How to trek Everest Base Camp Safely? What Expert Thinks

19th February 2019

Everest Base Camp Trek is an ultimate adventure that allows you to leave a footprint at the base camp of Mt. Everest and no doubt the sought adventure destination in the world. Mt. Everest has two base camps – one on the north Tibetan side and another on Southside in Nepal. It is possible to drive to the North Tibetan Base Camp, but you have to walk all the way to the base camp via a rugged mountain trail to reach the base camp. The hiking trail sounds more adventure and thriller than an overland drive. And at the same time, it is more demanding and has potential risks. But it is not that risky; how it has been portrayed unrealistically in media. Everest Base Camp is completely doable by moderately fit people but certain rules should be followed for safety. It has been common news today that many trekkers are suffering badly (some are injured and some even died) on the Himalayan Trekking. But on another part of the coin, there are even more trekkers who have a really good experience. Those having good experience follow the safety measure: they know well – how, when and whom to trek with? Here we have tried to enlist some really important tips on how to trek Everest Base Camp Safely. With more than a decade-long experience in the travel and hospitality sector, we have set out some important tips – which could be helpful for any trekkers wishing to do the trekking in the Himalayas.

Choose the Best Time and Itinerary

March-May and mid-September to December are the best time of the year for Everest Base Camp Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary varies from 10 – 14 days time which excludes the time in Kathmandu. Monsoon and winter treks are full of mountain risks, for their unfavorable climatic conditions. Monsoon invites heavy downpours to Everest Base Camp; creating the chance of landslides and floods. Likewise, winter is too cold in Everest and the snowy winds might not be suitable for every trekker. To add more, we suggest you to get at least 2 days of acclimatization rest on your way to EBC. The acclimatization period ensures that your body adopts thin atmospheric pressure at high altitude.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Treks in the Everest region offers a substantial physical challenge and the more fit your before you begin, the more you will enjoy your trek. However, the most important thing to prepare is the mental toughness. Most of the people who are Himalayan journey aren’t professional athletes or mountain climbers. They are average people with average mental and physical strength. You have walk for 5 – 7 hours each day with a light backpack. We suggest you to hike, trek or climb on the nearby hill and get familiar with ascends and descends. Also engage yourself in cardio training and the build the stamina, flexibility and most importantly you leg strength.

Set your own Pace, walk Slowly and let the Yaks go first

Walking on your own pace is the main key of safe trekking to Everest Base Camp. Slow means that your body have enough time to acclimatize well. Take rest stops while trekking and don’t start until your body is prepared. Also let Yaks and horses walk on their own will. Always keep yourself on the mountainside while giving the way.

No Meat and drink enough water

Be vegetarian and hydrate your body well. Meat product are usually stored for longer period and thus being vegetarian is the best way to keep yourself healthy. Drink 3/4-liter water per day. Avoid cheese and dairy product; concentrate on plain and healthy meals.

Trek with Local Experts

Local Experts at Everest region are Sherpas. They are also the legend of mountains. Nobody knows Himalayas better than local thus choose the local guide and trekking companies who have years of leading experience. The realistic fact is that even International trekking and tour agency assigns their booked trip to local agencies.

Make Sure to have enough trek crew

Trek Crew comprises a trek group leader, assistant guide and porters. These trek crew are expert to handle any situation and can act accordingly. For example – they know whether trekkers are acclimatized well or not, they can forecast the weather and know how to manage itinerary when trekker gets sick on the way. Likewise, Porter takes your burden and carries all the stuffs that are heavy. Most of trekking company provides (2 trekkers: 1 Porter), we suggest you to pack as less as you can. Being said that, don’t miss the important gears.

Proper Gear

Right Gear makes your trek convenient and safe. Make sure to pack all the gears that are suggested from the trekking agencies. We suggest you to hire the expensive gears in Kathmandu, as it has no use once you complete the trip.

Learn About Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Acute Mountain Sickness could be a life threating if the rules of height are not followed while climbing at higher altitude. Do some research about AMS and get some safety measures. Better carry small medical kit and know if you are allergic to any food or medicine.

Get Proper Insurance

Make sure to purchase the insurance that cover the medical rescue evacuation in emergency case. If you are not insured, the helicopter rescue might cost you a whooping charge. Mountain weather allows to get helicopter evacuation on daytime only, so we suggest you to take safety backup like Oxygen Tank and medicines.

Choose the Best Company to trek with

Choosing the best company is very difficult task but you have to choose the best as your vacation and life depends on them. Here are some points that you should consider while choosing the best trekking company in Nepal:

Make sure that company provides medical trained and experienced trek guide and porter
Check out the review of company in Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet.
Also check the testimonial reviews of the company and correspond with the client if necessary

Make sure that company you are trekking with is registered on respective bodies of Nepal Government and TAAN.