Things to Do Before You Go Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek, Preparation for  Treks

 

One of the most challenging yet equally rewarding treks in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp trek. Reaching the foot of the world’s tallest mountain is as thrilling as it sounds. Being one of the most famous treks of Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek is a great way to dive into the beauty of the Himalayas and explore the diverse terrain. Comprising of the majestic landscapes and enticing culture, the Khumbu region is a fascinating place to go trekking for an experience of a lifetime! The trek flows through the very steps taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in their 1953 expedition to conquer the Everest.

The Everest Base Camp trek is quite the challenge. For all the amazing features it provides, it ought to be difficult. But with the right preparation, one can complete this trek with ease. There are a few things you need to make sure you have done before you take on this trek. Making sure that they are checked will definitely help in getting you through obstacles and having a great adventure!

1. Plan Your Trip and Know More About The EBC

It is important to know, at least, the basic information about any trek that you decide to go on. By doing research on the trekking region and the trails along the journey, you will have a brief idea on what to expect in your trek. Basic information includes details on the geography and climate. Knowing about such aspects can help you get the appropriate dates in the best season to go on this trip. Making sure you go during the right season helps you avoid bad climate which diversely leads to several benefits such as dry trails to walk on, pleasant weather, and clear views of the landscapes. After you have done your research, book your tickets right away so that you manage to get your reservation before it gets sold out!

2. Choose Locally Based Operating Company

There are tons of travel companies offering attractive tour packages, but it is best to go with locally based operating travel agencies. First of all, local companies know the area better than anybody else. Having local experts accompanying you on the trek allows you have more flexibility and authenticity of the trek. They will also guide you along the trek and share hacks, tips, and tricks to have safer travel. The local guides offered by the company are more familiar with the customs and culture. Thus, they can give you a better insight into the societies you come across. Finally, choosing a local company can directly benefit Nepal’s economy. You can contribute to the improvement of the tourism infrastructures by investing your resources on a locally based company.

3.  Physically and Mentally Prepare Yourself

A trip like the Everest Base Camp Trek requires both physical and mental preparation. For the physical part, we recommend you start a few cardio exercises a month ahead to improve your stamina and durability. Along with cardiovascular exercises, you can work on improving your flexibility by doing stretching exercises or even yoga. This can help you prevent cramps and increase agility. The final part of the physical preparation includes strength building. This can be done right at home through exercises such as squats and lunges. During your trek, you will be walking around 7 hours each day so, to keep moving, you have to have strength in your legs! Preparing yourself mentally gives you the confidence to overcome obstacles. Being mentally prepared helps you stay calm and focused on your trek. At times, you may want to give up due to the difficulty or you may get over excited to finish the trek sooner. In such cases, you have to reflect on your capabilities and continue the trek as planned.

4. Get the Right Gear

Any trek requires you to carry just the right items. Even if you have porters to carry your luggage, it is best to just carry only the essentials and keep your weights to a minimum. The right packing list includes proper clothing, necessary equipment, and essential accessories. For clothing, you will require:

• 3-4 pairs of undergarments
• Base Layers
• Trekking shirts and trousers
• Fleece Jacket
• Insulated Jacket
• Rainproof Jacket
• Sun Protection Hat
• Beanie, Buffs, or Neckbands
• Inner and outer gloves
• 1 pair each of hiking boots and trainers
• Hiking socks

Besides clothing, you will also be needing:

• Trekking Poles
• Sunglasses
• Water bottles
• Headlamps
• Toiletries
• First Aid kit including general medicines

For a trip like the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will most probably carry two bags: a duffel (carried by the porter) and a daypack. The duffel will include all the clothing and other items that are not needed during the hike. The daypack should only consist of essentials that are needed during the hike such as sun creams, electronics, personal items, and snacks.

5. Load Your Digital Wallet

There isn’t much need for electronic devices during a trek, but there is certain equipment worth keeping in your backpack. You will definitely be carrying your mobile phones. We recommend you get a Ncell Sim card and an Everest link Wi-Fi prepaid card with enough recharge cards to suffice your needs. With scenic landscapes all around you, you will definitely want to click pictures to take home back with you. Your mobile phones may also have decent cameras but carrying an extra DSLR or a digital camera will do no harm. To keep your devices charged, you can carry a battery pack. Electricity will not be easily available and charging your electronic devices can be very expensive. Besides these, you can carry a kindle to keep you company during down times in the trek.

6. Pack Your Emergency Medications and do the Vaccination

Before you decide on going on this adventurous trip, visit your doctor and do a medical checkup. Your doctor will make you aware of your physical condition and give you proper medications and required vaccinations. Besides the first aid kit and generic medications, you can carry other medicines such as Diamox, antibiotics, sunscreen, insect repellents, pain reliever, antacids, and Ibuprofen. For people with health issues, it is crucial that s/he only goes for this trek with the doctor’s permission. During the trek, you should take all preventive measures to avoid any health risks. By being careful at all times and eating the right food, you can easily complete the trip.

7.  Get the Full Insurance

You never know what can come before you on an adventurous journey. To be on the safe side, you should always have your insurance done before stepping out. Before you fill out your insurance forms, check with the travel insurance providers if their policy covers mountainous ventures. Many insurance policies do not cover you above a certain altitude in mountainous region travelling. Therefore, you should find insurance providers who provide policies to cover your insurance during the Everest Base Camp Trek which extends to a maximum altitude of 5,545 meters. One of the major reasons to have full insurance for this trip is that rescue services although available, are very expensive. A rescue helicopter alone can cost you around $5,000 or more. Therefore, it is strongly advised to have your insurance covered.

While Everest Base Camp Trek remains a fantasy destination to a sumptuous number of travellers, it also requires you to be wary of certain factors involved on the trek. A thoroughly enchanting journey through the Sherpa settlements and ivory-capped Everest Himalayas, this trek is a test of your commitment and grit. Challenge yourself and conquer the base camp of the highest peak on Earth!