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10 Things to know when choosing the Everest Base Camp Trek

everest-base-camp-trek-2022
  • 17-Jul-2022
  • 0

Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek - The dream of every trekker.

Often regarded as the gateway to heaven that hosts the most beautiful view of the world's highest peak, Mt Everest, the trek to its base camp, namely Everest Base Camp trek, is one of the most exciting and adventurous treks that start at 2880 meters (Lukla) and ended at Everest Base camp 5,364 m/17598ft from sea level. Probably, every trek lovers have Everest Base Camp trek on their to-do list. Undoubtedly, the Everest Base Camp trek cannot be compared with any other trek routes worldwide.

None of the trekkers can be fully gratified until they experience Everest Base Camp Trek. Many of them got a new direction for their life that energized their soul. Whether we compare its adventurous, altitude, terrain, beautiful landscape, or adrenaline rush experiences, the Everest Base Camp trek has always ruled at the top.

Who doesn't want to see the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest? Yes, everyone does. Thus, this is a lifetime experience that opens the door to inner peace and uttermost satisfaction.

There is a famed quote, "The best view comes after the hardest climb." The difficult trails often lead to a beautiful destination, sounds perfect for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. However, it is not a nasty task if we know a few things before and during the trek.

Proper planning and preparation before the actual trek help in minimizing the problems. Being well informed about the trekking journey, itinerary, duration, lodging and foods, arrangement of travel visas and permits, and difficulty mode should be considered.

Some of the ten things to know when choosing for the Everest base camp (EBC) trek are:

Acclimatization is a game changer

Sufficient rest and adaption to such a high altitude are essential for healthy trekking. Acute problems such as nausea, weakness, headache, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling of muscles, dizziness, etc., may lead to severe complications like high altitude cerebral edema and high altitude pulmonary edema if untreated. These problems, collectively known as Altitude sickness, arise due to ascending to the higher altitude of 8000 ft. and above, where oxygen concentration is usually low at height. Hence, acclimatization is most crucial for adapting to the higher environment and minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.
There is an adage, ‘walk high and sleep low.' Two days of acclimatization is usually sufficient, one day at Namche bazaar (3440m) and the second at Dingboche (4410m). In addition to minimizing the risk of altitude sickness, one can get more time to explore the local areas and beauty in detail during acclimatization. During the first acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, one can hike up to Syangboche- Everest View Hotel, the highest 5-star hotel. Similarly, during acclimatization at Dingboche, we can hike either to Nagarjun Hill or Chukkung.

Trek with best guides

Trekking alone or without a guide at such a high altitude is insane and risky. An experienced guide helps to navigate the trail quickly and provides immediate support to cases of Altitude sickness, illness, and other injuries. He/she knows to make the best decision in the mountain region for effective evacuation. They can deal diplomatically with the local problems and conflicts if raised accidentally.
An experienced guide will allow you to explore the trek and places by imparting more information, including stories that add sweetness to the trekking journey. So, from every perspective, whether it be a safety or communication concern, one should hire a professional guide or book a trek with a licensed trekking company.
This also provides employment opportunities to the local people of those areas. Hence, it is demanding to take potters and guides for smooth and risk-free trekking. There is no fixed tipping rate for the guides and porters. However, tipping them is expected.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp trek

An insurance plan is an essential factor in the Everest base camp trek. There is a potential risk of altitude sickness, accidents, illness, injuries, stolen or lost baggage, natural calamities, and other unforeseen circumstances. Hence one should choose a proper insurance plan that includes Helicopter rescue and coverage up to 6000m above sea level.
You cannot get a travel insurance plan from Nepal, so you should get it from your home country or other insurance companies abroad.

Duration of EBC trek

"When there is a will, there is a way." As mentioned earlier, the Everest Base Camp trek is the most famous trek in the world, and there is usually high traffic from trekkers all over the world to experience the thrilling adventure that takes up to the edge of the world's highest peak. A duration is just a number if one has the passion and dedication to accomplish it.
Duration depends upon the route you prefer, whether flying to Lukla or driving to Jiri, and your acclimatization days. So, there is no fixed duration. However, one can estimate the safest and shortest to be 12 days while Everest Base camp trek can be stared from Jiri, Phaplu, Salleri, or Bhandar and end up doing an extension to Gokyo Lakes or the Three passes, etc if you want to add extra adventure to it.

Best time to do

The most favorable time for the Everest Base Camp trek is the season of spring and autumn. The months of March, April, May, October, and November are the most suitable due to the pleasant climate, clear skies, little or no rain, and less snowfall.
Winter and monsoon seasons are not preferred mostly and are referred to as the off-season for the Everest Base Camp trek. But if you want to benefit less crowded trails and are not bothered by cold temperature, winter gives you the best panorama of the Himalayas, and the monsoon shows you the lushness of vegetation of these Himalayan temperate forests and the pleasantness of the meadows that look stony, rocky and barren rest of the time of the year.

Costs and Worth

Many think that it might be costly to do the Everest Base Camp trek due to the top trekking route that hosts the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest. With the view of the world's highest peak, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, abundant flora and fauna, diverse Himalayan culture, and friendly people, the Everest Base Camp trek will allow you to explore every aspect to its fullest.
The price depends upon several factors such as duration, accommodation quality, guides and porter service, etc. However, the trekking costs can be estimated from approximately US$1500 to luxury US$ 4000 or more. The price is very worthy that satisfies the inner peace of every trekker.

