Nothing compares to the experience of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest, from its base camp. Trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Nepal.
The route is a viewpoint of some of the most magnificent mountains- Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changaste (7550m), Mt. Lingterin (6679m). Another striking feature of this trek is the hospitality of the Sherpa residents of the villages that fall along the route to the base camp.
The experience is twice as thrilling as it sounds. If you are willing to take up this adventure, here are certain thing you should know.
Must-to-have list for the trek to Everest Base Camp
Your instructor or your agent will provide you with a list of things you should have while you are trekking to Everest base camp. You can purchase them here or at home place. The following are a list of things you must have-
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping Bag (check: best backpacking sleeping bag under 100 USD)
- Quality socks
- Windcheater jackets
- Trekking pants
- Hat
- Shorts
- Rubber slippers
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Water purifier
- Map
Health Concerns
Anyone can fall an easy victim to altitude sickness trekking in a height as such. The slower you trek, the more likely you are to avoid this sickness. Look for symptoms of altitude sickness. Some of which are-
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Rapid pulse (heart rate)
- Shortness of breath with exertion
If you find yourself suffering from any of the above symptoms, do not take it for granted. Immediate descend could be necessary.
There aren’t any advanced hospitals along the route. Carry your medicines along with you. Some places have small clinics that have the ability to handle only minor sicknesses and injuries. If at all required, helicopter transportation will be arranged for you. For that, make sure you clear your insurance before trekking.
Clothes
Carry warm clothes despite the season. Have warm pairs of socks, down jacket, winter shirt and wind cheater in your baggage. If you are trekking during monsoon, carry raincoat and extra pair of socks.
Food and Water
The price of water from Lukla to base camp will rise from 30rs to 100rs per liter. You can ask the teahouses to boil tap water for you. They will charge around 30-40rs for boiling one liter of water. It is advisable to carry water purifier tablets, liquids or system along.
Almost all the teahouses throughout the journey will have the same menu. Some of the most commonly available items are pancake, chow mein, pasta, eggs, potato and Tibetan bread.
Dal-bhat is the most preferred food during trekking and is served in all the tea houses. It consist of rice, soup, vegetable and vegetable curry served in large volume that will rejuvenate your energy.
You can carry your won snacks, chocolate bars and other food substitute if you like. There are also available along the trail but will be two to three times more than the price you pay for them in Kathmandu.
It is advisable to carry menthol or other mint candies for they help with hydration.
Hope this basic guide for your trek to Everest Base Camp helped you with your preparation.
