Hello guys, 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 world’s highest
peak. In 2012, between 35,000 and 37,000 people trekked in the Everest
region. Mount Everest towers above the Khumbu at over 29,000' and is perhaps the most iconic symbol of challenge and adventure on Earth. Aside from breathtaking scenery, travelers to the region can experience
unique Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the
way.
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 can you take with?
> Pack lightly – aim for 10 to 15kg. Consider your porter’s load before you include that big bottle of shampoo or pair of jeans.
My strategy is based on lot's of layers. Since it can get very cold, It is always critical to protect toes, fingers and face since these were most susceptible to frost bite. As for warmth, I always wear a knit cap and at least liner gloves when I get the least bit cool - regardless of the outside temp. I use a 3 layer system of Merino wool base layer (top and bottom), a warmth layer then a wind or rain layer.
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.
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 -20°C/0°F) is essential; if it’s 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 can’t shower.
This is my suggestion while actually trekking:
The trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is by far
the most popular. There are many variations to get there in addition
to going straight up the valley. For example, you can go by way
of Goyko for a great diversion. A side trip to Chhukhung Valley
is also well worth it. Trekking in eastern Nepal in the Annunapurna
area is also extremely popular. Another emerging popular trek
is the Manaslu Circuit.
How do you join a trek to Everest Base Camp? Can I trek with Everest climbers?
> Almost every climbing guide company offers a trekking option to their climbing expeditions. But there are also trekking only companies that do a great job. Many companies based in Kathmandu offer treks, however be wary of the lowest cost ones. In 2014, The Nepal Government started to require all trekkers to have a guide, but it is unclear if this is enforced. A permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Pak where Everest is located.
On the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, follow in the footsteps of
legends as we ascend from verdant Lukla to the vast glaciers and
razor-sharp ridgelines of the Everest Himalayas, home of the world's
highest peaks. At Base Camp, stand face-to-face with the fabled Khumbu
Ice Fall and its towering seracs. We hike to the summit of Kala Patar
(18,100') for an unobstructed view of Everest's windblown summit.
Is it better to go in spring or fall and what is the weather like each season?
When better to 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).
The spring season starts cold and gets warmer whereas
fall is the opposite. Both can see significant snow at any
time but more so in the fall. In general the skies are more
clear into the early fall thus providing better views of
Everest and other mountains. It is common to experience rain,
sometimes very heavy, lower down valley between Lukla and Namache
in both seasons.
I read that a trek is very easy and anyone can do it. Exactly how hard is it?
> If you can walk 5 miles a day and are in good aerobic shape (with a doctor's approval) you should do fine. The actually trekking is on mostly level ground with a few sections of steep hillsides - up and down. You should not be carrying more than a light day pack with a jacket, water and snacks. However, it is the altitude the creates the main issues. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the overall experience.How do I get in shape?
> Nothing can really prepare you for the trek’s extreme hills and altitude of up to 5545m. But don’t 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.
Is a trek dangerous?
> Yes and no. :) Yes; because altitude can kill people
so care must be take to acclimatize properly. No; from the lack
of so-called
"objective" danger such as rock fall or crevasses normally
associated with climbing. However, people have been seriously injured
by yaks who inadvertently bump them off the trail and down a steep
hillside. So always be on the uphill side when a yak passes by!
There have been kidnappings, attacks and murders in this area,
so be street smart.
What should I take?
What can you take with?
What kind of gear do you
take?
> Pack lightly – aim for 10 to 15kg. Consider your porter’s load before you include that big bottle of shampoo or pair of jeans.My strategy is based on lot's of layers. Since it can get very cold, It is always critical to protect toes, fingers and face since these were most susceptible to frost bite. As for warmth, I always wear a knit cap and at least liner gloves when I get the least bit cool - regardless of the outside temp. I use a 3 layer system of Merino wool base layer (top and bottom), a warmth layer then a wind or rain layer.
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.
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 -20°C/0°F) is essential; if it’s 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 can’t shower.
This is my suggestion while actually trekking:
- Camera
- Bic pens as gifts for the kids
- Toilet paper, biodegradable
- 1liter of water with Gatorade in a Camelback since it is not freezing but also bring a Nalgene bottle
- SteriPen for purifying stream water
- Synthetic or nylon top and pants, no cotton
- Comfortable low top boots that are not too heavy, no need for heavy leather boots
- Bandanna for nose and head wipes - you will be surprised!
- Headlamp in case you get caught after dark - it happens
- Trekking poles
- Warm jacket for surprise wind or snow storm, preferably with a hood
- Knit cap and a ball cap
- Gloves, one thin for sun protection and another for warmth
- Rain jacket (lightweight)
- Sunglasses (100% UV), sunscreen, lip Baum
- A few bars of trail food
- iPod. Along the trail and for snoring roommates. I like the shuffle without a hard disc so it will work at altitude and the battery last longer.
- A clean, dry shirt and socks to change into once arriving at the teahouse while waiting for your duffle to arrive
Do I need 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 it’s still possible to go it
alone. But hiring a guide or porter has many advantages: for US$10 to
$20 a day you’re giving someone a valuable job and in turn you will
learn plenty about the local culture and natural environment.
wash clothes or take a hot shower en route
You can rinse out clothes in tubs supplied by teahouses but that is not usually done. In general trekkers get used to the smell and dust. Hot showers are available in teahouses for a small charge but it uses precious resources that must be carried up by yak or human.
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, it’s getting old. The safest, healthiest option is to eat dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) – it’s made fresh daily and is a great source of protein and energy. As the saying goes, ‘Dal bhat power, 24 hour!’
You have to prepare for high attitude:
> Not really. The common approach is to move slowly up the mountain (1000' a day maximum) spending your days at a higher altitude than where you sleep up until your summit bid. The human body simply does not function well at high altitudes and can experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) above 8,000 feet. There is half the available oxygen at 18,000' as compared to sea level so letting your body adjust is the key to staying healthy.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 a reason.) 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.wash clothes or take a hot shower en route
You can rinse out clothes in tubs supplied by teahouses but that is not usually done. In general trekkers get used to the smell and dust. Hot showers are available in teahouses for a small charge but it uses precious resources that must be carried up by yak or human.
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, it’s getting old. The safest, healthiest option is to eat dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) – it’s made fresh daily and is a great source of protein and energy. As the saying goes, ‘Dal bhat power, 24 hour!’
