Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

Are you a dreamer who wants to stand at the foot of Mt.Everest (8,849m), the highest peak in the world? To make this dream real, first of all, you have to go on this adventurous expedition and experience the beauty of this trek firsthand. Then comes the part of preparation, and you must learn some tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Who needs heaven when the Everest Base Camp trek takes you there? This trek is one of a kind that gives you the journey of a lifetime. Do you know why? The visual of you walking deep inside the Sagarmatha National Park’s dense rhododendron forests, surrounded by the rings of mountain giants like Everest, Makalu (8,485m), Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m), and many more, is truly jaw-dropping.

As you pass through the beautiful valleys, cross the wobbly suspension bridges and landscapes, and sip some yak butter tea, enjoying the view gives a great shot of adrenaline. But to enjoy this safely, you must know tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek and prepare accordingly.

Most importantly, it’s crucial to understand that the EBC trek is not simple. It is one of the challenging treks that takes you to the highest point at Kalapatthar (5,644m). You have to walk continuously for 5 to 7 hours daily at steep and high elevation along with cold weather conditions. Besides the physical demands, the Everest Base Camp trek is also mentally challenging. Therefore, to give you this victory, give Access Nepal a chance to guide you with these tips for Everest Base Camp Trek blog.

This blog will cover every essential aspect, like altitude sickness, difficulty level, packing smartly, choosing the best time for trek, and a few expert tips for Everest Base Camp trek. To bring your dream into reality, we will spill everything and all the must-know secrets to make your trek safe and insanely rewarding. This blog is for both beginners and experienced trekkers and talks about everything you need to know about Everest Base Camp Trek.

Top 25 Best Tips for How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek

Trek to Everest Base Camp is not a simple walk to the park. There are many factors you should know for safety and enjoyment. Therefore, to help you prepare, we have the top 5 best complete tips for Everest base camp trek given below:

1. Use a Professional Local Trekking Company

You can’t just book your trek and go out. If you are going on the Everest Base Camp Trek, it is highly recommended that you go with a travel agency for safety reasons. For the best experience and convenience, going with a professional local trekking company like Access Nepal Tours and Trekking is the best option. Their decades-long experience and expertise make the trek go smoothly and safely.

Trekking companies like Access Nepal provide local and highly trained guides who know the best route, trails, and tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek. They can guide you in more detail without missing any important landmarks and can communicate with the local people. Most of all, even if you go with a travel agency, you can customize your package according to your taste and preference.

1. For the Safety: During the trek to remote and challenging trails, you have to stay alert. Going with a travel agency is the best deal when it comes to providing safety. If you get altitude sickness or any health issues, their experienced guide will immediately handle the emergencies. They will also help you in preparing the packing list for the trekking or climbing gears.
2. Support Local People: If you trek with a travel company, you are also helping them because most of the people there rely on tourism.
3. Permits and Travel Plans: Companies like Access Nepal will take care of all the paperwork. You can travel without worries and hassle free. You don’t have to worry about the communication struggle during the document process. They offer proper travel plans. Access Nepal has an all-inclusive package that covers accommodation, transportation, guides, permits, meals, and much more.

2. Stay Hydrated

One of the key tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek one should keep in mind is staying hydrated. Though it might be cold and you might feel like drinking water, it’s necessary to drink plenty of water throughout the trek. When you are trekking in high-altitude places, water helps to replenish your body. It will help you prevent health issues like tiredness and dizziness. You have to drink more because at high elevation, the body loses water quickly.

During the trek, carry a water bottle or hydration pack and drink even if you don’t feel like you’re thirsty. Companies like Access Nepal give free water bottles (1ltr) to each person who is trekking. They also provide water purification tablets. Throughout the trek, avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.

3. Mentally Prepare

Trekking is not only physically demanding, it also challbges the mental endurance. Therefore, you have to prepare yourself mentally. The typical day of your Everest Base Camp includes walking for 5 to 7 hours daily along with steep climbing. The difficult conditions really challenge mental endurance. That’s why we suggest you be mentally ready for it and do some study about the trek.

