12 Top Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

By following some of these tips for Everest Base Camp trek, you can be more confident and that will help you collect long-lasting trekking memories.

Nepal is one of the best adventure destinations in the world, and the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and best treks in Nepal. Every year, thousands of trekkers from all around the world walk to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trek is an epic adventure in the diverse and exotic mountainous region of Nepal. Trekking in the Khumbu region offers you a majestic view of many high Himalayan mountain ranges, including the world’s four tallest peaks: Mt. Everest (8,848.86meters), Mt. Makalu (8,443meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516meters), and Cho Oyu (8,201meters). It is amazing, right? And that’s not all.

This trek also offers spectacular walks through lush valleys and traditional villages inhabited by the famous Sherpas. Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate journey that will give you experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

Planning for a trek to the Everest Base Camp can be both physically and mentally overwhelming.

When Should I make the Trek?

The best time to trek Mount Everest Base Camp is during spring and autumn. Spring months from March to May and autumn months from September to December is right time to make it to the Everest Base Camp.

May can get hot and humid since it is right before the onset of the monsoon. So, you need to prepare yourself for possible rain during that time.

December is a cold time with below-zero temperatures. However, there will be less crowd, and the view will still be amazing.

If you want to get the best of both climate and comfort, then you should plan your trip from mid-October to November during autumn season and from mid March to mid May in spring season. The weather is clear, and the view is stunning.

However, suppose you are willing to enjoy the crisp views of the Everest in the backdrop of Sherpa settlements. In that case, you can go for this trek any time of the year. All you need is enough preparation and proper packing.

Follow these tips for an enjoyable Everest Base Camp Trek experience.

Important Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek:

Be physically prepared.

This trek does not require professional mountain climbing or technical skills. However, you need to be physically fit to enjoy the journey. You need enough strength and endurance to withstand the pressure in high altitudes.

Trekking continuously for 12-15 days is not that hard at lower altitudes, but when it comes to higher altitudes above 3500 meters, thin air makes your trip much harder and makes it difficult to take each step ahead.

You can start training 3 to 4 months before your trek. You can cycle, run, use a treadmill, and climb stairs for about an hour to two a few times a week. This will help train your legs for the trek.

Yoga is another great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

You can hike around small hills and forests. If you do not have access to mountains or hills, you can add extra weight to your backpack and do longer walks on the treadmill.

So, one of the best tips for Everest Base Camp is to be physically prepared well in advance of arriving in Nepal to start your journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

Be mentally prepared.

Trekking is very different from your regular routine life. While it is important to be physically fit, mental readiness for the journey is even more important. Depending on your adaptability to new surroundings, you need to prepare yourself accordingly.

Your accommodation along the trek will be in simple tea houses run by local Sherpas. The facilities will also be very basic as you move higher up in the mountains.

You will have a bed on a twin-sharing basis. You need to request warm water manually, and it will cost you extra money. The toilets may not be Western-style, instead, just a hole in the ground.

It is better to be aware of the challenges and culture in the mountains beforehand than to regret later.

Also, you may not have read this anywhere else, but people get irritated quickly on the trail as they are tired, unable to get proper sleep, don’t have food of their choice and the altitude makes their brain slower. So, the second tip for Everest Base Camp trek is to be mentally prepared to take it easy and keep yourself calm at all time.

Rent or buy your gear in Kathmandu.

You don’t need to come to Nepal with proper packing for Everest Base Camp trek carrying heavy luggage and gear for the trek. You can find almost all the equipment for sale or rent in Kathmandu, such as trekking poles, hats, gloves, socks, down jackets, and sleeping bags.

Everything is inexpensive in Kathmandu. Even though most of it is a knock-off of major brands, the quality is still good enough for the affordable price tag.

However, you can get top-quality gear at authentic stores as well. Kathmandu has more trekking shops than you can count. The intense competition in the market is beneficial for you, as you can get a great price on gear you might not be able to afford at any of the stores back home in western countries.

You can also rent more expensive items, such as sleeping bags and jackets. If you have booked your trek with Mosaic Adventure, you can rent a sleeping bag, a down jacket and a duffel bag from us without paying any additional charges. These items will be provided to you and you can transfer your belongings into the duffel bag, which will be carried by a porter. This way, you can leave your luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu while you trek to EBC.

