Are you planning on visiting Everest Base Camp trek for your vacation? Then there are various things to know before doing Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek is one of the popular trekking routes of the Everest Region.
Every year many trekkers from all around the world visit Nepal to complete Everest Base Camp Trek. There are a few things to know before doing Everest Base Camp Trek which can be helpful for you.
Journey to Everest Base Camp is full of adventures, thrills, and challenges. Reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain itself is overwhelming. You will be passing through many small settlements, mani walls, prayer flags, etc.
The routes of Everest Base Camp Trek are graded as moderate to difficult. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals. On this trek, you will be passing through trails filled with lush green forests viewing the striking mountain peaks.
But before you begin your magical journey there are few things to know before doing Everest Base Camp Trek. We have listed some of the things below that might be helpful prior to your trek.
About Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp lies on the foot of Mount Everest in the Solukhumbu district. The trekking route of Everest Base Camp takes you through Sagarmatha National Park.
This park is home to various endangered plants, animals, and birds. If you are lucky you might even sight some of them on your trails. Such as red panda, Monal, rhododendron, leopard, and many more.
This region is home for the Sherpa community who have been living here for centuries. The tradition and culture of these people are influenced by the Tibetan. You get to experience the warm hospitality provided by these people on your trek.
Everest Base Camp trek will give a lot of great memories to look back at. You will be astounded by the beauty of nature throughout the trek. So, prepare yourself for this trek.
Things to Know Before Doing Everest Base Camp Trek
Season for Everest Base Camp Trek
Before planning your trek you should know which season is perfect for Everest Base Camp Trek. Most trekkers prefer autumn and spring seasons as the best time to visit Everest Base Camp. The months from March to May and September to November fall under these seasons.
The weather and temperature is favorable for trekking during these months. Skies are clear giving the visible views of the surroundings. Also the days are sunny and hot while nights can be a bit chilly.
As for winter and monsoon seasons, they are off-season time for trekking due to the weather conditions. Winter is the coldest season of the year. While monsoon is the season of heavy rainfall.
The months from December to February and June to August fall under these seasons. The routes can be challenging and thrilling during these months. But with proper preparation, you can visit Everest Base Camp this time as well.
The weather and temperature are not very favorable during this time. During winter the skies are clear but the temperature drops below freezing point. As for monsoon the routes are slippery and muddy in lower regions. And the views are obstructed by rain clouds.
It is better to visit during the favorable season to enhance your adventure.
Thrilling flight to Lukla
Lukla Airport is also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport which is popular for its narrow runway. This is the gateway to the Everest region. This airport is famous for its thrilling flights. It takes about 35 to 40 min to reach there from Kathmandu.
You will be flying over the beautiful Khumbu region looking at mesmerizing views. You get to see many magnificent mountains and wonderful landscapes out of your window.
Food and Accommodation
While trekking in the Everest region there are fewer chances of finding western foods up in the mountains. But you get to taste the traditional food of Nepal in your journey. Such as Dal, Bhat, curry, achar, and many side dishes. This food gives you the energy needed to make the climb.
As for the accommodation you will find many lodges in your destination. These lodges range from expensive to cheap. You will find all the necessary facilities even though the lodges are situated in high places.
As you climb high most of the lodges will have public toilets and bathrooms. So during peak time, you might have to wait in a long queue for your turn.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is normal when trekking in a high region. So you don’t have to panic about it. When traveling in elevation above 4000 m suffering from altitude sickness is common.
So, if you see any symptom it is compulsory to inform your guide immediately. Some common symptoms seen are headache, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, etc.
Don’t worry and follow the instructions provided by your guide. Everything will be alright as long as you don’t hide it.
Carry Extra Cash
While trekking in high altitude it is necessary to carry extra cash in hand. As there are no ATM machines and banks in high regions. So it is better to carry extra money just in case.
Nothing is predictable higher up so you might need more cash then you have budgeted. As you climb higher goods and services get expensive. Also unknown expenses can go over your budget. Such as extra price for charging your phone, hot water, etc.
Pack proper clothes and Comfortable shoes
It is necessary to pack proper clothes and comfortable shoes for your trek. As you will be spending more than a week on this trek. The weather can be cold higher up so it is necessary to carry sweaters and jackets.
Packing of clothes depends on which season you are traveling in. If you are trekking during the hot season then it is better to carry shorts and t-shirts for the lower region. While thin sweaters and jackets for high regions as it can be chilly during the night and early morning.
Comfortable shoes are very necessary for your trek. As you will be using them for more than a week. So, before your trek check whether they are comfortable or not.
Hire Porter and Guide
Are traveling for the first time in Nepal then hiring a guide and porter is a great option. A guide will be able to describe to you the important information needed for this trek. While a porter makes your trek easy by carrying your stuff all the way to EBC and back.
They can even provide you with shortcuts as they have been locals in these routes for years. Also, trekking in high mountains is unpredictable so you will have companions as well. Hiring guides or porters can be expensive but they will be quite helpful for you during your trek.
Make Travel Insurance
Making travel insurance is a must while visiting high altitudes in the Himalayas. Travel insurance should cover emergency health issues, air evacuation, etc. You should choose insurance that covers up to 5500 m in elevation. Usually insurance companies provide insurance to the limit below 5000 m. So, check properly before selecting your company.
Bring reusable water bottles
Bringing a reusable water bottle is quite necessary for your trek. You need to keep your body hydrated throughout the trek. So, drinking plenty of water is a must. You can find mineral bottles on these trails but they are expensive in higher regions. So, carrying your personal bottle will be helpful. You can refill them in the lodges you are staying at or from water stations.
Side Trips from Everest Base Camp
Usually Everest Base Camp Trek is about a week or more. But if you are looking forward to staying a bit more in this region. Then you can go on side trips from Everest Base Camp. You can visit Gokyo lakes and Everest three high passes from Everest Base Camp. You can combine these treks with your EBC trek for more adventure.
Final Say
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an adventurous journey you don’t want to miss. We hope our article about things to know before doing Everest Base Camp Trek was helpful for you. We hope you have the best time on your trekking journey in the Himalayas.