However, it’s not completely impossible. Walking together, chatting, enjoying the views, and interacting with local people make every hardship easy and rewarding. The Everest Base Camp trek guides are also very friendly and easygoing, they will also help you motivated throughout the trek.

The tip to endure it is, you must face the challenge and think why you chose this trek to go. Visualize yourself reaching your destination. Always be patient and flexible because you are going to a remote region. Sometimes, you have to compromise, and things might not go as planned. If it’s too hard take a break and don’t push yourself too hard.

4. Acclimatize Properly

The crucial and most important tip for Everest Base Camp Trek is acclimatization. When you are going for a trek to a high-altitude region like EBC. You have to pay extra attention to your body. When you are walking at high elevation, the oxygen amount decreases, causing difficulty in breathing. Therefore, acclimatization or rest stops between the itinerary are needed.

Walk slowly and gradually. Always include rest stops before jumping to high elevations. This helps your body at the thinner air. Don’t push too hard, and enjoy the trek fully.

During the trek, if you feel nausea, weakness, chill on your body, and dizziness, stop and inform your guide. They will help you descend down and provide medical help.

5. Altitude Sickness and Prevention

If you are going on a trek to Everest Base Camp or any high elevation regions, it’s a must to know about altitude sickness. It is the crucial tips for Everest Base Camp trek. This trek takes you to the highest point at 5,644m. Beyond 2,400m/ 8,000 ft increases the risks of getting altitude sickness. Your body needs rest to adapt to high altitude. The more you climb, the more your oxygen level drops, causing altitude sickness.

Therefore, always put in acclimatization days if you are trekking to Everest Base Camp. The standard Everest Base Camp package of Access Nepal includes two acclimatization days and follows the “Climb High, Sleep Low” principle.

During the trek, if you experience any of the symptoms like headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath, immediately seek the help of a guide or descend to a lower altitude. To prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness, drink lots of water, take proper rest throughout the trek, and avoid alcohol consumption.

Additionally, walk at your own pace, and don’t try to compete. You are there to enjoy the nature and the thrill of trek, not to risk yourself, obviously.

6. Choosing the Right Trekking Season

The most crucial tip for Everest Base Camp Trek is trekking in the best season. If you trek during the best time, you will have more fun and trek safely. The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During this time of the season, the weather becomes perfect and stable. It also offers clear surroundings and great visibility. Most of all, the temperature will be perfect for trekking.

It’s best to avoid trekking in winter (December to February) and Summer (June to August). During the wintertime, the temperature at high elevations drops to freezing point. It will be difficult to walk due to cold and snowfall. Likewise, during the summer season, it brings heavy rainfall. The trails will be slippery and increase the risk of landslides.

However, if you are looking to trek when the crowd is less, you can trek in this season. Access Nepal operates treks throughout the year, you can easily book your Everest Base Camp Trek with us.

7. Choose Best Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Another most crucial part to know in tips for Everest Base Camp Trek is choosing the best itinerary. This means an itinerary that is made properly, which should include the acclimatization days. The rest stop between the treks is very crucial as you will be walking at a high altitude. When you are going for a trek to Everest Base Camp, it shouldn’t be rushed.

Due to the high altitude, it brings risks of getting altitude sickness and needs a rest stop for your body to adjust at high altitude. How many days for Everest Base Camp trek? The typical itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek lasts 12 to 14 days. The Access Nepal itinerary is carefully designed by the experts, including the two rest days.

The itinerary of the 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek starts in Kathmandu and then starts the trek from Phakding to Kathmandu. There are two acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. This standard route follows the route through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp. It will also bring you to the famous landmark of the region, Kalapathhar, for the best sunrise and Everest view.

However, there are many alternative routes to reach the Everest Base Camp. For more comfort and luxury, you can choose a shorter itinerary with a helicopter return from Base Camp. The deluxe EBC package is for those who are less in time, have health issues, or prefer trekking in comfort. We recommend you to always choose an Everest Base Camp package that has acclimatization days.