If you plan to bring anything from home, you can pack merino wool socks/underwear and broken-in hiking boots. These are difficult to find once you’re in Kathmandu.

If you are not planning any treks in the near future, you can rent trekking items for a certain period of time. This way, you can reduce unnecessary expenses and use that money to buy other basic necessities.

Hire a guide and a porter.

Hiring a guide and porter for Everest Base Camp trek is highly recommended for a safer, more enjoyable and culturally enriching adventure. The expertise, support and local knowledge of a guide and a porter will enhance your trekking experience and also significantly contribute to the local economy of Nepal.

Here are some key points for you to consider that will help you decide on hiring a guide and porter for your trek to EBC:

1. Local Firsthand Expertise: Local guides and porters have extensive knowledge of the Everest region, the trail conditions and are familiar with the local Sherpa culture. They can provide valuable insights into the region, including unwritten information about local customs, traditions and the people.
2. Safe Trip: The trail leading to Everest Base Camp can be challenging, especially at altitudes above 3500 meters. Your guide can ensure you stay on the right path, minimizing the risk of getting lost.
3. Acclimatization Support: Altitude sickness is a significant concern for trekkers in Everest region. Having a guide with real knowledge and experience of altitude sickness is essential to minimize the associated risks. Guides can recognize symptoms, suggest appropriate acclimatization trips and provide home remedies to prevent altitude sickness.
4. Porter’s Importance: Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires carrying heavy gear, clothing and supplies. Hiring a porter is crucial to decrease your physical burden, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek without carrying heavy bags. Even a kilo can feel heavy at such higher elevations.
5. Useful in Emergency Situations: In case of sickness or other emergencies, your guide is trained and prepared to take action based on the situation. This means you don’t have to worry about what to do in emergencies and can focus on enjoying the trek.

Note:
When hiring a guide and a porter for Everest Base Camp trek, you will be paying certain charges to book them per day. If you have booked one of our packages, it usually comes with a guide and a porter. It is important to provide appropriate tipping to them at the end of your trek when you reach Lukla. Tipping is a form of appreciation for their continuous guidance and support during your trip to EBC.

Avoid meat during the trek.

You need to be aware that porters carry meat up in the mountains because no animals are killed in the Sagarmatha National Park. Since Sherpas carry the meat for days, it is not guaranteed to be fresh. Additionally, proper refrigeration is not always ensured. So, it is best to avoid meat products as you ascend higher than Namche Bazaar.

So, no matter how tempted you are to try out the meat varieties on display, do not get allured.

The safest and healthiest option is to eat the local Nepali Thakali dish ‘Dal Bhat’. It is fresh, nutritious, and a great source of energy during the trek.

Cover up yourself.

The sun can be pretty harsh during the afternoons. Additionally, the higher you go, the more exposed you will be to ultraviolet rays. Long exposure to the sun causes dehydration, which is critical during your trek.

When you are walking during the day, there may be no cover from the sun. However, you can always minimize the effects of these harsh rays during the trek. For this:

• You should use a good sunscreen and reapply it regularly throughout the day. Avoid getting a tan, just this once.
• You should wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and a light scarf to prevent your body from getting blisters.
• You should always dress in layers, which will allow you to regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable while trekking. It is even better if your layers have zippers, so you can have more control of your body temperature.
• You can also wear a lightweight sun hat to save yourself from the rays as well as headaches.

Hydrate yourself.

This is one of your main priorities during the trek. At higher altitudes, your body will dehydrate much quicker. So, you need to make sure you are hydrating your body regularly.

Make sure to drink plenty of water while on the trail and always have a spare bottle of water. You can buy bottled water from tea houses along the trail. Another option is to bring chlorine or purification tablets, so you can fill your bottle from the local streams and purify it yourself.

Bring cash from your home country.

There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu, so getting cash before the trek should not be a problem. However, once you start your trek, the only ATM is in Namche Bazaar. However, there are frequent problems with the ATM there.

On any given day, there could be some issue with your card or the machine that prevents you from being able to withdraw cash. On top of that, most machines have limits on how much cash you can withdraw. So, it is wise not to rely on ATMs in high altitudes.

