We learned a lot from our trek to Everest base camp and want to share these essential tips to help make your planning easier and your trek more enjoyable.
Everest base camp is located at an elevation of 5364 meters (17926 feet). It is no small feat getting to base camp. Even though it is a hike through villages with teahouse accommodations, the EBC Trek is 12 days of trekking at a sustained elevation above 4000 meters (13123 feet). These valuable tips for trekking to Everest base camp will make your life easier.
It is not the scary daunting experience that people imagine it to be; trekking to base camp is actually a lot of fun, and hopefully, these points will help you with your future climbs and make it just a little bit more comfortable on the way up.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp Tips
1. Bring cash – Both USD and Nepal Rupees
There are no ATMs in Lukla or Namche Bazaar. Exchange rates are also very dismal, so bring rupees with you—at least $200 worth.
2. Pack your own tea
Tea is very expensive on Everest, and it is cheaper to buy hot water and use your own tea bags. Bring a variety of teas as well for more enjoyment.
3. Buy your gear in Kathmandu
Trekking poles, hats, gloves, socks, down jackets, sleeping bags, chocolate, and even medications can be bought in Kathmandu. Everything is cheap. There are fake brand names as well as good quality authentic North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot clothing at discount prices.
There are also authentic stores for proper mountaineering equipment. Mountain Hardware and North Face authentic store that offers great deals. 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.
4. Pack chocolate and any extra treats that you want
This is our very important tip for trekking to base camp! Pringles and chocolate are expensive on the trek to base camp, and having your own little stash for treats that you bought in Kathmandu is a nice perk.
Sometimes, when the altitude gets to us, the only thing that feels good going down is chocolate. I can’t stomach a full meal at times, but a little chocolate or salty chips makes eating easier. Once I have had a bit of chocolate and settle my stomach, I can eat a meal. Meals are very important to keep up your energy when trekking. If you don’t eat, it can lead to accelerating altitude sickness.
So, go to the shops in Kathmandu and buy a few chocolate bars, chips, and trail mix to have for snacks along the route.
5. Choose a Local Tour Company
We trekked with local guide Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal, and he has become a great friend. We had a private trek at a fraction of the cost compared to larger companies like Intrepid Travel. The costs went directly to the local economy and guide because we didn’t have to pay a middleman.
With nearly 20 years of guiding experience in the Himalayas, you will be in good hands with Dipendra. He also hired a local porter from the Everest Region.
You can either book with him through his website or spend some time in Kathmandu searching for tour companies. As backpackers, we had the luxury of time and found Dipendra by interviewing several companies until we felt comfortable.
6. Pack Powdered Tang or Gatorade
Pack some Tang, which you can purchase in Kathmandu, or bring Gatorade from home to flavor your water. Water can get pretty boring day after day, but you have to stay hydrated at altitude.
Flavored water helps you drink more and is far more enjoyable than just water all the time. Plus, if you use an energy drink, you will replenish your electrolytes as well, keeping you healthy on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
7. Purify Your Water
When we trek, we pack a Steripen to purify our water. There are plenty of ways to purify water, such as LifeStraw, Steripen, and water purification tablets.
Help save the environment and your wallet by avoiding bottled water on the trek. There are filling stations along the route and places to get water. With the Steripen, we just fill up our water bottles along the way for free. Steripens use ultraviolet light to purify water in just 30 seconds.
8. Pack Handi-wipes
You won’t be showering much on the Everest Base Camp Trek, as Namche Bazaar will be one of the last places where you’ll find a hot shower.
But don’t worry, you won’t be alone; nobody showers often on Everest! Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees Celsius, especially at higher altitudes when you have only a bucket of cold water. Handi-wipes and hand sanitizer will help keep you healthy. Follow that with a sprinkle of Gold Bond powder to feel fresh and comfortable.
9. The Best Views of the Himalayas are in the Morning
The clouds roll in quickly and obscure the panoramic views of the mountains on the Everest Base Camp trek. You can see Mount Everest from a few points on the trek, and it is an incredible sight.
From Namche Bazaar and at Tengboche are two fantastic views, so make sure to ask your guide to show you. In Namche Bazaar, hike to the Mount Everest Hotel Lookout on your acclimatization day, and don’t miss it!
10. Take Your Time Each Day
It is not a race, and no one is judging how quickly you ascend. Acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and if you need an extra rest day, take it. The flexibility of booking locally and having a private guide allows for a more tailored experience.
No one will ask you how long it took you to reach Everest Base Camp; they will marvel at the sheer fact that you did it.
11. Respect the Local Culture
When trekking to Everest Base Camp, prayer rocks, prayer walls, prayer wheels, and prayer flags should stay to your right at all times. It is a custom to follow what the local people believe. Additionally, always ask before taking photographs, as many individuals do not want their images captured.
12. Pack Light and Smart
Throughout your trek, prioritize lightweight and smart packing. Everything you need for the trek can be bought in Kathmandu, from food to medication.
13. Relish the Experience of the EBC Trek
Climbing to Everest Base Camp is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever encounter. Yes, you may feel fatigued, but make sure to take a moment to appreciate the awe surrounding you.
You are among the few fortunate individuals to experience this adventure, so enjoy every moment and cherish the journey.