8. Train Ahead of Time

Activities like trekking are physically strenuous and demanding. Therefore, we recommend you to do some training before going to Everest Base Camp Trek. You can start doing exercises 1 or 2 months prior for the best experience. The trek will be quite long, and it requires lots of strength due to the diverse and difficult terrain.

For exercise, you can do more cardio exercises, go hiking, cycling, walking uphill, swimming, and running. Similarly, you can also do some strength training on your legs and build a good core.

Most importantly, you have to improve your stamina and endurance level. Continuous walking for long hours on challenging trails is physically demanding. On average, you have to walk for 5 to 7 hours. You can go for a short hike with a backpack and trekking boots. This helps in getting your body familiar with the uphill climbing with loads. Therefore, you have to prepare your body so that it won’t be difficult on your trek day. If you train regularly for a couple of months, then you can trek with confidence.

9. Plan Additional Days

Make sure you always have a backup plan when going for a trek. You should always put extra days in your itinerary to play it safe. Sometimes, flight delays, weather conditions, and altitude sickness (and other health issues) hinder your trekking day. If you add extra days, even if there will be a change in schedule, you can adjust the plan without rushing.

Most importantly, putting in additional days is the best tip for the Everest Base Camp Trek. These extra days also work as acclimatization days. You can also enjoy the trek in more detail without the rush. If you suddenly get altitude sickness, you can use the extra days as a rest so that your body can recover.

10. Walk at a Slow Pace

Another very important and needed tip for Everest Base Camp Trek is to walk slowly. You will be walking at a high altitude, not there for completion. The higher you go, the less oxygen there will be, and the greater the risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, you have to walk slowly and gradually without pushing your body’s limit too hard.

Similarly, if you try to complete fast by walking quickly, you get tired easily and it might also cause difficulty in breathing. Therefore, to avoid all the health risks, we suggest you walk slowly and steadily.

11. Eat Enough

Trekking is strainous and physically demanding. Therefore, your body needs lots of nutrition and a healthy diet. Throughout the trek, it is highly suggested to have proper meals that are healthy for the body. Throughout the trek, Access Nepal provides organic and nutritious full-board meals, seasonal fruits after dinner, and 3 cups of tea/coffee.

Eating properly is a must during the trek. It is needed for energy as you walk for long hours, and your body also needs nutrition to recover from the daily tiredness. It will be a best feeling, as you eat warm locally made fresh meals after long hours of walking. It totally hits the spot.

 12. Protect Yourself from Sunburn

You might be thinking; I am going to the Himalayas, so where is the sunburn stuff coming from! It’s because, at higher elevations, it has stronger sun exposure due to the thinner air. This can cause the risk of sunburns. You might question, what about during the cloudy days? Yes, you still get sunburn even if the sun is not in sight.

Sunburn is painful and also causes dehydration and discomfort. Therefore, you have to be very careful throughout the trek and avoid any skin exposure. That’s why it’s important to use high SPF sunscreen throughout the trek so that you won’t get any sunburn. Before the trek, you should apply sunscreen on your face, neck, hands, and other parts that will be exposed to the sun. Reapply it from time to time, and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Also, wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from snow glare and strong UV rays. Carry a hat or cap which has wide brim. Do not forget to bring lightweight scarf or buff, either can do.

13. Trekking Training

Before going on a trek, you should train your body. Try to do exercises that will help you build your stamina, strength, and endurance. The Everet Base Camp trek is one of the difficult and challenging treks. For that reason, you have to build your body to be suitable for trekking.

The best time to start training is 1 or 2 month fo your trek day. You can do cardio exercises like swimming, cycling, and running. These type of exercises are helpful on improving the evcndurance level.

Similarly, go for a short hike, stair climb, or walk uphill. These types of activities help in building the core of legs and fare amiliar with the long hour walking. To increase your strength and build your muscles, you can do squats and lunges, too.

