Trekking to the historical Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a dream of many. And if you have the same desire, you must know many things before you begin the trip.
Trekking anywhere in the Himalayas does matter all about proper preparation. So, you need to focus on several concerns for the Everest Base Camp Preparation.
Some people are all excited before their journey but do less research about their trip.
You must have a clear picture about your trek before you start, and you should know the answers to questions like:
‘What to wear?’, ‘What to pack,’ or ‘How fit should I be?’
Besides, you need to get more information for the complete preparation to trek to Everest Base Camp.
Don’t you have any idea how to prepare for the base camp trek?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have made a list of all the things to consider while preparing for the trek. If you want the best preparation possible before your trek, read along.
Contents
Preparing Yourself Both Physically and Mentally
Before you go for anything else, you need to focus on preparing yourself. Everest Base Camp trek is more than a walk in the park, especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle. The trail leading to the EBC is moderately severe.
Some parts of the trek are quite demanding. So, you need to train well before beginning this adventure.
Physical Fitness
You should maintain a healthy lifestyle if you plan on trekking to EBC. If it’s not so, the trek will show its fierce face, more of a challenge than an adventure for you.
If you work out or train your body physically regularly, you’re ready for the EBC. But, if you do not exercise your body, you need to prepare yourself more.
Indulging in sessions of cardio training and leg workouts helps you a lot. Jogging, sprinting or even slow paced walking for extended hours boost your legs stronger, which means little chance of leg injuries, soreness, or other problems.
On the other hand, cardio training adds your endurance and improves breathing patterns. Also, it increases stamina, an essential element to trek 5-6 hours a day.
Making a healthy body means facing fewer chances of trekking problems just because of sturdy fitness.
Mental Strength
You have had your fitness in check, and you need now to focus on your mental strength.
As we mentioned earlier that some challenges prevail in this trek, so ask now yourself, ‘Am I ready?’
You need strong willpower and determination before you start your trek. Stuff for a long duration, extended trekking hours, challenging terrains can make you nerve-wracking, but it’s all in your mind.
Doing any adventure needs determination. Thousands of people walk through the trail every year. Some people complete the trek and make beautiful memories, while some may face hurdles due to a lack of confidence to complete it.
So as to include this journey among your best memories, have a calm mind, and strong willpower throughout your trek.
Packing List for Everest Base Camp
‘Pack everything necessary and discard anything useless.’ Always remember it as you trek anywhere in the world. Some people carry too much stuff but forget to bring all the necessary ones.
Also, a few people don’t carry much and still take everything necessary with them. You need to pack like them.
Some items or stuff are mandatory for you not to forget during the Everest Base Camp trek. Carrying the items from the packing list is crucial to make your adventure hassle-free.
Apparel/ Clothing
Trekking clothes are nothing like regular clothes. The fabrics or stitching, everything is different. So, plan to trek to the base camp with proper clothing items.
Proper trekking clothes made from high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics are highly recommended.
Don’t forget; you need to feel comfortable and warm while wearing these clothes.
What you need
- At least 6-7 pairs of underwear and bras
- 2-3 base layer clothes (both upper body and lower body)
- Trekking t-shirts and trousers
- Additional clothes for layering
- Outer layer (waterproof jackets and trousers)
- A pair of inner gloves and a pair of outer gloves
- Neck-gaiter
- Sun-hats, bandanas, beanies or other caps
Footwear Essentials
The footwear during your EBC trek is essential for a proper trekking experience. There are some footwear essentials that you must not forget.
What you need
- A pair of high-quality, worn-in trekking boots
- Trekking socks as well as some normal socks
- A pair of lightweight, day-to-day shoes
- A pair of sandals
Trekking Essentials
Once you prepare your clothes and footwear, it’s time to arrange the other necessary items during your trek.
You’ll need,
- A high-quality backpack or rucksack
- A duffel bag for all your luggage
- A pair of strong trekking poles
- High-quality sleeping bags with suitable temperature ratings
Daily and Personal Essentials
No one can conquer the trekking without their day-to-day essentials. But still, there are some items that you need and some that you don’t.
Be wise and carry all the important stuff only.
Make sure you carry
- Daily toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal towels
- High-quality sunscreen
- A pair of 100% UV protection sunglasses
- A basic first-aid kit
- One reusable water bottle and some water purifying tablets
Documents
You require some documents and their enough copies during the Everest Base Camp trek. These documents include:
- VISA
- Permits
- Identification
- Citizenship
- Passport
- Some passport-sized photos
Other Stuff
Besides, there are some stuff that you should not forget,
- Camera and its attachments
- High-capacity batteries and power-banks
- Snacks (Chocolates, dry-fruits, drinks or sweets)
- Insect repellant
- Pain relief spray
- Handheld torch and a head-lamp
Remember, pack less but pack enough.