Food and Accommodation

Proper diet and sound accommodation are essential for every trekker to remain healthy and accomplish the journey. You can easily find the tea houses that serve every kind of food such as Nepali dal baht, soups, momos, noodles, shyakpa (Sherpa stew), pizza, local drinks, etc.
One can find small stores and famous bakery shops in places such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Dingboche, and Pheriche. The price of food increases as the altitude increases due to the transportation cost. The only way to deliver things to higher places is via mules, porters, yaks, helicopters, etc.
Regarding accommodation, the tea house facilities are usually clean, comfortable, wood-paneled, or plastered walls, generally with a single window, decorated rooms with comfortable beds, room heating, clean bathrooms, and hot shower facilities. Electricity and network facilities depend upon the altitude and price you prefer. You can even get luxury lodges that provide advanced facilities compared to teahouses up to Dingboche.

Gear and Equipment

One should not compromise regarding the selection of appropriate and sufficient gear and equipment. We should carry as little as possible but select those little with care. You should be aware that there is a weight limit of (10-15kg) in the main pack that each passenger can carry during the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Also, it might cost extra for more weight and should be planned accordingly.
Essential gears and equipment can be available or hired at Thamel or Namche Bazar. But it is recommended to use new ones for more safety and comfort. Some of the gears and equipment are:

  • Warm clothes and jackets.
  • Waterproof in case of snowfall or rain
  • Backpack and rain cover
  • Good pair of trekking boots/ shoes and socks
  • Woolen hat and gloves
  • Pair of hiking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Water bottle
  • Sun cream that prevents sunburn
  • First aid box
  • Maps (very helpful)

Travel Visas and Permits

Travel visas depend upon the nation you belong to. Usually, Indian nationals doesn't require passport/ visas to travel to Nepal. Some specific country citizens can easily get visas in advance or upon arrival at Tribhuvan international airport or designated land borders. One should check about the visa requirement for their country before departure.
The permits required for the Everest Base Camp Trek are mostly of two kinds, with another addition for an alternative route which is mentioned below:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

This amount is collected directly by the local government that replaced the old TIMS card. It ranges around NPR 2000 per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2500 per person for more than four weeks.
The fee is the same for all the trekkers outside Nepal, including SAARC nationals and NRNs (Non- Resident Nepalese).

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit is paid for entry to Sagarmatha National Park. As the Everest region of Nepal holds significant importance, its natural beauty and biodiversity are protected by the national park.
The permit price is different according to their nationality and is free for children under the age of 10 years.
Foreigners: NPR 3000 per person + 13% VAT
SAARC nationals: NPR 1500 per person + 13% VAT
Nepalese: NPR 100 per person + 13% VAT

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Permit (Additional Permit)

Instead of flying direct to Lukla, if one takes an alternative route to base camp through Jiri, one should take the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area Permit (GSCAP). The permit cost is NPR 2000 per person + 13% VAT, which is valid for 30 days.
Necessary documents for permits: Passport details and passport-sized photos
Currency: Permits fees should be paid in Nepali currency

Difficulty level: Landscape, Terrain, and Altitude

When everyone thinks of the Everest Base Camp trek, the first thing that pops up in their mind is its altitude and difficulty level. However, it is not a big deal to do when you are mentally prepared for that. As it is the world's most managed trek route full of facilities (yes!), it is sure that one can easily do the Everest base camp trek without prior mountaineering experience or training. Any healthy and fit person can achieve the Everest Base Camp trek with an established level of walking fitness. However, the health factor of the trekker comes first in every trekking journey. The trekker should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the trek.
Altitude sickness is a common problem many trekkers face due to the high altitude. However, two days of acclimatization and rest can help the trekkers for adapting the environment. Trekking can be difficult in parts, with many uphill and downhill climbing. Often endurance helps; being slow and steady and walking at your own pace helps.
The trekking trail passes through pine forests, rocky mountains, Sherpa cultural villages, towns, rivers, valleys, and suspension bridges. One can witness the most beautiful landscape and Himalayan ranges on the way to Everest base camp. The initial section of the trek is easier due to the low altitude. However, the difficulty increases as we gain altitude.
The difficult land terrain and highest altitude (5364m from sea level) make Everest Base Camp Trek the world's most adventurous and thrilling trekking route. It is recommended to trek with an experienced guide or certified trekking company to avoid risk.

Conclusion

So, are you excited about quenching the thirst for trekking to the world's top trekking route? It is the perfect time for backpacking and preparing for gaining life experiences that boost self-confidence, energizes souls, and explore the hidden beauty of the Himalayas.
Pre-planning and arrangement aid in avoiding future obstacles during trekking. Some essential things such as best and most experienced guides, proper insurance plan, acclimatization and rest, trek duration, costs, food and accommodation, altitude and elevation, trekking gears, equipment, use of porter services, and arrangements of permits should be taken into prime consideration for the easiness of the trek.
And, well, I guess, the Everest Base Camp Trek is waiting for you.

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