Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
A 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate amongst the Himalayas compared to the Manaslu trek and the Annapurna Trek. It takes about 130 km (15 days long) to trek from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and back. Many trekkers find it strenuous. If you are reasonably fit, go for the fine weather.
However, a 5-8-hour daily hike above 2000 m can disbalance your fitness. Nevertheless, the kicker is Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters. Expect rocky, up-and-down terrain and all uphill from Phakding to Namche Bazaar at 3440 m.
Above 5000 meters altitude, the weather is unpredictable, so it's better to be ready for it. Remember, the temperatures are freezing, and many tourists have symptoms of altitude sickness. Some people already notice the effects of altitude above 3000 m and some by 4000 m. Reincorporating additional days to the itinerary to allow for acclimatization is even better.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies
The real push starts at Lukla, where the hikers climb to 5,545m above sea level. Consistent ascending can feel magical, but your body might think otherwise. Altitude sickness, or AMS, is like nature’s saying, “Not so fast!”
Depending on your fitness level and physical condition, some feel it after Lukla. Almost everyone will have headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and an increased heart rate. If it goes untreated, it can get very severe, to HAPE (fluid in the lungs) or HACE (swelling of the brain).
- Hydrate like a Pro: If you’re wondering, drink at least 3-4 liters of water to remain hydrated.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re unusually tired or getting headaches, don’t ignore it. Rest when your body asks for it.
- Acclimatize Gradually: Allow your body time to get a new environment. Rest days aren’t optional.
- Fuel Up Smartly: Eat energy, particularly in carb-filled meals.
- Inform your guide: Don’t hesitate to inform your guide.
- Medication: Take acetazolamide (Diamox) before or during an attack to prevent or lessen symptoms.
- Descend: If your body starts showing symptoms of altitude sickness, you either have to stop or decrease the altitude.
Everest Base Camp Trek Travel Insurance
Although the trek to EBC is full of adventure, it does not mean it is safe. It is always better to be safe than sorry. However, getting a doctor or a medical hospital is quite rare. While going on this adventurous adventure, a complete travel insurance package is key.
Hiking above 5000 meters is always welcome to risks of high altitude sickness, injury, or something serious. Make sure there is a 100% emergency evacuation or rescue. Also, assign your travel insurance policy to cover cancellations, subject to costs such as breakdown arrangements costs. So, we highly suggest you make it a point to read your insurance policy carefully before you head on your expedition.
Training for the Everest Base Camp Trek
A 15-day trek to Everest Base Camp does not require you to be an expert climber. This fascinating trek on hills can even include you if you are a fresher. But it requires a fit body and a fit mind. To get good fitness, start slowly.
If you’re new to exercise, give your body time to adjust to this near-blistering level of demand. After a few weeks, begin an additional day of activity. First, do some light stuff like walking, cycling, and running, then slightly challenge your endurance. Aside from creating more endurance, it helps you increase your cardiac strength and hiking metabolism. It is hard work, but better than doing nothing.
However, this is an incredibly long, aching hour or so of hiking uphill and downhill. Therefore, we highly recommend you go for 3-4 liters daily. During the EBC hike, pick up your balance on the dusty, rocky, or wet paths. A past trekking experience is never a bad thing. Additionally, you can also choose a gym.
Every step of training reminds hard work and perseverance to delight the beautiful Himalayan world inch by inch towards Everest Base Camp. You will celebrate each step down the trail.
Everest Base Camp Trek Best Time
The best time promises the best views and tranquility, the conditions to make it a life-lasting venture! If you are trekking to EBC, September to November and March to May are the best months of the year to visit. Easy access to the trail and ideal weather make these the best times in the Everest region.
During pre-monsoon, trekkers pay off all the effort expended in exploring the famed trail crowded with streamers and oh-so-blossoming rhododendrons, luxurious temperatures, icefalls, towering mountains, good ambiance, atmosphere, and a splendid background of snowy peaks into a phenomenal experience.
Is trekking in the monsoon months of June and August worth it? Not really, since the weather is not good, views are cloudy, trails are treacherous, and flights into and out of Lukla are canceled or switched from Ramechhap to Manthali.
Similarly, winter makes hiking quite complicated and dangerous. Do not expect all the tour operators to offer treks in winter. If possible, we insist you keep an extra day to cover any unexpected flight delays or cancellations at Lukla, or be hassle-free throughout the journey.
Food and Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC trek offers superb food and exceptional services. Most visitors found it most interesting to dine on the typical Nepalese dishes and local meals on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Tea houses in the Everest region are famous for Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and Continental.
During the trek, you’ll have many food choices depending on what you prefer. However, Dal, Bhat, and veggies are a healthy meal. We strongly avoid non-vegetarian items, beverages, and alcoholic beverages during the trek. Moreover, you will eat three meals every day.
The additional options will be omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, vegetarian curries, pizza, and chow mein. Furthermore, the path is full of good coffee spots and bakeries. And, you will be dining in the Adventure Consultants dining tent at the base camp.
Although, Good Night will be in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Dingboche in a teahouse, and a tent while at Everest Base Camp. Climbing in the heart of the Himalayas in the Everest View Hotel means cozy rooms with comfortable blankets.
Most rooms are simple with shared bathrooms. It might be basic, but stay open-minded! It is all about experience. Standard hotels with free charging and WiFi are hard to come by. Similarly, hot showers cost an additional fee in some hotels. Also, some new eco-tea houses have showers and lights powered by solar.
If your preferences related to diets and lodges differ from the above, share them with us.
Packing List for EBC Trekking
The Everest Base Camp trek is not challenging, but knowing what to pack is very important. Make sure you pack light. The less you bring on the actual hike, the better. However, your packing goes with the weather.
If you head out without something, pick it up from Kathmandu. Moreover, an ideal season, route, and close contact with locals mean a lot in this exciting trip.
What you need to pack for an EBC trek are:
Shoes: trekking boots (we recommend you wear these at least a few times so you are comfortable in them), flip flops/sandals
Clothes: Underwear, thermal layer, trekking shirt and pants, fleece jacket, down jacket, windbreaker/waterproof jacket and pants, cotton socks, woolen socks, neck warmer or scarf, gloves, sunhat, beanie or winter hat, ear muffs, microfiber towel (or any towel that dries fast)
Trekking Gear: Trekking poles, daypack, duffel bag, sunglasses, reusable water bottle or hydration packs (or both!), map, guidebook, headtorch, travelers' knife, waterproof bag for important documents (in case of rain or snow)
Toiletries and First Aid: Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap and shampoo bar, comb, toothpaste and brush, deodorant, antiseptic cream, band-aid, pain relief spray, water purification tablets, general medicine (for indigestion, pain relief etc), oral rehydration salts, electrolytes, insect repellent, allergy medicine or inhaler (if required), knee brace or compressor (if required), hand sanitizer
Miscellaneous: Adapter, charger, power bank, camera (if bringing), spare batteries for your camera, snacks, journal/pen, travel insurance document, passport, visa, passport-sized photos, cash
Here are some items you may add to your checklist: checklists of trekking equipment’s Remember, compromising with the packing list means compromising with this stunning adventure.
