When attempting the trek to Everest Base Camp for the first time, we understand that you can feel a little nervous and apprehensive. After all, you’re traveling to a whole other country (where many of the locals don’t speak English) and attempting a grueling physical activity. We have compiled a list of simple tips that we hope will help you have the most enjoyable experience possible.
▪ Before Arriving
Ensure that you have found the best possible rates for your flights, as you will quickly find the costs of the trek adding up and it’s good to save money wherever possible. Bring along 3 passport-sized photos of yourself so that you can get through the visa queue quickly.
▪ What to Pack
When booking your trek, you should be provided with a list of everything that you will need to bring with you. At the bare minimum, however, you will need a good pair of hiking shoes that you have already broken in and hiking clothing that is warm yet breathable.
▪ What to Buy
Don’t worry about bringing gear with you – this is something that we definitely recommend buying in Kathmandu upon arrival. Not only will you find the prices much more reasonable, you will often find that the quality of the gear far surpasses that found back home.
▪ Caring for Feet
Keep in mind that horrendous blisters can put a stop to your trek just as effectively as altitude sickness can. It is for this reason that we recommend bringing some duct tape or moleskin and treating your feet as soon as you start to feel discomfort.
▪ Weather Prepared
It is important that you have prepared for both sunny and rainy weather, no matter what time of year you’re travelling. When it’s sunny, you’ll quickly grow warm and prefer to be in shorts. When the sun goes down, you’ll quickly grow cold and want to put in a beanie.
▪ Stay Hydrated
Ensure that you drink plenty of water whilst on the trail and always have a full bottle spare. Whilst you can purchase bottled water from the tea houses that you pass, you can also bring some chlorine or iodine tablets and treat water from the local streams.
▪ Altitude Headaches
A headache can actually be one of the first signs that you’re experiencing altitude problems. Small headaches are common and should not cause you any grief, but they are worth mentioning to your guide. If the headache gets worse, you may need to stop.
▪ Avoid the Sun
It is essential that you take good care of your skin and eyes whilst on the trek. Sunburn can happen much quicker at higher elevations, so be sure to apply sunscreen a few times a day and always wear a hat. Sunglasses should also be warn to avoid glare.
By keeping each of the above tips in mind when planning and executing your trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, we are sure that you will have the most enjoyable and smoothest experience possible. If you let yourself become overwhelmed by all of the sights and sounds, you will quickly find the trek passing and you won’t remember much. At the end of the day, just relax and take it all in.
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