So, once you’ve prepared all this stuff, you’re all set for the thrilling journey to Everest Base Camp.
Study about the Everest Region
Some people love venturing to unknown places all alone. Others prefer traveling in groups or with a guide and a porter. What type of person you are, you must explore information and details about the area you plan to visit.
It’s wise to know about the local languages, cultures, taboos and other things. There are dozens of castes, religions, and customs prevailing in the country. Sometimes, the usual things that you do can appear as a taboo or a nuisance to the locals.
Also,
You will get more information regarding the area and the people living there if you research correctly. With such information, you can communicate better with them and learn more about the fascinating place.
Meet your doctor
Yes, you need to meet your doctor before you set out for the Everest Base Camp trek. You must know that your health condition is fit for trekking to high altitudes. Factors like blood pressure, sugar levels can affect your mission.
Also, altitude sickness may be an alarming problem, if you don’t know how well your body is functioning.
So, it is necessary to visit a doctor and have a whole body check-up. You can take other advice from the physicians about altitude or mountain sickness for prevention and medications.
Know about the food
The food along the trail is all about carbs like rice and beans. The Nepalese prefer ‘Dal Bhat’ as their primary food. It is rice and lentils, served together with some veggies and pickles. So, Dal Bhat in almost every teahouse is a primary menu.
Carbohydrate-rich food rice, lentils, and veggies refuel your body properly. Besides, you can also find items like bread, eggs, or instant noodles.
But, one thing you must know about is,
Try to eat vegetarian meals throughout the trek! Meat and fish are not always the right idea.
They’re transported by either porters or Yaks to high altitudes. They stay in the freezer for days, so don’t expect them to be fresh. Also, don’t drink any alcohol and avoid smoking as they dehydrate your body and affect you severely at high altitudes.
Prepare yourself for the teahouses
Love taking baths early in the morning? Well, bid farewell to that for a trekking period!
Hot water baths may not be available every day.
You’ll have to adjust to the necessary accommodation facilities along the trek. You stay at a teahouse or standard lodges, but they offer the most basic amenities.
Some teahouses have better facilities, like WiFi or satellite TVs. But, you often get a small room with a cozy bed and a blanket. That’s pretty much.
You find better accommodation facilities at lower altitudes like Namche Bazaar. As you trek higher, you see lesser facilities. That means you need to prepare yourself for such things.
Hot water baths, WiFi, and even charging batteries are hard to find in higher altitudes. The teahouses, which offer these services, charge additional for each service you take. You’ll have to compromise with sharing toilets as well. So, get ready for all these things along your trek.
FAQs
1. Is altitude sickness a problem?
Altitude sickness is a concern, but not a problem. As you trek to higher altitudes, your body needs to accommodate for changing levels of oxygen.
When your body is unable to do so, you may suffer from altitude sickness. There are some ways you can do to prevent it.
Taking a few days to acclimatize is a better idea. Not only does it prevent altitude sickness, but it also provides you rest or a break from tiring treks. Hydrating yourself every day with at least 3-4 liters of water is crucial. Also, walking at a slow and controlled pace is also very helpful.
If you suffer from this problem, try taking specific medications like Diamox. It’s wise to descend to lower altitudes and take a rest.
2. Is the Everest Base Camp trek challenging?
It is not too challenging but not as simple as a walk in the park. You need to have proper preparation for your physical and mental strength before beginning the adventure.
3. Are ATMs easily available?
Don’t expect to find ATMs along the trail. Always carry cash, enough of it. Also, don’t carry dollars or pounds, you should exchange it with the Nepalese currency. The teahouses may not accept foreign currencies.
You can exchange your money in Kathmandu.
4. Which weather is best for trekking to Everest Base Camp?
Trekking is the best during Spring and Autumn. The weather remains pleasant, with fewer chances of flight cancellations. Also, all accommodation services operate well during these seasons due to the clear weather.
Trekking in Winter and monsoon is also possible if you do the right preparation. But generally, it is not recommended. The weather patterns change unpredictably in winter. Flight cancellations, delays can be a problem. Many teahouse owners descend to lower altitudes to stay away from the harsh weather.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Preparation means making the best out of your trek to EBC. You ignore most of the problems and prevent any possible hazards if you prepare correctly.
Do your research, consult the experts, and take suggestions. Make all the necessary preparations properly before you begin. The Everest Base Camp trek is a historical achievement, and the only way to get there safely is to prepare well before you start.