Similarly, credit cards are hardly accepted as a form of payment in Nepal. Only a few stores in town may accept cards for large purchases. You will have to pay for nearly everything on your trek with rupees, including daily food, accommodation, porter’s wages, and supplies. So, you need to bring plenty of cash from your home country. You can exchange it for rupees once you arrive in Kathmandu. You can carry up to 2000 USD without having to declare it at customs.

Bring your favorite treats.

Yes, treats! For many people, it can be very difficult to eat at high altitudes. And, since you will be burning tons of calories hiking up and down, it is important to re-energize your body. Thus, it is smart to pack any extra goodies such as protein bars and a bag of sweets or salty chips.

There is always plenty of food available in the mountains. However, when the altitude is giving your stomach a hard time, these light snacks will be very helpful. Also, you will need to pay extra if you want to buy snacks in the mountains. So, it is also good to be prepared with a few familiar treats before the trek. To manage your cost on such snacks, you can buy them in Kathmandu at cheaper prices.

Be prepared for the cold.

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you have many accommodations options. However, since Everest lies in the Himalayas, it is cold regardless of whether you trek during summer or winter. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself by dressing in layers and keeping warm.

Usually, tea houses stop running their wood stoves after dinner time. So, you may have to ask the tea house owners for extra blankets. You can also fill your water bottle with hot water for the night.

No matter when you go on this trek, do not forget to bring a 4 season sleeping bag.

Acclimatize Properly – Take your time.

When taking on a challenge like the Everest Base Camp Trek, remember that it is not a race.

Proper acclimatization is crucial. Acclimatizing to the low levels of oxygen in the mountains requires time and patience. Your body needs time to adjust to the lack of oxygen gradually.

More acclimatization means a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience and a lower chance of altitude sickness. This is the key to a successful trek.

You can also take an extra rest day if necessary. Your guide and porter will not mind if you hire them for an additional day or two.

There is no need to rush during your trek. As long as you are walking without overexerting your body and mind, you should be fine.

Treks to Everest are flexible if you book in Kathmandu or when you arrive in Lukla.

Bring treats for local children.

During the trek, you will walk along trails that lead to several small towns and villages. You will encounter hospitable teahouse owners, kind locals, and young children.

If you have extra space in your luggage, bring a few special items for the local children, such as crayons, colored pencils, books, markers, coloring books, chocolates, or small toys.

The children will always be grateful for any small gifts you bring.

Packing Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

• Always pack lightly, aiming for no more than 10-15 kg. Also, be considerate of your porter’s load as they will journey with you together.
• Pack a fleece jacket, down jacket, and thermal underwear to stay warm. Also include two or three synthetic T-shirts, long pants, a jumper, and a light fleece.
• Bring a good sleeping bag that can withstand -20°C/0°F. A thermal liner is also preferred.
• You also need lightly broken-in boots, trekking socks, and sneakers or sandals for evenings.
• Pack additional necessities such as sunglasses, a raincoat, warm gloves, and a woolen hat.
• Bring basic toiletries, including hand sanitizers and hand wipes for days when you cannot shower.
• Carry a standard first aid kit that includes medication for diarrhea, antibiotics for chest and sinus infections, altitude sickness medication, decongestants, and adhesive bandages for blisters.

Additional Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

• Bring a book for evenings when you want to relax on the bed. A good book will keep you occupied and prevent boredom during the journey.
• Give yourself an extra day or two in your itinerary. You never know when your flight may get delayed due to weather issues.
• If you forget to pack something important, know that you can buy or rent everything in Kathmandu.
• Watch for signs of altitude sickness, including symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and breathlessness.
• For a seamless journey, book with a trusted travel agency for your trek. A trekking company can arrange everything for you, including airport transfers, accommodation and guide and/or porters  and their insurance.
• If altitude is giving you a headache that keeps getting worse, inform your guide. In such a case, it is better to stop ascending or descend from where you are.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation while trekking below 6000 meters.
• Respect the local culture and keep the prayer flags to the right of your path at all times.

Summary

Everest Base Camp trek is a moderate walk in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The extreme weather conditions and high altitude are sure to bring many obstacles to your journey. So, if you go through these tips for Everest Base Camp trek, you will have an easier time trekking in the foothills of the towering snow covered high Himalayan peaks.

Madhav Prasad

Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.

Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.

He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.