What I wish I knew before trekking Everest Base Camp

Growing up just a few blocks from the Rocky Mountains, I’m no stranger to hiking on top of some of the highest peaks in the world. I thought I was able to hike through serious mountains, but in May 2017, I went on a trek to Everest Base Camp.
Everest, which is nestled deep within the Himalayas, is the largest mountain range in the globe and is an incredible sight to see. For the better part two weeks I was craning my neck up, feeling a sense of connection with mountains I hadn’t experienced before. I fell into the rhythm of hiking alongside these giants, and now I feel I can offer some tips and tricks for those who are determined to see one of the most magnificent mountains on Earth.

While bucket-list trips in travel vary from one person to the next, I think almost everyone wants to trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Here are the details and how it went.
You have to get the gear

You might get overwhelmed by the outdoor tech terms Heattech, Nano Air, and Triclimate when you are looking for items for your weekend camping trip. But, for the hike to EBC, you will need to be careful with your gear. DriFIT, or any other microfiber blend, can help you reduce the weight of your bag. Microfiber garments, unlike cotton, are light and engineered to move moisture from the body to the outside of the garment.

Bring your lightweight sleeping bag if you have one. You will be lighter as Kathmandu’s bags are heavier and bulkier. Intrepid will provide a bag that can hold up to 10kg. This is the legal weight limit for porters. You can only take 15kg on an airplane to Lukla, so you will need 5kg in your daypack.

Layering is a habit that you do throughout the day, depending on the weather or rain. Mornings are usually cooler so you may need to layer up. But once the sun rises, you’ll be able to strip down to shorts and a shirt. You can control temperature better by packing gear that has efficient heating and cooling capabilities, such as Merino wool or down. Rain is almost always possible so ensure you have at minimum a waterproof jacket, pants and rain cover.

Reduce your risk of injury by purchasing and breaking in hiking boots at the least one month prior to your trip. This is an important step! When you’re trying to relax at the Tea House of Gorakshep, the last thing that you want is blistered feet.

You may also believe that you must buy everything in Kathmandu before you leave for Lukla (the start point of the trek to EBC). However, this is false. There are many places to buy almost anything along the hike to Namche Bazaar and in the small town. Here you will find gloves, rain pants and beanies as well as hiking boots and sleeping bags.

Snickers bars available in Kathmandu

It is clear that food costs are high as you get closer to Everest. Dhal Bhat, the meal that keeps sherpas and their families fueled for generations, is made of rice, lentil soup and vegetables. It can be found in Kathmandu at a cost of 200 rupees, while it might cost up to 800 rupees at the top.

For an energy boost, Snickers bars and Mars bars, as well as nuts, are essential trail snacks. However, prices can sometimes triple close to Base Camp. If you love chocolate bars as much or are a chocolate connoisseur check the date on the packaging. They can sometimes sell old chocolate that isn’t as delicious.

Peak season

Two ideal times to go on an Everest Base Camp Trek or the surrounding Himalaya are April-May, because of the warmer temperatures, visibility, and September-November, which is right before monsoon, but right before winter. Even though I trekked to EBC towards the end of May, others who have hiked in peak times said it was busy. It was like sleeping on the ground of a teahouse.

Camp in tents is an alternative to staying in busy tea houses. It eliminates the need to prebook your accommodation. In some ways, I envy those who choose the rustic route. But it will be more expensive. Everything was organized for me so that I could focus on the trek and the amazing views.

Most local guides are familiar with AMS. If you have any questions, ask your guide. A quick visit to your local travel physician will provide all the information you need to lower your risk of getting sick in the mountains.

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Many people find the trek to EBC daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Anyone can climb to Everest Base Camp with the support of local guides and the enthusiasm of the many people you meet in the teahouse after a hard day’s walking.

Remember that weight is everything. If you don’t want to carry everything up, you will need to use more porter power.

It is not a joke to get altitude sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious condition that can be fatal to those who have climbed above 4000m, or below. The symptoms of AMS are not discriminatory, no matter if you’re a CrossFit fanatic or a smoker who smokes every day.