One of the most popular treks in Nepal and in the world, Everest Base Camp Trek is an ultimate blend of an exclusive experience — from the robust terrain in the loft of mountain foothills, across welcoming Sherpa settlements to magnificent panorama of the mighty Himalayan massifs. Everest Base Camp Trek is a victorious journey of reaching the gateway to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. If you are already in this section of the web portal, most likely you are already planning to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. You must have read all the amazing Himalayan virtues. Now it’s time to experience what you’ve read.

As a trekker aiming to map the Everest Base Camp trail, you will not necessarily have to push your physical and mental boundaries like the real mountaineers do, but assemble your trip the best you can. And as a veteran and responsible entity in the line of trekking, we have present you the best 6 tips for doing the Everest Base Camp Hike.

1.Planning tips for doing Everest base Camp Trek

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Before you undergo the almighty Everest Base camp trek, you wouldn't want to leave one stone unturned on the preparations’ part. Here is how you can ace your trek planning:

Choose The Season Wisely

No season is a bad season when you are in Nepal. Each of summer, winter, spring and autumn has their own vibrant colors to show. Unfortunately, this does not apply entirely when you are in the mountains. Of course the mountains have different colors to show all the year round, but we are skeptical if we can call them vibrant. You can choose to trek in the Everest region during any season. But for the most amazing Everest experience, spring and autumn are best of the seasons. March through May during spring, and September through December during autumn are the most celebrated months among trekkers.

Although mountain weather can get unpredictable, you have the highest chances of witnessing the enchanted panorama of stretched Himalayas. The temperature remains fairly average to give you comfortable day hikes. If you happen to take the autumn trek particularly during November, you’ll have the opportunity to observe Mani Rimdu festival more closely than ever. See? Wise choice of season is rewarding!

Avoid Strict Schedule

Although your trek will readily be based on logistic itinerary, you might need to leave some room for flexibility in your schedule. Everest Base Camp Trek begins after a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. Because of the high altitude location of this airport, it has been listed among world’s most dangerous airports. So, Lukla flights are prone to being called off or delayed depending upon the weather. You’ll mostly likely not face this uncertainty during spring and autumn compared to other seasons. So, leaving a room for flexibility in your schedule is a good idea.

Book with Reliable Tour Operators.

Looking for the right tour company is one of the most important step in planning your trek. Research, research and research until you find one. You can use the references from web portals like Trip Advisors, Tour Radar, Lonely Planet, and so forth. After you find your potential tour operator, send them your queries as many as you may have. If you bump into us, we will politely answer your queries in a quickly manner. We aim to do everything in our power to assist you through your research.

2.Pro Packing Tips

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The ultimate packing tips for this trek or any trek for that matter is pack light but pack all the essentials. Only the essentials! Choose the right trekking gears. The most comfy one. Here is a list of things you’ll need.

  • Trekking gears: trekking boots, trekking poles, trekking, pants, down jacket, fleece jacket and trousers, wind-proof jackets.  
  • Electronics: a battery pack, chargers, power banks, multipurpose plugs and adapters, etc.
  • Medical kit: SPF 50+ UV protect cream, lip balm, important medicine, pain relief spray/balm, etc. (we provide first aid kits to our clients)
  • Sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays
  • Toiletries
  • Other essentials like water bottles that can intake hot water

3. Tips on Health and Safety

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 While planning to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, you need to be aware of the following situations:

·The Khumbu cough

As you gradually ascend in the Khumbu region, you’ll notice your cough getting suspiciously severe. To avoid this violent cough use a mask to breathe filtered humidified air at higher altitude. A buff can come in handy and even your ordinary handkerchief will work. You’d better carry cough syrup or candies for instant relief.

·Altitude Sickness

The trail to Everest Base Camp takes you up to an altitude of 5,380 meters. So, altitude sickness gets serious during the trek as many trekkers suffer right at the elevation of 4000 meters or even less. Altitude sickness can never be considered unforeseen when you are in the mountains. So, acclimatization is the key! Plus, garlic and hydration will help. We provide veteran guides and porters who are experienced in handling such situations.

·Diarrhea and Food Poisoning

Although regular inspection on the quality of food and water have been keeping up the standard of drinking water and food, the abrupt change your surrounding can make you a victim of diarrhea and food poisoning. In order to overcome such illness and resume the trek, take medicines with you: Antihistamine for allergies, Antiemetic to control vomit and nausea, Azithromycin for bacterial diarrhea, Omeprazole for gastric problems.

·Immunization

We suggest foreign trekker to get their immunization vaccines before coming to Nepal. Although Nepal does not require any official immunization, it is a smart idea of remaining immune from diseases like Hepatitis and Tetanus.

4.Get your travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must while you are in the Everest region. In fact, you should have travel for any region of any country you visit. We recommend, trekkers have minimum USD 1000 worth of travel insurance with provisional helicopter rescue. Sometimes, you might need helicopter evacuation during your trek. Under such condition, we will immediately take necessary action and later contact your insurance company.

5.Get Your Permits

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In order to undertake the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll need flight ticket to Lukla, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. As your tour operator, we’ll take care of these requirements without you having to worry about anything, not even the transactions with the hoteliers.

6.Carry some cash

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Even if you are trekking with your tour operators, you are encouraged to carry some cash in Nepalese currency for your personal expenses. You’ll be needing money for internet use, phone calls and charging your devices at tea houses in the mountains. You’ll have free hot showers at Lukla, Phakding and Namche while for the rest of the places you’ll have to pay for the hot showers if available. Also keep in mind that, increase in expenses is directly proportional to increase in altitude because of difficult and costly supply of commodities in such places. So, you might as well think twice before you bargain for a discount.

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy during your Everest Base Camp Trek