A great number of people dream about Everest base camp trekking before they actually arrive there. I first made my trek to EBC (Everest base camp) in 1988 and since then I have repeated it many times. It is really fun you know! As an experienced trekker, I’d like to give some advice that you may want to follow during your Everest base camp trek. Here’s what I have to say:
What to pack: The most essential thing you should bring is a great pair of trekking boot that you’ve hiked in earlier. Kathmandu is an ideal place to purchase hiking outfits. You can bring your own sleeping bag otherwise you can rent one for $1 a day.
Purchase your gears in Kathmandu: Kathmandu feature more trekking stores than you imagine and huge competition means you will get a good bargain on your trekking gears. Be it a trekking jacket or a sleeping bag, here you will get a good deal.
Give proper attention to your feet: Bad blister can end your trek as simply as altitude sickness. I suggest you to bring some duct tape and treating as soon as you begin to sense discomfort & not after it turns out to be a real blister.
Getting a Decent Night Rest – You will probably be surprised at how comfortable the tea houses are on the trek but one bedroom walls are thin and noise carries quite easily. If you’re a light sleeper I recommend bring some foam ear plus for a good night’s sleep.
Get ready for cold & rain: If it’s sunny you might be surprised at how warm it can get during the day. Most trekkers wear t-shirts and shorts for the first few days while the elevation is still low. When the sunsets the temperatures drop quick. Wear a warm hat while sleeping and take a Nalgene bottle filled with hot water and keep it in your sleeping bag to stay warm. Even if it looks like a sunny day make sure to carry a poncho in your day pack.
Keep yourself hydrated: Ensure to drink adequate water while on the trek and always have a full bottle as a spare. You can purchase bottled water from tea houses along the route. Another option is to bring chlorine or iodine tablets and fill your bottle from the local streams. Ask your guide to point you in the right direction on this as most villages have a clearly identified water drinking water source that usually comes out of a pipe or hose along the trail.
Ignore the sun:Taking care of your skin and eyes is important. Sunburns happen much quicker at high elevation so make sure to apply sunscreen a few times a day and wear a hat. Sunglasses are a must have and if you wear prescription glasses its good to come to Nepal with a pair of prescription sunglasses or at least clip-ons.
Don’t forget to hire a porter:While you can carry your own gear it’s a much more enjoyable not to be hauling a heavy pack up the mountain. If you’re feeling bad about having someone carry your stuff consider that your porter probably travelled several days from his village just to get to Lukla so he could get some work and take care of his family
Be it an Annapurna base camp trek, Everest base camp trek or Upper Mustang trek, always make sure to choose a reliable trekking company for the best possible adventure.
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