15 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
EVEREST BASE CAMP
Everest Base Camp 5340M
Climbing Everest Base Camp has been an iconic destination for many adventure travelers. I have had the luxury of traveling to Everest base camp since it was on my dream adventure list before heading into higher mountains. Through my experience of trekking solo and other times guiding with fellow Sherpa leaders, I want to share some valuable tips that will make your trip easier.
Tips are in no particular order, they are just written down as I learned them through my experience.
1. Bring cash USD and Rupees
If you have booked your tour with a travel/tour agencies then all your necessary expenses are covered. But you would want to bring in extra cash just in case you want to buy anything that is not included in your package (ie alcohol, chocolate, or energy bars). If you are traveling solo then Nepalese rupees is a must, I would recommend around (Rs 1 Lakh 50 thousand or $1500). You want to make sure you have enough cash to tip your guides and porters and for any unplanned events.
2. Get insurance
Buying normal travel insurance and travel insurance for Everest base camp is hugely different. You will be standing at 5,644.5 m (18,519 ft) above sea level and on top of that, you are traveling to one of the most remote and rugged regions on Earth. There is no vehicle roads there so the only option is helicopter evacuation or the other option is a painful Dzo/mule ride down the terrains. High altitude-related illness, accidents, diarrhea, cough, and natural disasters like avalanches and rockfalls, are expected while trekking in Everest Base Camp. My best suggestion is to get the travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation, repatriation, and independent trekking (if you are going solo) up to 6000 m (18,510 ft) and higher if you are doing side trips to Mt Lobuche, Mera, or Island Peak. It is very important to spend some time going over terms and conditions that could ease the process should you need to claim it back.
3. Flight to Lukla and buffer days ( Very important )
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and aviation schedules are not as reliable as you might expect. The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla where the Everest Base Camp trek starts is frequently delayed and maybe canceled for the day or several days in succession. In the event your flight is canceled you will need to either rebook your flight for the following day or attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter. You are responsible for the extra costs of helicopter flights which might be $250 - $400 per person or more. If you end up taking a helicopter instead of your flight you can ask for a refund of $150 of the flight fare. A similar case applies when you want to return from Lukla to Kathmandu. If you have booked your trip with travel/tour agencies like ours then the reps from the company should give you these options and take care of the refund amounts.
This happened to me when I was at Lukla, waiting for my flights back to Kathmandu. Flights were canceled due to poor weather. Some people were stuck in Lukla for 2 days waiting with no way out. If they had to fly the next day home, they would have missed their flight. So we chartered the helicopter to get back to Kathmandu.
Best seat - Sit at either the front or back of the plane on the left-hand side when flying to Lukla for best views. The Himalayas are on the left and the front and back are not obscured by the wings of the plane. Sit here for your first glimpse of Mount Everest before your trek. It will help to build excitement and the view is awe-inspiring.
4. Buy the right gear. ( Do not compromise on quality gears)
I highly suggest you buy the right clothing and gear before coming to Nepal. But even if you forget or wish you do not want to carry all those loads all the way then everything you could possibly need to climb to Everest Base Camp is available in Nepal. If you need it or forgot it, you can get it in Kathmandu. Check out our gear checklist blog.
5. Filtered water bottle
I cannot stress enough the importance of a filtered water bottle when coming to Nepal. You do not want to be buying plastic water bottles every time so instead, use bottles like (Life-straw or similar brands) which I find it is a lifesaver where ever I go in Nepal. Save the environment by not using plastic bottles and save money by using water from natural sources.
6. Pack a map and books to read
You will want to reference regularly, check altitude symptoms, illnesses, your route, and what to expect. Trekking to base camp takes several days and it can get a little boring at times. You may only have the energy to lay in bed and read a book, so bring a good one. You can buy books in Kathmandu and at Namche Bazaar.
7. Hand-wipes and sanitizer.
Showering is really not recommended in high altitude cold temperatures. You won't be showering much. Nobody does on Everest after their fifth day of the trek or until their 11th day. Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees Celcius and you won’t be getting proper shower facilities after Namche Bazaar. Hand wipes and hand sanitizer are lifesavers, keeps you clean and smelling fresh.
