The Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal is one of the most popular treks in the world, and for good reason—the scenery alone makes it worth the journey! In this article, you’ll learn more about how to prepare for your Everest Base Camp trek as well as five tips that will help you enjoy every step of your journey through the Himalayas. Read on to discover more!
Do Research
Hiking Everest is a once-in-lifetime opportunity, so give yourself every advantage! Begin your research early to ensure you understand what’s required to do an Everest base camp trek; while many companies provide these treks, they vary wildly in quality. Hiring a guide or joining a guided tour (which will save you time and money) can also add safety and comfort. You should plan to spend 16 days on your trek, with 10 of those days hiking up and down Mount Everest. This gives you plenty of time to acclimate to high altitudes and enjoy stunning views along the way. If you want even more adventure, consider adding two extra days onto your trip: one day spent at Gokyo Lakes and another spent climbing Kala Patthar—both are optional but highly recommended.
Choose the right tour company
Trekking companies can be tricky to choose from. Be sure to shop around and look for a reputable company that will provide you with the proper equipment and cares in order to ensure a safe journey. If you want to hike Everest, it’s best to do it through a specialist like True trekking company which can provide you with everything you need – from food and water supplies to backpacks and tents, not to mention support from their expert guides. Safety first!
Train for Base camp Trek
Before you head to Everest, make sure you get in plenty of training. The trek will cover 5-10 miles a day, so your legs need to be in shape. Walking is fine if you aren’t up to running, but don’t forget that by moving faster you’ll have more energy left over at camp and won’t feel as tired at the end of each day. If you can run or cycle regularly, it would be best to stick with those activities while training. If you haven’t exercised much recently or are coming back from an injury, start slowly and build up gradually. You can also do some strength exercises like pushups and squats to help build endurance before you go on your trip; these exercises are easy enough that they can easily fit into even a busy schedule.
Prepare your Mindset
One of your main concerns might be altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused when climbers are exposed to extremely high altitudes that their bodies are not yet acclimated to. The term acclimation refers to your body's ability to adjust in response to changes in your environment. Your body needs time (typically 3-4 days) at a particular altitude before you notice any symptoms of altitude sickness because it takes time for it acclimates.
Bring the right gear
Choose gear that’s going to be comfortable on long hikes, durable, and waterproof. For instance, if you plan on doing any trekking in snowy mountains—say an Mt. Everest base camp hike—invest in waterproof boots. You should also bring along hiking poles or a walking stick to help with balance and reduce stress on your knees. A lightweight backpack is essential for carrying your gear, as well as water (it can get very hot in high altitudes), snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats/gloves/scarves/sunglasses (depending on where you go), maps/guidebooks/GPS units (if necessary), first aid kit (if needed) and anything else you might need during your trip.
