A Quick Guide to Everest Base Camp

If you’re thinking about a Nepal trekking holiday to Everest Base Camp then make sure you check out the quick guide below to what to pack, what to expect and when to go.

Preparation for your trek The average trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide is between 12 to 14 days from Lukla through the Himalayas, past teahouses and Sherpa villages. It is not a remote wilderness, but a thriving trekking route with well defined paths. You should be fit and used to trekking at higher altitudes though as your trek will take you up over 5,365 metres which can have major affect on your health. Walks last up to 8 hours a day which is tiring and mixed with altitude sickness can make you feel awful. Altitude sickness normally passes after a day or so but to help prepare your body prior to the trek try some cardio exercises. Getting your heart rate to about 60-70% of your maximum every workout will improve your general fitness and help you prepare. Also taking lots of regular walks prior to your trek improves the muscles required to make it to Everest Base Camp. Just remember to take it slowly.

What to pack The Himalayas is a remote part of the world and on trek you’ll be faced with long drop toilets or the bushes so pack biodegradable toilet paper. It also gets pretty cold at night in the mountains and teahouses so I suggest at last a 3-season sleeping bag, a 4 season during July and August, plenty of layers, like fleece jumpers, warm hat and gloves, long sleeved cotton t-shirts and remember your torch. I would also suggest a soft pair of trainers to wear after a day’s trekking to give your feet some light relief from your trekking boots.

Best time to go Nepal trekking holidays are pretty much okay all year round except during the monsoon season from June til August. The most popular trekking season is September to November after the rains have gone and the landscape green and thriving. It gets to 20 degrees Celsius in the day but drops to 5 degrees at night. If you want to avoid the busy season then try early February which is the end of the cold, snowy winter when the days are getting warmer.

It’s important to remember that trekking to Everest Base Camp is achievable for most unless you succumb to altitude sickness which is a possibility regardless of how much you train. The routes are busy too but ignoring the people traffic you will experience the fantastic Sherpa culture, the hospitality of the teahouse owners and some wonderful food, especially the momos! Take in the scenery as you climb and remember it isn’t just about getting to Base Camp, Nepal trekking holidays are about so much more.