8. Give ways to Yaks and Sherpa's at all times and traffic on trails
When trekking a yak train comes, move to the mountainside to get out of the way. You don't want to be nudged off a cliff by a yak or get hit by one. Sherpa's and porters work hard on the Everest trail, they are constantly taking supplies up and down the mountain. Help make their life easier by staying out of their way.
Everest trail is one of the most famous trails in Nepal and during the peak season the region welcomes around 15 - 20 thousand travelers. So you should expect a bit of traffic and don’t be surprised by so many travelers. The busiest month is April as it is the only time for mountain expeditions so a lot of mountain climbers will be heading up the route and October is another busiest month. So, if you want to avoid traffic plan your trek around early March, September, or towards November and December.
9. Keep batteries close to your body.
Sleep with them in your sleeping bags. Charging batteries is very expensive per hour (almost $5 per hour) The cold drains batteries quickly, extends their life by keeping them warm. Charges for batteries near or below Namche Bazaar 100-150 NPR/hour – Closer to Base Camp 300 NPR/hour
10. Everest viewpoints
Mount Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam seen in background
Everest is only visible from a few points during the Everest Base Camp trek. On your acclimatization day at Namche make sure you take the acclimatization hike to Everest view point hotel for an amazing panoramic view of Everest and other Himalayan ranges. Tengboche is another site from where the tip of Everest will be visible and the finally the mighty walk to Kalapatthar where the long stretch of Everest and Himalayas are right in front of you. Hike early and take your photos in the early hours for your memories to last forever.
11. Rewards yourself give yourself a few days after the trek before you have to fly home.
After you have walked all that way, you might as well encourage and reward yourself. After my Everest Base Camp trek, I stayed in a beautiful, cozy Dwarikas Resort in Dhulikhel with a hot shower, super comfy bed, massage, and a moment to myself. It added a sense of fulfillment, happy energy, excitement to see more, reflect, and added encouragement to explore higher mountains. I feel it is important to encourage and motivate yourself to do the things you want to do and once you accomplish it, reward and enjoy yourself. The entire journey of the Everest base camp trail is an experience in itself. There is something to admire about every turn. The regions monasteries, cultivated fields, grazing yaks, hot momos, Dal Bhat overlooking stunning mountains, the experience of trekking the rugged terrains with giant mountains, the view from Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, smiles of the locals, to fellow trekkers. Slow down every now and again to look around and take in the giant mountains, gorge, river, shops, homes, and life that all happens right along the path. There is nowhere else in the world like it.
12. Respect local culture
During trekking, you are exposed to new cultures and traditions. A lot of the way of doing things won’t be your way of doing so go with an open mind. When trekking Prayer rocks, walls and flags are meant to be kept to the right at all times. Also, ask before taking any photographs, many people do not want their photos taken.
13. Back to basics
I would highly suggest not to rely on WIFI or internet connections. Firstly wifi connection is very slow after Tengboche and expensive. 500 MB costs Rs 500 ($5) which to my experience is just not worth it. The other thing to keep in mind is that charging your phone will also cost you and the prices increases, the higher you go the higher the prices. So, staying out of touch with the post of the world and just living the experiences and not worrying about anything would be the best way to enjoy the trek. You may have the urge to share everything in that moment but this is the perfect moment to be in nature and allow yourself a digital detox, which is healthy for your mind and body.
14. Physically demanding than you think.
The terrains of the Everest region is raw and rugged. Reaching the lap of Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, is not easy but definitely doable with the right training preparations and will. Read our blog post on training for trekking in Nepal. It isn't recommended if you have knee problems or weak ankles because of steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, a lot of rock steps, and some moraine walking. Plus, people carrying significant extra weight are likely to struggle with this trek at altitude.
15. Prepare for altitude sickness.
Make sure you take the acclimatization rest day and the acclimatization hike day. There are fewer ways to prepare yourself for high altitude, so the rest days in your itineraries are a must. Please read our blog post on altitude sickness.
I hope the pointer listed above will help you when preparing for your Everest base camp trek. You have made one of the best decisions and you will not be disappointed, that I can promise. Stay healthy and fit. Enjoy your adventure and take lots of pictures. This will be a memory for a lifetime. Who knows you might be inspired to go higher and go on other challenging adventures.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.