The best training is going for a practice hike. Carry a backpack with some weight and take off. This will help in your trek get easier and fun.

14. Get a Good Sleep

Our body needs a proper rest after starnious walking and physical activities. That’s why sleep is a must when trekking. Every night, you should consider sleeping for 7 to 8 hours. During the night, our body works to recover from all the tiredness.

At higher altitudes, the night will be cold, and chilly winds will be there. You have to bring a good quality sleeping bag that gives you comfortable sleep. Do not consume caffeine or alcohol 1 hour before your sleeping time. If you find it hard to sleep at the new place, you can do breathing techniques or just count the stars.

At Access Nepal, we provide accommodation at a standard teahouse for your good sleep. We will also provide a sleeping bag free of cost if you need it.

15. Buy Trekking Gear and Equipment

Safety should be the top priority during the trek. It is the most important tip for Everest Base Camp that one should know before going on the trek. The EBC trek is difficult due to the location, altitude, weather, challenging trails, and many more. Therefore, every step you take should be taken carefully.

So, as a result, you have to bring the right and quality gear for safety and comfortness. We are not pressuring you to buy expensive trekking gear and equipment, we just want you to bring good quality gear. Moreover, investment in our own safety can’t be an expense, right?

The trek is not all about enjoying nature and going for a casual hike. It comes with lots of preparation and safety rules you should follow. However, it’s not that dangerous as it’s completely impossible to do to anyone. Everyone can go for the Everest Base Camp Trek with a little bit of strength training and physical fitness.

The key items needed during the trek are trekking boots, warm clothes, trekking poles, gloves, sunglasses, and a good-quality sleeping bag. Most importantly, make sure to buy waterproof gear. The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable.

16. Everest Base Camp Packing list

Pack smartly and avoid overpacking as much as possible.

One of the major tips for Everest Base Camp Trek is knowing the packing list with the right gear. It will be difficult to walk with heavy loads because the trek includes walking for long hours on difficult trails. Most of all, you will also get tired easily and the is will be very hard to climb over with heavy backpack. For a comfortable and smooth trek, we recommend you to pack only the most needed gear and equipment.

Many get too excited and overpack. Don’t make simple mistakes. Bring warm layers of clothes, waterproof gear, and equpiments and other basic necessities. After that, voila, you are done.

17. Get the Right Trekking Boots

Good shoes take you to good places. Another most important tips for Everest Base Camp Trek to be completed safely is to wear good quality trekking boots. The trek is all about walking and enjoying nature’s grandness. That being so, treat those shoes well. You will be walking for most of the time, that’s why you should wear comfortable shoes and not a painful ones. Otherwise, it will doom the whole trekking experience.

For a safe and comfortable journey, buy a good pair of trekking boots. The quality products speaks themselves. Buy trekking boots that are well-fitted, waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable, with good ankle support. Before using them on the trek, try to break in by wearing them before the trek. You can use them for practicing hikes or casual walks. This is how to prepare for everest base camp trek, by choosing the right trekking boots and gear.

18. Be Able to Identify Headaches

One of the key tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek you should know about is headaches. You might get nervous as you get headaches during the trek. However, the high altitudes cause common headaches. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it because the headache could be a symptom of altitude sickness.

That’s why we have come up with some solutions to identify the cause of headaches. If you feel like having a headache, first ask yourself with these questions:

1. Did I drink enough water? (because it can be due to dehydration)
2. Am I walking too fast? (Walk slowly on pace to let your body adjust)
3. Does my body need rest? (Don’t push yourself too much)

Furthermore, if your headaches get worse and you feel symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and weakness, immediately seek help. Always walk with your guide and consult with them if you feel any discomfort during the trek.

19. Expect Flight Delays

One of the major things you should consider before trekking to Eversest Base Camp is the Lukla flight schedule. The flight to Lukla takes you to a high elevation where the weather is unpredictable. The weather in the Himalayas region changes frequently. Therefore, you cannot guarantee the flight schedules on time. You must prepare for a backup plan because there will be a 50/50 probability of flight cancellations and delays, especially during peak season.

