‘Are you going to do Everest Base Camp?’ folks requested after I stated I used to be travelling to Nepal to trek. ‘Oh, I doubt it,’ I’d reply, amused that folks thought I, somebody with no trekking expertise from a sea stage nation, might hike in direction of the world’s highest mountain.
After some analysis, I discovered that no mountaineering expertise is required to trek Everest Base Camp, and contemplating myself a comparatively match individual, I booked my place on an upcoming journey.
This turned out to be probably the greatest choices I’ve ever made. Yes, it was each mentally and bodily difficult. There have been many sore joints and stiff muscle tissue, and a couple of tear shed because the tiredness step by step wore me down, however the feeling of accomplishment made all of it worthwhile.
If you might be considering of taking up this problem, you possible have many questions operating via your head. Can I bodily do it? What ought to I convey? Do I would like fancy new mountain climbing boots? To make your journey simpler, listed below are 5 Everest Base Camp ideas I want I knew earlier than making the trek.
1: Don’t underestimate the altitude
No matter how match you might be at sea stage, the excessive altitude ranges that include trekking to Everest Base Camp put your physique via a very new problem. Parts of this trek are fairly deceiving to the attention, and the looks of extra gradual ascents on the route can provide folks a false sense of safety.
Try to not turn out to be complacent. You could possibly stroll 1km or a mile uphill at sea stage with ease, however that very same journey at excessive altitude leaves you feeling such as you’re wading via sludge. Getting overconfident and transferring too quick can lead to critical altitude illness, forcing you to desert your journey. Take your time and tempo your self, and it’s best to full the trek with relative ease. Our Chief Experience Officer prepped us by demonstrating a secure strolling tempo in order that none of us overexerted ourselves.
Even with acclimation many trekkers really feel altitude illness, which may convey on nausea and complications. Medication is on the market to minimize these signs, which made issues simpler.
2: Bring appropriate footwear
As you spend a big chunk of time in your ft, from stone steps and rocky trails to snow and ice, your footwear has the facility to make or break this journey. A pair of waterproof mountain climbing boots are wanted for the trek, and most significantly, ought to be nicely worn in to keep away from unwelcome blisters.
Your ft will beg for freedom by the top of every day, so a pair of flip-flops or slides are perfect for stress-free within the hostel, giving your self a well-earned break out of your boots.
3: Support is throughout you
Before this journey, my expertise trekking at excessive altitudes was non-existent. Ahead of assembly my fellow G Adventures trekkers, I used to be nervous that they’d be seasoned execs and I’d be left, fairly actually, behind.
My fears have been unwarranted although, as I quickly discovered that almost all have been as inexperienced as me, and equally anxious concerning the activity forward. Everyone had their difficult days, regardless of their health stage, and due to our newfound connection, we have been all fast to assist one another out.
4: Pack for each climate
You’d be forgiven for presuming {that a} trek to Base Camp entails completely freezing temperatures. Surprisingly, we felt all 4 seasons all through our trek. While you’ll need cozy, well-insulated down jackets and woolly hats within the morning and at evening, you’ll possible peel issues off as you construct up a sweat. Plus, you’ll want waterproof items for any rainfall.
The secret’s to convey loads of layers so you’ll be able to shortly adapt to altering climate situations, whereas staying snug.
5: Avoid excessive mountain costs
Transporting items to areas within the mountains is a protracted and costly activity, with helicopters and yaks serving as the principle mode of transport. Basic objects like rest room paper, child wipes, chocolate bars, and different snacks step by step get dearer all through the trek.
Long days trekking will go away you craving snacks, so fill up earlier than you allow Kathmandu to keep away from forking out extra cash. Some lodges have charges for charging telephones and different digital gadgets, particularly as you get greater up the mountain, so moveable chargers are extremely helpful.
Getting there
Now that you just’re prepped due to our Everest Base Camp ideas, it is time to convey on this epic trek for your self. Here’s the place to begin: