It is said that the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular bucket lists and for the right reasons. The back-and-forth route takes adventurous trekkers to the base of Mount Everest (called Sagamartha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan) that is the highest peak on the planet.
To reach the top on Mount Everest is a legendary featthat requires huge sacrifices. At 5,600 feet, Base Camp is no an exaggeration However, it offers an opportunity to achieve a goal that is more feasible for all people from every walk 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 some controversy recently concerning trekker “traffic jams” pollution, as well as the possibility of limitations 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 trekking 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 from their trekking company for the 2021 spring trekking season. Be up-to-date on the current restrictions on travel by reading the travel guidelines of your country.
How is it to trek up to Everest Base Camp?
In addition to the stunning scenery travelers to the region can enjoy an authentic local culture by visiting monasteries, getting in touch to local teahouse and guide owners as well as admiring Buddhist Mani and stupa stones on the journey.
Walking is a way to spend your days just for the pure joy and perseverance. You’ll pass colorful prayer flags and cross bridges of steel suspended over deep canyons. In the evenings, you can enjoy steaming hot Nepali foods, hot chai and conversations with fellow travelers and local guides around the campfire in the teahouse.
The captivating mix of nature’s beauty, fascinating tradition and a satisfaction along with the warm Nepalese hospitality from the locals from in the Solukhumbu region, make the Everest Base Camp trek one of the most memorable treks in the world.
It’s not to say that a hike up to Everest Base Camp is simply an enjoyable walk. Although the trek isn’t difficult in terms of technical difficulty but it can be extremely taxing for your body because of the high altitude. The majority of people will agree that physical demands make the trek worth it.
What time should I start the journey?
From March to May , and from September until November. It is hot in May, right before the monsoon season begins; be prepared for the possibility of rain but stunning blooming rhododendrons. December is colder than average, but the days remain breathtaking and there are less hikers (but make sure you wrap yourself warm in the colder evenings).
Do I require a manual?
It’s not necessary to carry a guidebook for this Everest Base Camp trek, and the route is well-marked. But an experienced local guide will enhance 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 you’ll learn a lot about the local culture and surroundings. A lot of people also employ porters for the range of $10 to $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 that you give them both a tip after your hike.
A trekking company has the benefit of having everything organized for you, from airport transfers, flights , or helicopter flights for Lukla airport, teahouse reservations made in advance accommodation breakfast and dinner every day or guides, porters as well as their insurance. A further advantage can be that the guides educated to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and they carry oxygen canisters in their vehicles, which helps to keep you safe on the trek.
It is possible to book ahead of time if you travel with companies that operate in the west, however you’ll pay less booking through Kathmandu Verify that you’ve registered them with Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
How can I get into shape?
If you’re not a professional trekker, don’t let that put you off. People who have moderate fitness and no trekking experience can complete this hike. However, it’s crucial to get yourself ready to go on Everest Base Camp with physical exercise. In the end, you’d prefer to be taking in the view instead of complaining about how your legs hurt.
Your personal training program should incorporate endurance, cardiovascular and strength exercises every week at least once. Make sure you focus on stair climbing, running or hiking, as well as other activities that strengthen the same muscles that you require for trekking.
It’s also crucial to get yourself ready for the elevation. Make sure to train cross-training at least every week, with yoga, swimming, or any other exercise that is focused on breathing. There is no way to predict how their body reacts to elevation until they’re in the actual situation however, this training can aid in preparing.
As you near the start of your Everest Base Camp trek, make sure you practice running, hiking or exercising for a number of days. The toughest part of a long-distance trek, such as the one towards Everest Base Camp, is getting up in the morning with a stiff back and having to do it all over again.
What do I need to bring for Base Camp?
It is best to pack light – try at 10-15kg. Think about the load of your porter before packing that huge bottle of shampoo or a pair of jeans.
The weather becomes colder as the journey gets longer The majority of teahouses do not have heating and therefore layering is essential. To make an ideal base, bring thermal underwear and two long pants and three or four T-shirts (synthetic fabric – not cotton – that help wick off sweat). The insulating layer you choose should comprise an outer layer of fleece, as well as two or three long-sleeve tops. A raincoat as well as an Down jacket (for the frigid high altitude evenings) are the perfect addition to your shell layer.
Footwear is a must for lightly worn-in boots as well as trekking socks. sandals or sneakers for evenings in the teahouse. Also, you’ll need gloves as well as a woollen hat buff and a headlamp, and polarized sunglasses. A comfortable mattress (rated to 20degC/0degF) as well as trekking poles are required and can be rented from Kathmandu before you begin your trek.
Choose to purchase travel-sized toiletries, which include a good sunscreen lipstick, tissue paper and travel towel. Dry shampoo and baby wipes can be useful for days when you don’t have the luxury of showering.
The first aid kit you have should include diarrhoea medication and antibiotics for sinus or chest inflammation, bandages that are adhesive or hydrocolloid bandages for blisters. See your physician prior to when you visit for immunisations specific to Nepal. A pulse oximeter can be helpful, particularly when you’re on your own trek in order to monitor the oxygen level. Make sure you carry a supply of hand Sanitizer.
Utilizing a water bottle with filtration or two water bottles of 1L that contain water purification tablets is a secure and reliable method of drinking water – and is more sustainable than purchasing the bottled water at lodges.
Make sure you bring the Nepalese Rupee in cash for food WiFi showers, toiletries and other essentials on the way. Find this from an ATM located in Kathmandu prior to embarking on your journey. There are only a handful of and far-fetched ATMs throughout the trek and even a minor storm could put an ATM at Namche Bazaar out of commission.
Being safe and healthy while on the trail
Be patient. Slow and steady is the most important thing to do in achieving enjoyment and enjoyment from your hike. It can affect anyone even the most fit. (The days of acclimatization, typically located at Namche and Dingboche are scheduled to be there for reasons.) Be aware of signs of altitude sickness. the symptoms are headaches with a pounding insomnia, dizziness, lack of appetite, breathlessness as well as low levels of oxygen. Before you travel, ask your physician for the prescription drug Diamox that can help prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness. If symptoms persist, descend.
Be alert. The route from Everest Base Camp is relatively spacious and well-marked, however it can be a bit dangerous in certain areas. There are steep cliffs which are usually narrowed by the passing of groups of donkeys or yaks. Be aware of the bells of approaching animals and ensure that you are on the inside of the trail so that you aren’t at risk of being knocked off. Make sure you be on the lookout for porters, who frequently run through the trails at marathon speed. Not only does this aid in avoiding traffic jams, it’s also a mark of respect.
Be vegetarian. If you’re offered meat on the menu during your trek, keep in mind that all meat is transported by porters who come from below Lukla because of the no-killing policy of Sagamartha National Park. This means that when you eat it, it’s aged – and possibly rancid. The healthiest, most secure alternative is to consume dal bohat, as your guides and porters use to. Dal Bhat is a tasty Nepali dish made of lentil soup rice, vegetables, and curry that is cooked in batches. It’s prepared fresh every day and is a fantastic food source for protein as well as energy. The saying goes “Dal bhat power, all hour!
Cover up. The sun at higher altitudes can be very brutal, so apply an effective sunscreen and apply it frequently. Wear long-sleeved clothing along with long pants and buffs or be prepared for blisters.