This is the reason why we suggest you have extra days. However, if you don’t have time and are in a rush, you will have alternative options to reach Lukla. You can book a helicopter flight, it will be quicker and more comfortable too. But, the tickets will be quite expensive in comparison to airplane tickets.

20. Be careful about luggage weight limits

You have take a flight to the Everest Base Camp. From Kathmandu, you will be taking a domestic flight to Lukla. Since it’s a flight to a remote region, there are weight limits. The airlines won’t allow the luggage more then 15 kg that is including the backpack or handcarry. That being the reason, bring only necessary and needed items and trekking equipment.

If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, you have to pay for the extra amount. Otherwise, they will ask you to leave the things behind until it comes down under the limit.

21. Carry Your Favorite Snacks

Another great tips for a trek to Everest base camp is to bring your own snacks. Wait! We are not saying to bring snacks that are pleasing to taste but not beneficially healthy. The snacks for the trekking means those which gives you energy. 

This trek is a trek to a remote region. Sometimes, the foods you will be eating might not suit your taste. The Access Nepal team will try to provide everything to your taste as much as possible. But during the walk, you might feel hungry and want to have something to light your mood.

In your Everest base camp packing list of snacks, you can bring energy bars, biscuits, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate. Don’t bring the whole shop, just enough for the trek, and it should be lightweight.

22. Read the Terms and Conditions of Company

If you are going for a trek to Everest Base Camp via a travel agency, the major part is understanding the company’s terms, conditions, and policy. It is important to know and understand more about the companies.

The crucial part you should know about the what are the things that will be included in the package, refund policies, any hidden costs, and cancellation rules.

Being transparent with the company as a client is best so that later, you won’t be surprised with some of their rules and regulations. And make sure to have good communication and clear all the doubts and questions you have before booking.

23. Expect Flight Diversion to Ramechhap

During the peak season of trekking, the Nepal government has added an additional route to reach Lukla via Manthali Airport. Due to high demand and air traffic during the best time for trekking, there will be the possibility of flight diversion.

If you have to take a flight from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. You will take an early drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, which will take about 4 5to 5 hours. If you are going with Access Nepal, you need to worry nothing, we will help you with everything in case of flight diversion.

Most importantly, the drive and domestic flight expenses are all included in the package at Access Nepal.

24. Add Extra Days on Gokyo Lakes

If you want to explore the beauty of the Everest region in more depth, you should add additional days at Gokyo Lakes. The lakes are very beautiful, and the turquoise color of the lakes is truly a blessing to the eyes.

The route to Gokyo Valley is also less crowded and gives you a feeling of solitude while trekking. The highlight of it is the 360-degree panoramic view of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357m).

25. Consider Alternative Routes for Everest Base Camp Trek

The classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) route is one of the most popular treks. However, coming to the tips for Everest Base Camp Trek to enjoy more, you can choose other alternative routes according to your taste.

If you love to trek in a peaceful way, then you can choose Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass. This package is three in one. You can experience both peace and thrill. Most of all, you will be able to see the Gokyo Lakes and cross the Cho La Pass.

Another option is the traditional route to reach the Everest Base Camp from Jiri. This route is best as it provides extra time to acclimatize to the altitude.

All these 25 tips for Everest Base Camp Trek provide us information about how to prepare for everest base camp trek which are equally important if you want a smooth and fun trek. The Access Nepal Tour and Trekking is a local company that has successfully made the dreams of hundreds of travelers all over the world come true. We provide an all-inclusive package with guaranteed departures and no hidden fees.

Our highly experienced and expert Everest Base Camp Trek guides, carefully made itineraries, and a commitment to safety guarantees to give you the best experience. Your trust and dream helped us reach this milestone. The Access Nepal team is made to make your dream into reality. At last, if you follow all these tips for tackling the everest base camp trek, you will have a safe and best trekking experience.