, trekkers can hire porters to carry the bag-packs in the mountains. Generally, a porter can carry about 10 to 12 kilograms of weight
maximum from a single person.
Their consideration is also crucial while packing for the Trip. Taking
a heavy bag-pack with unnecessary things during the Trip is strongly advised
against, as not only does this create a hassle, but doing so also increases the
chance of losing things.
Necessary trekking equipment includes a good pair of hiking poles for support while trekking, a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable to wear, and other items such as sleeping bags, warm clothes, and accessories, including sunglasses, warm gloves, and warm caps.
Money while Trekking
It is strongly advised to have the currency exchanged for local Nepali Rupees while trekking. There aren’t any currency exchange centers in the mountains; thus, carrying local Nepali Rupees will make buying and paying for things more accessible during the journey.
Trekkers can have their currency exchanged at the many currency-exchange centers in Kathmandu before starting the Trip. The daily spending during the Trip can amount to about 10$ to 15$ or more, based on the trekkers themselves.
Most of the allowance is covered if local tour operators are used. But extra expenses like drinking water, hot showers, and buying trinkets and snacks can cost money that has to be paid by the trekkers themselves.
Activity Level, Altitude Sickness, and Acclimatization
Hiking for about 4 to 8 hours daily (2 to 10 miles) will be done while on the journey. The trekking trails range from moderate to steep grades, and elevations range from 9,318 feet to a maximum of 18,192 feet.
Proper acclimatization days take place at Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Preparing the body for the trek is highly suggested, as raising stamina is essential. Cardio exercises like running, jogging, and swimming can be done to raise one’s physical fitness level.
But the trek can be done by people of all demographics. Altitude Sickness is a common ailment that befalls trekkers who do EBC Trekking. However, the progress and occurrence of the sickness are different matters. Instead, it depends from one person to the next. Trekkers who make the same trekking journey may suffer from sickness, while others do not.
Nevertheless, it should be considered plausibility. That is why appropriate preventive measures should be taken.
Trekkers can take medications like Diamox for the sickness. The most crucial factor in avoiding altitude sickness is not rushing the journey and taking proper time acclimatizing.
Staying appropriately hydrated and eating well are also crucial factors. The trek should be done at a comfortable pace, slowly and
steadily.
Group Trekking and Solo Treks
Because of the popularity of the EBC Trek, if you are trekking in peak seasons, then you will likely encounter many trekkers throughout the journey. Peak seasons also result in the guesthouses being crowded with trekkers. The options of group trekking and solo trekking are both available during the journey.
If you want to be in the company of other trekkers, then group trekking would be the best for you.
But if you would rather have the trekking trails and the time in the mountains to yourself, then solo trekking can also be done.
It is essential to keep in mind that both solo and group trekking involves the presence of a guide.
Hiring porters is also a good option. Hiring porters in the mountains helps the people’s economy by providing them with jobs and making them more manageable while they trek.
