how to trek to everest base camp

7/30/2019 How to Trek to Everest Base Camp

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How to trek to Everest Base Camp

Jenny Ling Lonely Planet Author

Mount Everest has captivated intrepid men and women since the 1920s. The

exploits of legends such as George Mallory, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing

Norgay put the mighty mountain on the map; thousands have followed,

making huge sacrifices many with their lives in their own attempts to the

summit.

Everest Base Camp 2009 by Huw Thomas. Creative Commons Attribution licence

But today, the trek to Everest Base Camp has become an achievable goal for

people from all walks of life who want a glimpse of the worlds highest peak. In2012, between 35,000 and 37,000 people trekked in the Everest region.

Whats it like trekking to Everest Base Camp?

Aside from breathtaking scenery, travellers to the region can experience

unique Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the way.

Days are filled with walking for the sheer pleasure of it, past colourful prayer

wheels and across swing bridges straight out of an Indiana Jones movie, while

evenings are rewarded with hot food and conversation with like-mindedpeople around the dining-room fire.

The heady mix of natural beauty, fascinating culture and a personal sense of

achievement, as well as warm Nepalese hospitality, makes the Everest Base

Camp trek one of the worlds most unforgettable.
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When should I make the trek?

From March to May and from September to December. It gets hot in May, just

before the monsoon season; be prepared for possible rain. December reaches

below-zero temperatures but the days are still beautiful and there are fewer

trekkers (but remember to wrap up warm in the evenings).

Do I need a guide?

The Nepal government is considering making the hiring of a guide compulsory

this season, after the disappearances of some lone trekkers and the death of a

Belgian trekker in the Langtang region in June 2012.

But the solo trekking ban has been put on hold, so for now its still possible to

go it alone. But hiring a guide or porter has many advantages: for US$10 to $20a day youre giving someone a valuable job and in turn you will learn plenty

about the local culture and natural environment.

A trekking company offers the advantage of having everything arranged for

you, including airport transfers, accommodation and porters and/or guides and

their insurance. You can book before you go with western tour companies,

though youll pay significantly less by booking in Kathmandu ensure theyre

registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). For a list of

registered companies visitwww.taan.org.np.
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How do I get in shape?

Nothing can really prepare you for the treks extreme hills and altitude of up to

5545m. But dont be put off people with average fitness can do this trek.

Slow and steady is the key to achieving, and enjoying, your trek.

Prepare with cardiovascular training several times a week: cycling, swimming,

hill climbing and lots of walking. Aim for a five-hour walk once a week. Seek out

hills or find a tall building and repeatedly walk up and down the stairs.

What should I take?

Pack lightly aim for 10 to 15kg. Consider your porters load before you include

that big bottle of shampoo or pair of jeans.

A fleece jacket, down jacket and thermal underwear are a must, as the

Himalaya gets cold above 3000m any time of the year. Also take two pairs of

long pants, two or three T-shirts (synthetic fabrics not cotton that wick

away sweat), and another warm jumper or light fleece.
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Footwear requires lightly broken-in boots, trekking socks, and sneakers or

sandals for evenings. You will also need a raincoat, gloves, woollen hat, sunhat

and polarised sunglasses. A good sleeping bag (rated to -20C/0F) is essential;

if its winter, a thermal liner makes it extra toasty.

Opt for travel-size toiletries, including a good sunscreen, lip balm, travel towel

and tissues. Baby wipes are handy for days when you cant shower.

Your first aid kit should include medication for diarrhoea, antibiotics for a chest

or sinus infection, and adhesive bandages for blisters. Visit your doctor for

Nepal-specific immunisations. Using two 1L water bottles with water

purification tablets is a reliable and safe way to drink water and more

environmentally friendly than buying bottled water from lodges.

Everest Base Camp by Jody McIntyre. Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike licence
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Staying healthy and safe on the trek

Take your time. Altitude sickness can affect anybody even the extremely fit.

(The acclimatisation days, usually at Namche and Dingboche, are set for areason.) Watch for signs of altitude sickness: symptoms include headaches,

dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite and breathlessness. Bring a supply of

the medication Diamox for treatment; if symptoms persist, descend.

Be vegetarian. As tempting as it is to try a juicy yak steak or buff burger, be

aware that all meat is carried up by porters from below Lukla due to the no-

killing policy in Sagamartha National Park, so by the time you have it, its

getting old. The safest, healthiest option is to eat dal bhat (lentil soup with rice)

its made fresh daily and is a great source of protein and energy. As the sayinggoes, Dal bhatpower, 24 hour!

Cover up. The sun here is harsh, so use a good sunscreen and reapply regularly.

Wear long-sleeved tops, long pants and a light scarf or be prepared to blister.

how to trek to everest base camp

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