‘Are you going to do Everest Base Camp?’ individuals requested after I mentioned I used to be travelling to Nepal to trek. ‘Oh, I doubt it,’ I might reply, amused that individuals thought I, somebody with no trekking expertise from a sea degree nation, might hike in the direction of the world’s highest mountain.
After some analysis, I realized that no mountaineering expertise is required to trek Everest Base Camp, and contemplating myself a comparatively match particular person, I booked my place on an upcoming journey.
This turned out to be top-of-the-line selections I’ve ever made. Sure, it was each mentally and bodily difficult. There have been many sore joints and stiff muscle tissues, and a couple of tear shed because the tiredness progressively wore me down, however the feeling of accomplishment made all of it worthwhile.
If you’re pondering of taking up this problem, you probably have many questions operating by your head. Can I bodily do it? What ought to I carry? Do I would like fancy new climbing boots? To make your journey simpler, listed here are 5 Everest Base Camp suggestions I want I knew earlier than making the trek.
1: Don’t underestimate the altitude
Irrespective of how match you might be at sea degree, the excessive altitude ranges that include trekking to Everest Base Camp put your physique by a very new problem. Elements of this trek are fairly deceiving to the attention, and the looks of extra gradual ascents on the route may give individuals a false sense of safety.
Strive to not grow to be complacent. You might be able to stroll 1km or a mile uphill at sea degree with ease, however that very same journey at excessive altitude leaves you feeling such as you’re wading by sludge. Getting overconfident and transferring too quick can lead to severe altitude illness, forcing you to desert your journey. Take your time and tempo your self, and you must full the trek with relative ease. Our Chief Expertise 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 carry on nausea and complications. Remedy is out there to reduce these signs, which made issues simpler.
2: Carry 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 ability to make or break this journey. A pair of waterproof climbing boots are wanted for the trek, and most significantly, must be effectively 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 enjoyable within the hostel, giving your self a well-earned break out of your boots.
3: Assist is throughout you
Earlier than this journey, my expertise trekking at excessive altitudes was non-existent. Forward of assembly my fellow G Adventures trekkers, I used to be nervous that they’d be seasoned professionals and I’d be left, fairly actually, behind.
My fears had been unwarranted although, as I quickly realized that almost all had been as inexperienced as me, and equally anxious concerning the job forward. Everybody had their difficult days, irrespective of their health degree, and due to our newfound connection, we had 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. When you’ll need cozy, well-insulated down jackets and woolly hats within the morning and at evening, you’ll probably peel issues off as you construct up a sweat. Plus, you’ll want waterproof items for any rainfall.
The secret is to carry loads of layers so you possibly can shortly adapt to altering climate circumstances, whereas staying comfy.
5: Keep away from excessive mountain costs
Transporting items to places within the mountains is an extended and costly job, with helicopters and yaks serving as the principle mode of transport. Fundamental objects like rest room paper, child wipes, chocolate bars, and different snacks progressively get dearer all through the trek.
Lengthy days trekking will depart you craving snacks, so top off earlier than you allow Kathmandu to keep away from forking out more money. Some lodges have charges for charging telephones and different digital units, particularly as you get increased up the mountain, so moveable chargers are extremely helpful.
Getting there
Now that you just’re prepped due to our Everest Base Camp suggestions, it is time to carry on this epic trek for your self. Here is the place to start out:
